“Just practical things.”
“You don’t have to think about that today,” I said.
“I do.” His voice became strangely urgent. “I need everything signed tomorrow.”
“So soon?”
“I don’t know how much longer I’ll be thinking clearly.”
I searched his face.
For the first time in twenty years, I wasn’t looking at the boy who carried my backpack.
“I need everything signed tomorrow.”
I was looking at a man who needed my signature more than he needed my love.
“I’ll bring everything tomorrow,” I whispered.
His shoulders relaxed.
“Thank you.”
***
That evening the hospital administrator called me.
“We found something.”
A man who needed my signature
My stomach tightened.
“What?”
“We ran a financial disclosure after opening the investigation.”
“And?”
“Your husband is carrying debts well into six figures.”
I closed my eyes.
My stomach tightened.
“Gambling?”
“We don’t know. Loans. Credit. Judgments. But one thing is clear.”
