“Your mama had a daddy,” I said softly, smoothing her hair.

“He is very sick right now, and he really wants to meet you.”

“Is he a nice man, Grandma?” Harper asked innocently, holding her rabbit tightly.

“He is a very sad man, sweetheart,” I replied gently.

“Is he sad because he lost somebody he loves?” she asked intuitively.

“Yes, sweetheart, he is,” I said, squeezing her hand.

Natalie and Brandon were standing quietly outside room four twelve as we approached.

They gave us gentle, appreciative nods as we walked inside.