Chapter 47

“Uh, yes.”

“Will you promise not to tell Mark?”

I wasn’t sure about that. “If it’s something he ought to know, then…”

“It would hurt him if he knew.” Roy took out a handkerchief and blew his nose. “But if you think you have to tell him…I’ll understand.”

Still unsure, I tentatively agreed to keep whatever it was to myself.

“This,” he waved his right hand in the air, “whatever it is I’ve got. I think it’s serious.”

Silently, I agreed with him, but asked, “What makes you think that?”

“I can’t use my right hand much. It’s really weak most of the time.”

I nodded. Quietly, I asked, "There’s nothing wrong with the car is there.”

He shook his head and let out a quiet, “No.”

I took his hand and gave it a squeeze. Even though I still held some animosity toward the man, he was obviously suffering and I realised nothing would be gained by hanging on to my anger.

“As well as my arm, my vision is affected, too.”

“Oh, Roy.” I winced and squeezed Roy’s hand harder.