Chapter 14 - The Reunion
The hospital would not let Emma run into Daniel’s room.
Good.
He had a fractured ankle.
Dehydration.
Concussion symptoms.
Several bruises.
Nothing life-threatening.
But he looked terrible enough that a five-year-old needed preparation.
A child-life specialist explained:
Daddy got hurt.
Daddy looks different.
Daddy is still Daddy.
Emma entered slowly.
Daniel lifted one hand.
“Hey, Bug.”
She stopped.
Then ran the final few steps.
I caught her before she climbed onto his injured leg.
Daniel wrapped both arms around her.
He cried into her hair.
Emma said:
“You missed funeral.”
There are no good responses to that.
Daniel laughed and cried at the same time.
“I heard.”
“Grandma was bad.”
He looked at me.
I shook my head slightly.
Later.
Emma continued:
“Your phone was coffin.”
“I know.”
“Why?”
Daniel swallowed.
“I’m going to explain when you’re older.”
She frowned.
May you like
“I’m five.”
Apparently sufficient adulthood.
