He looked smaller in the hospital bed.
I sat beside him and took his hand.
“Daniel,” I whispered. “It’s Anna. I’m here.”
His eyes opened slowly.
“Annie?” he breathed.
“I didn’t know,” I said through tears. “They never told me.”
He gave a weak smile. “I wanted to tell you. I just… didn’t know how. I thought maybe Jasper would lead you.”
The nurse returned with paperwork.
“For next-of-kin authorization.”
Daniel looked at me and nodded.
I signed.
