Love, Dad | ✔️

8 | RECONCILE WITH LOSS

"I think I need to go back to the hospital," Harmony says, her eyes distant.

Dave and I exchange a concerned glance. We both know how much loss of Rita affected Harmony.

"Are you absolutely sure, Harmony?" I ask gently.

The old woman nods, her gaze fixed on a point in the distance.

"I had thoughts there... feelings... that I don't think Rita would want me to have. She always wanted me to be happy, to live my life to the fullest. I think that going back, facing those feelings head-on, is the first step to honoring her memory."

Dave's brow furrows in concern. "That's a long way back, Harmony. Are you sure?"

"I need to do this, Dave. I can't shake these feelings. And it's the right thing to do."

"The only problem is..." He scratches his nape. "We actually don't have enough gas money to take you back and then resume our journey to LA."

Oh no. He's right. But there are many hospitals...

I place a comforting hand on Harmony's arm. "We can figure something out. How about this? Maybe there's a hospital close to Niagara Falls?"

Harmony shakes her head. "No, I need to go back there. It's where it all started."

Dave looks at me, seeking reassurance. I nod, silently agreeing. We can't stop her from facing her past, no matter how painful it might be.

"We'll figure it out," Dave says, giving Harmony a reassuring smile. "We'll get you as far as we can, and we'll be there for you every step of the way. We can wait with you."

🗽🚘✉️❤️🏖️ 

The car ride is filled with an uncomfortable silence. Harmony sits in the backseat, her shoulders shaking slightly as silent tears stream down her face.

I glance at the map. "Okay, so according to this, the closest hospital is the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. It's not a long drive at all."

Harmony needs this, she needs to confront her demons head-on.

"I know this isn't easy, Harmony," Dave says softly. "But you're strong, and you can do this."

She nods, her voice barely a whisper. "I know."

We pull up to a sprawling white brick building, its pale white facade a mix of old-world charm and modern efficiency.

"Says right here on the sign that this hospital has been here for over a century!" I gawk.

The Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center looms over us, a concrete behemoth that promises both hope and healing. We step out of the car, inhaling the air carrying a hint of antiseptic cleanness.

"Shall we?"

Harmony nods, taking my hand like a cute, lost little girl. 

I find it so strange to have the roles reversed - I am looking after an adult person instead of having an adult look after me.

Is that what it feels like when you grow old?

We make our way to the main entrance, the heavy glass doors swinging open to reveal a bustling lobby filled with the low murmur of voices and the gentle beep of medical equipment. The air is thick with the scent of hospital food and freshly brewed coffee, a familiar aroma that always seems to accompany this place.

At the reception desk, a nurse with kind eyes greets us.

"Hello, welcome to the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, how may I help you today?"