The cab pulls up to the hospital. I pay, then run inside.
Bella's in the surgical waiting room. She stands when she sees me.
"Tony." She pulls me into a hug. I'm soaking wet, getting her clothes wet, but she doesn't care.
"How is he?"
"In surgery. They said it was close, another ten minutes and-" Her voice breaks.
We sit and wait, both of us silent.
My phone keeps buzzing with Vivian's calls and texts. Angry that I walked away from the deal.
I turn it off.
After two hours, a doctor emerges.
"Family of Thomas Marvin?"
We stand.
"He's stable. The surgery was successful, but it was very close. The stress on his body from everything - the shooting months ago, the explosion injuries, the emotional trauma, it all caught up."
"Can we see him?" I ask.
"One at a time. He's awake but very weak."
Bella gestures. "Go. I'll wait."
I follow the doctor to Thomas's room.
My father looks old and fragile. Mortal in a way I've never seen.
His eyes open when I enter. "Anthony."
