2
After her departure, I gradually regained my composure. Strangely, I felt no sorrow. My only focus was on fulfilling my daughter's final request.
Just before she lost consciousness, she grasped my hand and softly implored, "Dad, Mom won't allow me to have a dog. Could you convince her? I feel so isolated when I return home each day. A dog would alleviate my loneliness."
She paused momentarily, then continued, "Dad, if I don't survive, the puppy could be your companion. I'll look after it, I swear..."
I wept as I recalled how I had let her down.
When my daughter initially shared her wish, I approached Nora. However, she threatened divorce and told me to forget about it. Now, granting this single wish was the least I could do for my child.
As luck would have it, I encountered Nora at the pet store entrance. She was hanging onto Julian's arm, giggling as if they were the ideal couple.
"Nora, I'm quite fond of dogs. What do you say we adopt one?" Julian inquired.