Motion to Dismiss (39 page)

Silence hung between us. "I wanted things to turn out different," Marc said finally. "I wanted us to have a future."

"Me too," I whispered.

"Maybe..." He paused. "Well, you never know what tomorrow holds."

"I'm rooting for you, Marc. Remember that."


Epilogue


Nina and Grady have a son. He weighed in at a healthy seven pounds three ounces and has been gaining steadily ever since.


Nina is halfway through the prescribed course of chemo. She's lost her hair but not her spirit or resolve. There are times, like the two days early on when she was vomiting so heavily, she had to be hospitalized, that she wonders if she has the strength to continue the fight. But those times are remarkably few and fleeting. Grady has been a diligent husband and friend to her, surprising me, and I think Nina as well, with his sensitivity and support.


I've spoken with Marc several times but only over the phone. He's fighting demons too, and holding his own. But I'm not sure his resolve is as strong as Nina's. Only time will tell.


Both Nina and Marc would like me to stay on permanently. It's an offer I'd have jumped at a couple of years ago but I'm less certain now.


We are making our way, each of us, a step at a time.