STRANGER ATTRACTION
The words trembled out, heavy and desperate.
Papa’s hand quivered as he tried to lift it toward me. His fingers brushed mine before collapsing back onto the bed. Panic and sorrow twisted inside me. I rushed into his arms, sobbing without restraint.
“Don’t… cry… child,” he whispered, each word strained and faint, but full of effort. The warmth of his chest pressed against mine, anchoring a fraction of the chaos in my heart. Still, the tears poured, hot and unrelenting.
Minutes passed. Slowly, strength returned enough to push myself upright. My hands clutched Papa’s, trembling. “Please… say something,” I begged the doctor.