When they landed in Seattle, Tina took a cab to go directly to the hospital while Bette went to the hotel. Tina didn’t know how her father would react to Bette’s presence, so she thought best to tell him before Bette showed up at the hospital. She hurried into her mother’s room and found her father sleeping in a chair. Her heart broke when she saw her mother lying in her hospital bed, looking so pale and fragile.

«Tina?»

She turned around and saw that her father was now awake. He stood up and took her in his arms. «Daddy… Is mom going to be OK ? What did the doctor say?», she asked, crying.

Her dad seemed lost. He waved his hand. «Something about blocked arteries. I didn’t understand too well… God Tina, she is so weak… I.. I found her lying on the floor when I came back from my morning walk. It was the worst moment of my life». Tina’s dad buried his face in his hands and sobbed quietly.

«Did you eat something since this morning?». Tina was so distraught seeing her dad in this state.

Tina’s father shook his head. «I’m not hungry…»

«You have to keep your strength. I’ll get you something»

Tina was about to leave the room when her father asked her if she wanted to go home to unpack her bags. «Actually, I’m staying at a hotel… Bette came with me», she said.

«You brought that woman with you?», he said, almost yelling. Tina could see the anger in his eyes and it broke her heart even more.

«Please dad, not here, not now… I need her, please understand that», she asked. «I’ll be right back». She left the room and her eyes filled with tears as she leaned against the wall. She pulled her cell phone out of her purse and called Bette.

«Hey baby, I just wanted to hear your voice», she told her. She tried to hold back her tears, but couldn’t.

«How’s your mother sweetie?»

«Still the same. I haven’t seen the doctor yet, so I don’t know much… I was just on my way to the cafeteria to get my dad something to eat. I wish you could be here with me… I need to feel your arms around me baby»