Page 69 of Contusion (Heartland Metro Hospital)

“And he didn’t flinch?” he asks about Rory.

“Not even a little.”

Almost as if we had summoned him, Chema walks into my room. He hadn’t come back after I texted him that my parents were here. For obvious reasons, Mom and Dad loathe Chema.

Which is why it takes me by complete surprise when Dad stands and hugs Chema. Towering over Dad, Chema looks over his head at me. His eyebrows float up in question, and I can only shrug. I mouth,I have no idea.

The men part, and I take the somewhat happy opportunity to give Dad my one request.

“Dad, Chema has agreed to stay and help me out while I finish the last few weeks of treatment.”

“I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you,” Dad says.

“I love Valentina like family,” Chema reassures him. “I wouldn’t take any type of payment.”

“I’d like for you and Mom to go home—” I start to say.

“Out of the question.” Dad shakes his head like he can’t believe what I just asked him.

“Dad, please. Chema promises he’ll call if things go south. But if not, and everything goes like I’m hoping it will, then what’s the point of you and Mom being here, living in a hotel?” He’s unsure, so I drive it home. “You know if she comes back, we’ll just fight—and that’s the last thing I need right now.”

“Mija, I want to be with you.”

“I know, but I promise I’ll video call often, so it’ll be just like you are here.”

He reluctantly agrees after I swear I’ll keep him in the loop, but I see his relief to be able to get Mom away from me—like this is the one thing he can do for me, so he will do it.

Dad hasn’t done much for me in my life, but this small gesture means the world to me.

The olive branch extends from my hands, and he takes it in the first fatherly act of my adult life.

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