They both posted photos with him.
Bills came fast: a night nurse after I nearly dropped him, a recliner he could sleep in, a hotel near the treatment center, transport fees, and supplies insurance delayed or refused.
***
One evening, Walter sat in his recliner with a bill shaking in his hand.
“The home nurse is too expensive,” he said. “I’ll call my broker tomorrow.”
I took the paper from him. “Insurance covered the gap.”
His eyes narrowed. “Gwen.”
“Your accountant moved things around.”
He watched me too long.
Then he closed his eyes. “I hate being a burden.”
“The home nurse is too expensive.”
I knelt beside him. “You’re my husband. You could never be a burden.”
He turned his face away, but I saw the tear slip down.
After that, I paid for things quietly.
I used my savings because Walter needed help that day, not after three calls and a meeting.
One night, after Walter had another bad fall, I called Adam from the hallway.
“He’s asking for you,” I said. “He wants to hold your hand.”
“You’re my husband. You could never be a burden.”
Adam sighed. “I’m slammed at work, Gwen. Maybe next time.”
“Next time might be too late.”
“Don’t guilt-trip me. You knew what you were signing up for.”
I hung up before Walter could hear my voice crack.
Then I called Madison.
“Your father fell today. I need help tonight.”
“Don’t guilt-trip me.”
“I have a spa weekend booked,” she said.
“Then hire another nurse with Dad’s money.”
“I thought you’d want to know.”
“Play the devoted wife a little longer, Gwen,” she said. “I’m sure payday is coming soon.”
The line went dead.
“I have a spa weekend booked.”
I booked the night nurse with my own card.
When I walked back into Walter’s room, he was watching me.
“Did Maddie say she’ll come?”
I smiled because his heart was already tired. “She said she’ll try to come soon.”
He reached for my hand.
“You lie kindly.”
I froze.
“Did Maddie say she’ll come?”
“I know more than you think,” he whispered.
I sat beside him. “Then you know I did it because I love you.”
He nodded. “I know.”
I thought that was the end of it.
It wasn’t.
Walter passed just before sunrise on a Sunday.
