The Doctor Denied His Father at the Door
CHAPTER 5 - The Door Mark Kept Open
One year later, another storm covered the city.
Mark finished his shift and walked toward the hospital entrance.
Sophie sat near reception, completing her homework while she waited for him. She was healthy again, although she still carried an inhaler.
Walter sat beside her.
His coat was clean now, and supported housing had helped him find part-time work repairing equipment at a community center.
Mark and Walter were not fully reconciled.
They attended counseling twice a month.
Some meetings ended in silence. Others ended with Mark leaving early.
Walter no longer demanded forgiveness simply because he had apologized.
A young mother suddenly appeared outside the glass doors. She carried a feverish toddler and looked terrified.
The new guard opened the doors immediately.
"We will help you. Come inside."
Mark watched the mother enter.
Sophie closed her schoolbook.
"Was that what happened to us?"
"Almost exactly."
"You pretended you did not know Grandpa."
Mark looked at Walter.
"I was angry."
Walter nodded.
"He had every right to be."
Sophie slipped her hand into Mark's.
"But you still caught him."
Mark remembered the instant Walter had fallen and his body had moved before his anger could stop it.
"Yes."
The three of them walked toward the parking area.
Outside, rain hammered against the covered entrance.
Walter's bus arrived first.
Sophie hugged him, but Mark only gave him a quiet nod.
For now, that was enough.
After Walter left, Sophie stood beside Mark.
"I have been thinking about something."
"That usually makes me nervous."
She smiled.
"At school, everyone asks why I call you Dr. Mark."
"What do you tell them?"
"I tell them you took a long time to find me."
Mark's smile faded.
Sophie squeezed his hand.
"Can I try calling you Dad?"
His eyes filled with tears.
"Only if you want to."
Sophie stepped beneath his umbrella.
"Come on, Dad. We are getting wet."
Mark opened the passenger door for her.
This time, nobody was left outside.
