The Night Luca Went to the Hospital
Chapter 10 - The Night Luca Went to the Hospital
Ruth's rehabilitation became more difficult during winter. A minor setback required several days in hospital, and Olivia spent her nights in a chair beside the bed. She feared that if she closed her eyes, something else might go wrong. After months of threats and testimony, even ordinary medical updates sounded ominous.
Luca came to the hospital after Olivia's shift ended. He didn't arrive with flowers or a press photographer. He brought a paper bag of sandwiches from the small diner Olivia liked and stayed in the waiting area until she agreed to see him.
"Mrs. Carter told me you haven't eaten," he said.
"Mrs. Carter talks too much."
"She probably does."
For the first time in weeks, Olivia laughed. They sat in the cafeteria long after the late dinner rush ended. Luca told her about his mother, who had managed a corner grocery before his father's business became successful. Olivia spoke about Thomas making up silly songs while driving her to school. Their childhoods had been different, but both remembered parents who worked too much and still found small ways to show love.
"People expect you to solve everything," Olivia said.
"Mostly because I've encouraged them to."
"And can you?"
He looked down at his coffee. "No. I could barely protect the truth in my own home."
Olivia didn't comfort him. She knew his regret was real, but Ruth was the one in the hospital, and she was exhausted from managing other people's pain. Luca seemed to understand. He asked whether she wanted company or privacy. She chose company.
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When Ruth woke near dawn, she found Luca asleep in a plastic chair and Olivia beside the window. She winked at her daughter. "The rich fellow snores."
Olivia smiled, unexpectedly grateful for something as ordinary as her mother's teasing.
