I called Nora and requested a meeting.
She wanted Alicia’s scarf and bandage ring back; she’d placed them in the box after the funeral.
“I’ll bring them. I also need you to tell the hospital what you actually witnessed.”
“I’m not withdrawing my complaint.”
“I’m not asking you to.”
I did not expect forgiveness. I only hoped she could separate what she feared from what she had witnessed, even while continuing to believe I had crossed a line.
She agreed to Saturday. I gathered the keepsakes, lawyer’s notice, and signed refusal.
***
Nora invited me into her kitchen. I opened the box between us, showing her the scarf and ring.
She touched the fabric, then closed the lid.
“I’m not apologizing,” she said. “I had every right to complain.”
“You did.”
Her hand rested on the box.
“I was her doctor,” I said. “I was responsible for my decision. Her asking didn’t change that.”
