Page 26 of Doctor One Night

“Hey, girl,” she says, her voice tired but cheerful. “You look like you could use some fresh air.”

I manage a smile, grateful for her presence. “That obvious, huh?”

Carly steps inside and hangs her purse on the hook just inside the door that used to hold my beloved Pokey’s leash. “I've been cooped up in that freezing hospital all night. What do you say we go for a quick walk while it's still nice out? I need to feel the sun on my face before I pass out for the next twelve hours.”

The idea of leaving the house, of putting some distance between myself and that letter, is suddenly incredibly appealing. “That sounds perfect, actually. Let me just grab my shoes.”

As I slip on a pair of sneakers, Carly stretches her arms above her head, yawning. “You wouldn't believe the night I had. Three traumas in the ER, back-to-back. I swear, full moons bring out all the crazies.”

I laugh, grateful for the distraction. “Well, you can tell me all about it on our walk. Maybe it'll help take my mind off... things.”

Carly raises an eyebrow but doesn't push. That's one of the things I love about her—she knows when to pry and when to let things be. “Sounds like a plan. Come on, let's get out of here before I change my mind and fall asleep on your couch.”

As we step outside, the early morning air is crisp and refreshing, although it is already pretty hot for so early. I take a deep breath, letting go of some of the tension when I exhale. Carly links her arm through mine as we start down the sidewalk, and I'm struck by a wave of affection for my friend. She may not know it, but her spontaneous visit is exactly what I needed.

The sun is making its way up, blaring directly at eye level as Carly and I step out onto the sidewalk. The air is thick with the promise of summer heat, but there’s a slight breeze that makes it bearable. Carly stretches her arms above her head, letting out a content sigh.

“God, it’s amazing to be outside,” she says. “I swear, those hospital walls start to make you stir crazy after a while. I crave outside air.”

I nod, though my mind is elsewhere, the letter from my father still weighing heavily in my thoughts. I’m trying to shake it off, to focus on the walk and the company, but it’s not working.

Carly glances at me, picking up on my distraction. “You okay, Frankie? You’ve been awfully quiet since I got here.”

I force a smile. “Just tired, I guess.”

She gives me a sideways look, clearly not buying it. “Tired, huh? You sure you’re not just sulking because you didn’t get that dress at half off?”

I let out a small laugh, but it’s hollow. “Yeah, that must be it.”

We walk in silence for a few more minutes, the sound of our footsteps the only noise between us. Carly keeps sneaking glances at me, and I can sense her curiosity growing. Finally, she stops and turns to me, her expression more serious.

“Alright, spill it. What’s going on? You’re not yourself today. I’m not buying what you’re selling about being tired. Cut the bullshit.”

I hesitate, the words catching in my throat. Part of me doesn’t want to talk about it, doesn’t want to admit that he’s getting to me. But the other part of me is tired of holding it all in, of pretending like everything is fine when it’s not.

“It’s my father,” I finally say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Carly’s eyes widen in surprise. “Your father? What about him?”

I take a deep breath, the emotions bubbling up inside me as I try to find the right words. “He showed up at my door. Saturday night, after we got back from dinner.”

Carly’s mouth drops open. “He what? Why didn’t you tell me?”

I shake my head, the memory of that night still vivid. “I didn’t know how to tell you. I didn’t even know how to process it myself. It’s been years since I laid eyes on him, Carly. The last time I saw him I was still wearing jelly shoes and listening to NSYNC.”

“Holy shit, Frankie. What did he want?”

“I don’t know,” I admit, appreciating the sting of the truth. I refused to let him in. I just… panicked. I was at a loss of what to say or do. Fresh out of the tub, I was in a robe, and it was late. That’s not all—he’s been trying to call me for a few months and he sent me a letter.”

Carly is silent for a moment, processing everything. “Wait, so tell me again. I know you weren’t close with your father, or basically had no relationship with him. But what happened? I mean, if you want to share. You can slap me and tell me to mind my own business if you want.”

We find a bench just ahead under a large magnolia tree. I pull Carly with me and we sit down. This could take a while.

I swallow hard. The anger and hurt I’ve been holding back rises as I find the right words. “He left us. He left my mom when she was pregnant with me and went off to live his own life. My mom was a young, single mother, struggling to make ends meet while he went on with his life, probably not giving us a second thought. He made a few pathetic attempts to connect with me when I was little, but it was never more than a few visits. I never knew what to say to him, and he never tried hard enough to be a part of my life.”

“Why now? After all this time?”

Carly listens, her expression softening as I continue. “I haven’t heard from him in over a decade, not a single word after my mom died. And now, out of nowhere, he sends me a letter telling me he’s dying and wants to make amends.”

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