My recovery party was ruined. But my family had something else to celebrate behind my back.
I couldn't bear losing you.
***
The next morning, I went to the cemetery.
I carried Dad's wooden bird.
I wasn't ready to forgive my family. I just wanted a few minutes alone with Dad.
I found Dad's headstone beneath a maple tree.
"Hey, Dad."
Something else to celebrate behind my back.
My voice cracked.
"I did it. My scans are clear."
I placed the bird beside his name.
"You promised we'd build something together."
Footsteps approached.
I just wanted a few minutes alone with Dad.
Walter, Dad's longtime friend, stood holding flowers.
"Your father would've been proud."
"I wish I'd told him. I only learned yesterday he died."
Walter froze. "Linda told everyone you couldn't attend the funeral because of treatment."
"She never told me about it."
