Free Proof of Angels by Mary Curran Hackett Page A

rested his own head on the boy’s. A perfect moment. Sean’s A Perfect Day .
    Gaspar took the picture down from the mirror and held it in his hands for several minutes before hanging it back up.
    He knew he must help Sean. He owed him that much.

Chapter 9
    T HE FOLLOWING MORNING , AS G ASPAR WALKED DOWN the hallway to Sean’s hospital room, he felt a sense of urgency he hadn’t experienced since he’d been trying to find a cure for Colm five years earlier. He wanted to tell Sean everything all at once. I spoke to Cathleen last night. She understands. She insists that I help you get to Italy . Gaspar couldn’t wait to tell him how Cathleen said she’d go with Sean to Italy herself if she could. He didn’t doubt it. Long story short , Gaspar thought of saying and rehearsing the words, We’re going to get you better . He spent the morning making phone calls. He had spoken to a burn rehab specialist, a physical therapist, and his neighborhood VNA back in New York. They were going to start working with Sean immediately. Sean had a solid six months of intensive therapy ahead of him, possibly a year. They couldn’t get him to Italy any sooner than that. In the meantime, all Gaspar had to dowas find a private jet to airlift Sean back east. It would take him only a day or so to finalize the arrangements and then—poof—they’d all be together again.
    Gaspar entered the room as the doctor on morning rounds was exiting.
    â€œMorning, sir. How is the patient today?” Gaspar said brightly, hoping for some medical banter. But without his white coat and stethoscope, Gaspar just looked like another hospital guest.
    â€œLooking better every day. Go see for yourself.” The young doctor rushed out, barely making eye contact.
    Next patient , Gaspar thought. He knew the drill. “Have a great day!” Gaspar shouted back down the hall. “Nice talking with you!”
    Before Gaspar could wait for a response from the harried doctor, he heard Sean’s voice.
    â€œI thought I told you to go home,” Sean said.
    â€œGood morning, Sean. It’s a beautiful day,” Gaspar said, coming in quickly and pulling back the room’s curtains.
    â€œGuess so. It’s not like I’ll be out enjoying it,” Sean said, trying to adjust his torso with a small wriggle. Moving even an inch caused Sean to wince in pain.
    â€œWell, that’s what I came to talk about. I called your sister. I told her everything . . . and . . .”
    â€œYou what? I thought I said I didn’t want your help. I thought I said I didn’t want you talking to my sister,” Sean snapped.
    â€œI know what you want, Sean. Listen to me. I am sorry about yesterday. I didn’t understand . . . until I did. I understand now and I want to make it up to you.”
    â€œNo, you were right. I sounded like a fool. I think you were pretty clear.”
    â€œI am sorry. And no, you didn’t sound like a fool, Sean. Why is it so foolish to admit something? I was a fool to laugh, to dismiss you. Cathleen and I have made some arrangements this morning. She’s hired a physical therapist and a visiting nurse. She’s setting up a room at our apartment as we speak, and in six months, maybe a year . . . we’ll get you to . . .”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œNo, I am not going back to New York. No, I am not going to have my pregnant sister take care of me like I am some baby. No, I am not going to give up the life I’ve worked hard to create out here.”
    â€œWhat life, Sean? You’re all alone and you have no job keeping you here. And as far as I’m concerned, there is no one who cares enough to even visit you, look in after you, take care of your apartment, get your mail.” Gaspar stopped talking, realizing how harsh it sounded.
    â€œIt’s my life, dammit. My damned life,” Sean shouted.
    â€œSean, please. Let us help