peppermint tea, honey sticks, a plain notebook, and the softest pair of socks I could find in a little gift store next door.
It felt ridiculous.
A man trying to make up for abandonment with tea and socks.
But I didn’t know what else to do.
When I returned to Sophie’s floor, visiting hours were almost over. Dr. Keller stood outside her room, speaking quietly to another doctor. He noticed the paper bag in my hand.
“She’s resting,” he said.
“I can leave these.”
He looked at the bag, then at me.
“Are you planning to stay involved?”
The question was careful but direct.
“I don’t know what she’ll allow,” I said. “But yes.”
Dr. Keller studied me for a long moment.
“Sophie is under a great deal of stress,” he said. “Emotionally and physically. Whatever history you two have, I need to know you won’t add to that.”
“I
