An Unforeseen Turn of Events

Chapter Sixty-Four

Anxious to return to Daniel, a shaky Christine got up and dressed. Assuring the nurse who came to her room that she felt better, she approached her husband's room. She walked through the waiting area where the family sat. Her mother had sunken eyes and a wooden expression, her husband clasping her arm. Her father, his face grey and appearing stoic, nodded when he saw her. Judy was weeping fresh tears as she clung to Heather, and Seth held up his father, who looked crushed and downtrodden. A trembling Trudy had her arm around Tim, whose face was tear-stained. Trudy hugged her mother while Tim covered his face to hide his weeping. Christine reached out to them and was surprised that Trudy turned out to be the stronger one at this bleak hour.

She knew every passing second was crucial—she wanted Daniel to be comfortable and pass away in peace. Christine made her way to his room and saw her husband's emaciated rail-thin body ensconced in blankets. His eyes were shut but he wore a small smile. Christine guessed he was relieved the heart monitor and all the tubes were removed; he was finally released from the apparatus that had held him down for the last day. It would not be long now.

"Hey, baby," she touched his thin, weightless hand and tried to smile.

Daniel opened his eyes. It took him some effort to turn his head, but when he saw her, he flashed a big smile that reached his heavy, sunken eyes.

She sat on the bed by his side, trying to take up as little room as possible. "I've been blessed—we've been blessed—to have you in our lives."

"I feel the same—you and the twins gave me a happy and complete life," His eyes dimmed and his smile disappeared. "If only I could have made a fortune so all of you can be taken care of. . ."

Christine tried to speak but Daniel spoke again.

"That's why I contacted Monti. I was so worried about you having enough."

Christine took his bony hand and reassured him. "Ryan has offered to help."

"But will you let him?"

"Y-Yes," she said uneasily, for she wanted her husband to pass away in peace. She hoped she sounded convincing.

Christine patted his hand and tried to change the subject. "Besides, you've always done your very best to provide for the family. And my career has given me satisfaction and fulfillment. I always had a reason to wake up in the morning. I need somewhere to go every day. We've had a balanced, happy life together." She added, "And I couldn't have asked for a better husband."

To her relief, Daniel's smile returned.

"But this thing with Monti. . ." Daniel began coughing so he couldn't continue.

"Don't worry! Ryan told me he'll help us."

When he stopped coughing, he stared into her eyes. "Is that true? Will he do that, Christine?"

"Yes, he will," Christine said with conviction, trying to hide her uncertainty. More than anything, she wanted Daniel to be at peace.

Daniel reached for her arm. "Then I can truly die a happy man. With no worries."

"No worries, I promise," she told him, biting her lip.

Just then there was a knock at the door. The nurse poked her head in. "Mrs. Goldberg, can the rest of the family come in now?"

Christine turned to her husband. He nodded. Despite his weakened condition, there was a brightness in his expression. He was ready.

Tears flooded their cheeks and their faces were ashen as they all entered together. Daniel's parents, Seth, Heather, Tim, and Trudy reached out to him but had to hold themselves back from crushing him with their bodies.