I put the phone away.

There would be time to learn what Curtis had hidden.

My daughter needed me now.

PART 7

The operation took longer than the estimate, though the staff updated us as they could.

I spent the waiting time alternating between praying, pacing, and studying a vending-machine sandwich without ever buying it.

My mother sat in the corner of the family waiting room.

Occasionally she reached for my hand, and occasionally she left me alone.