Day at the Park
"This is nice, isn't it?" Edith whispered as she sat beside her father on an old park bench.
Robert nodded absently, watching their family move around in front of them. "Yes."
His daughter's breathing took on a shaky nature. She fidgeted with her hands. Her eyes were trained on Bertie, who was playing a game of catch with Peter, Bobby, Caroline, and George. He leaned over, catching his breath, sweat glinting from his forehead.
"Edith, darling?" Robert gazed at her in concern.
"Hmm?" It took a moment for her to move her focus to him. "I mean, yes, Papa?"
"What's going on with Bertie?"
The way she swallowed back tears gave away the seriousness of the situation. "What do… do you mean?"
He held out his hand for her to take. "I can tell something is wrong, Edith."
"He went to the doctors, the other day… he-he…" the tears she fought so hard to hold in betrayed her, trailing down her cheeks. "Oh, Papa, It's cancer." She grabbed his hand for support.
His eyes went to his son-in-law. They had grown quite close over the years. He was a son to Robert, just like Tom, just like Matthew was. Losing Bertie would be on the level of losing Sybil, Matthew, or Mama. Not to mention how it would leave Edith. She lost Marigold's father, so losing Peter's father as well would destroy her and her entire family. "I'm so sorry."
She scooted closer, resting her head on his shoulder. "I've been a mess but… Bertie's just, he has been more alive than I have ever seen him. Every smile has more light in it, his eyes shine so much brighter. I don't understand it."
"Perhaps he wishes to make the most out of it. Life, that is." He sighed, looking down at her. "But it doesn't have to be a death sentence."
She tilted her eyes upward. "It's hard to think that it isn't."
He moved his arm around her shoulder and held her close. "I love you, Edith."
Her heart ached. "I love you too, Papa."
They both looked back to Bertie. He noticed their gazes and the sadness within them. Smiling a bit melancholically, he gave them a wave, then blew a kiss to Edith.
She blew one back as Robert waved.
This is nice, isn't it?