PART 3
“…Assistant wanted, apply within…” Nan read absentmindedly as they stepped into Dr. Pierce’s office.
Right this way, ladies,” he said softly, leading them to his room.
“Thank you, Dr. Pierce,” Jo thanked, gently pushing Nan into the room.
Dr. Pierce retreated leaving the three women alone.
“I can’t do this,” Nan stood rigidly at the back of the room not wanting to move in any farther.
“We’ll be prayin’ for you, Nan. God’ll always be by your side, rooting you on,” Asia gently patted her cheek.
“He loves you so much. Don’t forget that,” Jo gave Nan’s hand a squeeze.
Before she could stop them, Asia and Jo stepped out, leaving her alone in the silence of the dark room.
Don’t leave me here alone! Nan pleaded silently, biting her lip painfully.
Five minutes she waited, hoping they would return and take her home.
But they didn’t.
November rains pattered softly the glass windowpanes, as the small fire crackled quietly in the fireplace. The oil lamp sitting on the stand by the bed cast golden flickers that danced across the white linens on the bed.
Hesitantly, Nan took a seat in the wooden chair not far from the bed, as she nervously fidgeted with the drawstring of her handbag. She felt awkward and out of place sitting there in silence. But it seemed even more awkward to speak to someone that couldn’t hear her.
“I prayed that you would come,” the voice was soft, and gentle, but still sent Nan flying out of the chair.
“I-uh…” She swallowed, not knowing what to say.
“Nan,” he whispered quietly.
Nan bit her lip, determined not to cry at the pitiful sound that was his voice. Just sit and listen to what he has to say…Then you’ll be free to go. But it didn’t seem quite that easy. Please God, help me!
“I-I thought you said that you never wanted to me again,” she said quietly, forgetting all her thoughts of a moment ago.
“Please forgive me, Nan,” he called hoarsely.
Nan stood, leaving the handbag on the chair before walking over to the side of the bed. A small cry climbed her throat at the sight of the frail, thin man lying in the bed. The dark, keen eyes were dull with pain, the cheeks were sunken and the once rosy skin was pale. This wasn’t the same person she had seen three years ago. No, it just couldn’t be.
“I must be a sight…” He commented, suddenly lapsing into a painful coughing fit. Before she could do anything, it stopped and he spoke again.
“Please, Nan, forgive me,” his voice rose. “When she died I wanted to get away; and forget everything. I pushed it all out, including you. I was headstrong, thinking I knew everything when I didn’t. I still don’t and I never will.” With a thin hand, he reached up to gently touch her cheek.
Nan’s chin trembled as she tried to hold back the tears; although a few came anyway. Hastily, she reached up to wipe them away.
“W-why didn’t you tell me this before?” Nan looked straight into his pale blue eyes.
A frown crossed his weathered face.
“I was a fool. I turned from God, thinking I was better off without Him. When I thought I’d gotten my life back in order, you were ready to leave and further you interest in medicine. I was selfish, trying to keep you from pursuing your dream,” he blinked his heavy eyelids, forcing them to stay open.
His voice broke as tears rolled down the sunken cheeks.
“I’m so sorry,” she murmured, reaching to rest her hand on his. “I was angry about everything, and I was only thinkin’ of myself. I pushed you out, pretendin’ I didn’t need you. But I needed you so much,” Nan began to cry softly.
“Please forgive me, Nan,” he begged insistently.
“Of course I forgive you. Please forgive me?” She pleaded with him softly.
He nodded and slowly pulled his hand down to rest on the bed.
“I forgive you. I’ve wanted so many times to write and ask your forgiveness. But, my pride got in the way,” his body suddenly shook with another fit of coughs that plagued him.
“Are you all right?” Nan turned around and grabbed a glass of water from the nightstand. Holding it his lips, he drank the cool water.
They faded, and a hint of a smile spread over his lips. “Thank you,” he murmured softly.
“I love you,” Nan burst, falling to her knees beside the edge of the bed. She held his hand close to her wet cheek as the tears steadily began to flow.
“I love you too, Nan. Promise me you’ll never forget that.”
“I promise, I promise that I’ll never forget.”
“You mean more than anything to me in the world, Nan. I love you so very much,” he gently patted Nan’s head, fighting to keep his eyes open.
Ever so slowly, the pale blue eyes closed—As his chest fell with one last breath, his hand fell limp in hers.
“No, no… You can’t be gone. Don’t leave me! You’ll get well. I’m here now and I’ll take care of you,” Nan promised pleadingly, burying her wet face as she held tightly to his lifeless hand. “Don’t go… Don’t leave me!” She begged again, her heart breaking. “I need you so much.”
The room fell silent, except for the faint sound of Nan’s muffled sobs.
After a few minutes, she slowly pulled herself up and leaned over to place a loving kiss on his forehead.
“I love you, daddy.”
Again, falling to her knees, Nan cried--loud and brokenly as she let go of all the pain and sorrow that had been building up in her heart for so long.
PART 4
