“Yes, I’m prepared to pay the entire amount. The important thing is that my wife doesn’t find out.”
When I asked who he was speaking to, he replied:
“An old friend.”
But I’d seen the name on his phone screen.
Dr. Matthews.
Two days later, I found an envelope from the hospital in our mailbox.
Written across the front were the words:
“CONFIDENTIAL MEDICAL CONSENT AGREEMENT.”
Before I could open it, Robert snatched it from my hands.
“This doesn’t concern you.”
I stared at him in disbelief.
In 61 years of marriage, he’d never spoken to me in that tone.
That night, I slept in a separate bedroom for the first time. The next morning, Robert announced over breakfast:
“Margaret, we’re going to the hospital on Tuesday.”
“Why?”
“You need to be examined.”
“But I feel perfectly fine.”
He slowly put down his cup.
“This time, you’re going to do exactly what I tell you. I’ve already arranged everything.”