blanks. I wanted to introduce Roman to my parents another way. But timing doesn’t seem to be on my side in all aspects of my life.
My mother gasps, while my father sizes up Roman. He seems happy with what he sees.
“Roman is a doctor,” I explain, leaving out the particulars of how we met. They can work out the minor details.
The tension can be cut with a knife until my father says, “Hello, Dr. Archibald.”
“Roman is fine,” he corrects with a wave.
“Please, call me Dermott then. Are you hungry?” He holds up the bags and coffee tray he’s carrying. “We brought breakfast.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
My mother is still speechless but follows us to the table.
“Up to anything special today?” my dad asks, stirring his coffee.
Roman reaches for a bagel, then places it on my napkin. I look over at him, smiling. “I’m not sure.” We probably should discuss what exactly we plan to do.
“There’s a color vibe run this weekend, I believe? That sounds like fun.” My father must assume Roman works out. His burly build does imply that. “You watched it from your window last year, didn’t you, Lola?”
Just as I’m about to change the subject, as I know Roman isn’t in any shape to be participating in any runs, he says, “Yes, that’s correct. And it is fun. I usually participate every year. But I won’t be this year.”
Both my mother and father give him their full attention.
He clears his throat. “I actually have a congenital heart defect.” My father stops chewing, and my mother’s eyes widen for the second time today. “It has gotten progressively worse. My twin sister passed from it many years ago.” I instinctively reach out and hold his hand.
My father lowers his coffee. “My condolences to you and your family.”
“Thank you. It was a long time ago.” Regardless, the pain is still raw.
Roman doesn’t need to go into detail. My parents know that the illness will eventually claim his life, too. What they don’t know is that he’s chosen to beat it the only way he knows how.
“It’s okay. Each day is a miracle, one I don’t take for granted.” I smile at his courage, proud to be his. “I want you to know that I love Lola. Very much,” he adds, looking over with nothing but devotion. “I would never hurt her, and I will do everything to protect her.”
I cast my eyes downward, understanding the double-edged sword.
“I have a feeling you are the reason Lola participated in the trials,” my mother says.
But Roman rebukes her assumption. “No, Ms. Van Allen, Lola is the reason because she’s a fighter. I may have given her a little push”—he smiles, as that’s putting it mildly—“but she’s the strongest, most determined person I know. I wish I had her strength.”
My father smiles proudly at me. “She gets that from her mother.” Once upon a time, that would have utterly offended me, but now, it doesn’t seem so bad.
“You’re right. You both are,” she says with a smile, while my father laughs heartily.
I can’t hide my shock. Is she making yet another joke?
We continue eating in silence, everyone absorbing what was shared.
I hate that Roman can no longer participate in events he obviously enjoyed. “Maybe we could check it out?” I suggest, breaking the silence. “There is a shorter leg we can compete in. One mile instead of five.”
Roman chews, pensive, but nods. “I’m sure we can manage that.” And he’s right. With Roman by my side, I can manage anything.
We stopped by Roman’s hotel so he could take a shower and grab a change of clothes. It seems silly, him staying in a hotel, but I still don’t know what his plans are. September first is not that far away, and if what Dr. Carter said is true, I’ll be gone in four, maybe eight weeks if I’m lucky.
The thought of being here without Roman is almost too much to bear. I don’t think I can stand by and watch him take his own life. I know he’d never expect me to, but if he still decides to go ahead with it, then I would hold his hand, just as he’s holding mine.
Hundreds of thousands of budding competitors crowd the starting line in Brooklyn. Once we arrive at the registration table, I see someone I never thought I’d see again.
“Dr. Archibald?” Erin says. Her surprise is apparent
“Hello, Erin. How have you been?”
She rounds the table and gives him a big hug. “I’ve been great. What are