ri

rs. Sanchez wasn't exaggerating when she called to tell me that my father was o

was my first question t

oom, leaving us alone, and I pulled up a chair,

estion. "Shouldn't you be driving some Formula One car

am I had identified in his eyes upon seeing me had vanished, replaced by the

d honestly. "I needed to know what happened, wh

dissatisfaction with the information. "Sho

aintain patience. "Mrs. Sanchez was conce

Mrs. Sanchez and those he labeled as "accomplice gossip," while I listened in

ever, when they brought the food I ordered, he only played with it on the plate and didn't eat. Nothing I said made him cha

id, and I quickly underst

I offered, even though I k

past few days, but I had already talked to him several times a

used, as I imagined he woul

action to take. I eventually agreed, though not very enthusiastica

his complicated situation. My father's health was at stake, but I didn't want to force him to do something against his

e call without even checking who was calling. I let my head hang over the steering wheel and thought about the irony of the situatio

" a female voice

oment. However, I realized I couldn't do that. I raised my face and faced a former schoolmate with whom I had sh

somewhat incredulous, seeking confir

!" she confir

the car and greet her with a warm hug, recalling the stro

ought you were a famous For

d she shared with me that her grandmother had also moved to the nu

atch up. Given that she hadn't lived in Seattle for years, h

s at the reception desk, I was surprised by a familiar fragrance, but I didn't eve

room, as she was soon by my side,

d, pointing to the exit of t

l, in the same situation, would have chosen an outfit opposite to that of my childhood friend. However, I immedi

indicating that sh