Chapter 71 Bedside Manners

• Daniel
• I sit at my stupid wife's bedside, grasping her hand so tightly my brother has to step in so I don't hurt her more than she's already afflicted. Her skin is so pale--her body small and more frail than I'd ever seen her--and her chest rises and falls with every small and shallow breath she takes from the hospital bed.
• Michael sits by my side, but even though his hands are resting comfortably in his lap, his right leg bounces and shakes, betraying his nerves. I know he's trying to be strong for me and for her--everyone is.