SECOND TIME

It's just mom and me in her hospital room; silence dominates between us. I sit on the chair beside mom's bed.

"Mom, it's just the two of us now. Can we talk?"

"If that's about my health, we will. I'm just waiting for someone, and then we can talk."

I nod in agreement. "Who? Your doctor?"

"No, your father, Angelo."

I freeze, and my mouth falls open, comprehending if I heard her right. Mom's eyes confirmed it. She looks at me without batting an eyelid.

"Angel, he is still your father."

Mom obviously read me just by looking at my facial expressions. I heave a sigh trying hard not to vent my anger to mom, especially with her current health condition. I save every ounce of hatred in myself to avoid hurting mom.

"I don't understand why we need to have him in this conversation, mom. What does Angelo have to do with this?" I asked; my voice was calm.

"Angel, you'll when he gets here. You can have a little rest; I know you're tired after your holiday."