Luke sat beside his father, saying nothing until he could think of something meaningful to say. He'd lost track of time, but was determined to give a purpose to the visit, one just like he believed everything in the world had. Then, he thought of something. "I've always harbored a bit of resentment towards you, because I wanted attention I didn't get. That all seems so pointless now. I promise, when you do wake up I'll never take you for granted like that again."
He left, and Helen stood up to take him home, having already had her visit. As they went through the waiting room, Luke was surprised to see Grace and her father. Despite their recent problems, he felt compelled to go over to her. "What are you doing here?" he asked. With no detectable emotion in her voice, Grace said, "My mother passed out again. I've done this before, I know how to handle it."
Helen said, "What do you mean, passed out?" Grace sighed and said, "Go ahead Luke, tell her." Luke turned to his mother and said, "Grace's mother is an alcoholic. I've known for a year, but she didn't want me telling anyone else." Helen was clearly shocked. "But why wouldn't you want people to know? We could help you, and her." Mr. Polonski spoke for the first time, clearly coming out of some heavy emotional state. "I wanted to let other people know but Grace didn't, and I've respected her wishes. But when something like this happens, it's hard."
"We should tell Joan," said Helen. Luke turned to Grace and asked, "Is that okay with you?", not quite managing to keep a hint of accusation out of his voice. Grace threw her hands up. "Fine, she knows anyway." "Well, we'll be sure to check in," Helen said, and they left.
What was that about back there?" Helen asked as they got in the car. Luke realized she didn't know, and said, "Grace knew about Adam cheating on Joan but she didn't tell her." Helen didn't respond for a while but then said, "Well, that's…understandable that you'd act that way then. I'm sure she had her reasons, but it's sure hard to get past something like that."
"Reasons?" Luke shouted. "I heard that from Joan, too. Well, to me it was just the wrong thing to do." Helen replied, "Honey, I'm not saying it was right. It's just that we've all known Grace so long, and do you really think that's the kind of thing she'd do without any reason?" "No," Luke reluctantly said. Helen continued, "And seeing what she's going through now, you could show a little compassion."
Luke said, "I do feel compassion, no one should have to go through something like that. But I just can't stop thinking about it." "Try. You had something really good with her, and it would be a shame to lose that." Luke said nothing, silently contemplating all that he had been told.