Nathan never asked anyone for money.
But one of his employees found out about Grace and organized a collection.
The construction workers donated portions of their paychecks.
A former client contributed money.
Neighbors brought meals so Nathan and Grace did not need to think about cooking.
When the hospital director heard about her situation, he authorized a special payment arrangement.
The night before surgery, Nathan found Grace standing awake beside the bedroom window.
“Are you scared?” he asked.
“Very.”
“So am I.”
Grace turned toward him, surprised.
“I thought you’d tell me everything was going to be fine.”
“I can’t promise something I don’t control,” Nathan said. “But I can promise you will never be scared alone again.”
Grace rested her head on his shoulder.
“There was something handwritten on the divorce envelope.”
Nathan remembered the sentence he had written on the back before driving to Margaret’s house.
“Forgive me for not being enough.”
Grace started crying.
“You were always enough.”
Nathan opened a drawer and removed the divorce documents.
One page at a time, he tore them apart.
The following morning, Grace was taken into surgery.
The operation was expected to last five hours.
After seven hours, no one had given Nathan or Margaret any news.
Nathan walked endlessly through the waiting area.
Margaret prayed in silence.
