Chapter 8 - The Empty Chair
Arthur’s surgery was scheduled for the following Tuesday.
Claire arrived at the hospital before sunrise. She carried Arthur’s small bag, answered questions, and pretended not to be afraid.
Arthur changed into a hospital gown and sat beside the bed.
There was an empty chair near the window.
He kept glancing at it.
Claire knew who he expected.
Elliot had been told the date and time.
He did not come.
A nurse entered to prepare Arthur for surgery.
“Any other family members joining us?”
Claire squeezed her father’s hand.
“It’s just us.”
Arthur nodded, but his eyes remained on the empty chair.
The operation lasted almost five hours.
Claire walked the corridors until her legs hurt. She drank coffee she could not taste and stared at the doors each time they opened.
At noon, Ryan appeared.
“I thought you shouldn’t wait alone,” he said.
Claire was surprised.
Ryan sat in the chair Elliot had left empty.
When the surgeon finally came out, he told them the procedure had gone well. Arthur would need additional treatment and careful follow-up, but the immediate danger had been addressed.
Claire cried against Ryan’s shoulder.
Arthur woke several hours later.
His first words were barely audible.
“Did Elliot come?”
Claire could not lie.
“No.”
Arthur closed his eyes.
A tear slipped down the side of his face.
Ryan stood near the doorway, uncertain whether to stay.
Arthur saw him.
“You’re Elliot’s partner.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Thank you for coming.”
Ryan looked ashamed on Elliot’s behalf.
“You helped build our company. Coming was the least I could do.”
May you like
Arthur turned his face toward the window.
“No,” he whispered. “The least would have been nothing.”
