Page 120 of Because of Dylan

He leans in. “Was it drugs? Was she high?”

I shake my head again, dreading the word. Is there a more hated or vicious word in any language? “Cancer. She has cancer.”

He falls back into his chair, his shoulders drop, his lips move silently, and his gaze shifts to the side as if trying to comprehend what I told him.

“Cancer?”

“Yes. Lung cancer. She … she looked terrible. Sickly and emaciated.”

“Is she getting help, getting any treatments?”

“She said she was, she showed me a chemoport on her chest. It’s not good. Not at all. She doesn’t have much more time.”

“How long?” His voice trembles.

“A month, six weeks at the most.”

“God.” A hand covers his mouth, then drops. “Thank you for telling me. I would like to do something. What can I do?”

“I don’t know. The house was a mess. She said she has a caseworker who helps, but I was in such a shock I forgot to ask about it. And she was so tired, she fell asleep after a few minutes of talking. I cleaned the house, bought some food. I’m not sure how much more I can do.”

“I could get someone to help. Check on her, clean the house, make some food. You think she’d be okay with that?”

“I don’t think she’s in a position to reject any help. And I would like that. I’d feel better if I knew for sure someone was there.”

“I’ll take care of it. Don’t worry. I’m glad you told me.”

I’m glad too. It’s nice being able to talk to someone who understands. “It’s a four-hour round trip for me. With classes coming to a close and work, I can’t be there every day. On some weekends, maybe. But I work a lot of weekends too.”

He sits back. “I want to stop by and talk to her. Is that okay with you?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Would you want to go together sometime, maybe?”

“Yes. She’s different now. I think she would like to see us both together.” I hope she would. I hope that seeing me with my father would make her feel better for all the crap she put me through. Maybe then she can forgive herself for keeping him out of my life. And I can forgive myself too.

“Okay. I’ll go visit her tomorrow. I’ll ask about the caseworker and get in touch with them, see what I can do to help.”

“She said someone from a church was bringing food in. But the fridge was empty. I’m not sure if I believe her, or if they don’t visit her enough.”

“I’ll check into that too and let you know.”

“Thanks—” I hesitate, then go for it. “Thanks, Dad. I don’t think I can do this alone.”

His eyes fill with unshed tears, and he smiles. “You’re not alone. You’ll never be alone again. And thank you.”

“What for?”

“For calling me Dad.”

Chapter Fifty-Four

It’s beenweeks since Becca’s last text message. Time. She asked me for time, and if it’s all I can give her, I will. But that doesn’t mean I can’t try to check on her through other means.

I ruffle Tommy’s hair and pull a chair to sit next to him. He inhaled the breakfast I made for us.

“Want more?”

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