97
~Lisa's POV
My father's eyes were closed, his breathing slow and shallow.
Then… he moved. His eyelids fluttered open just a little.
"Lisa…" His voice was faint, so faint I almost didn't hear it.
I quickly leaned forward. "Dad… I'm here. I'm right here."
He looked at me weakly, his lips twitching into the smallest smile. "Sit… beside me."
I pulled my chair closer until my knees touched the side of his bed. "I'm here now. How… how are you feeling?" My voice cracked even though I was trying to sound calm.
"I'm… fine," he whispered, though it sounded like a lie.
"No, you're not fine," I said quickly, holding his hand. His skin was cold. Too cold. "But it's okay. You don't have to pretend with me."
He closed his eyes for a moment, and I thought maybe he was just trying to catch his breath. His chest rose slowly, then fell with a soft wheeze. I felt the squeeze of his hand, faint, almost unnoticeable, and my stomach knotted.
