Chapter 22: What Was in the Envelope

I opened the envelope in the stairwell outside the ICU, because I couldn't do it at his bedside.

There were three papers inside.

The first was folded in thirds and written by hand on hospital notepaper.

Jo,

If you are reading this, I am either asleep or I was wrong about my own heart.

Bea has orders to punch me either way.

I want you to know three things, and I want them in writing.

I am better at this than I am at talking.

One. I forgive you for the lie on the road.

There was never anything to forgive, but you need it said, so I'm saying it.

Two. I have loved you since the day you told me my tie was ugly.

Nothing in the last five years changed that.

Three. I'm sorry I made you carry it alone.

If I get one more day, I will spend it asking you things, and I will not stop when you say no.

The second paper was on the board's letterhead.

It had arrived at Damian's office the afternoon before. He had slipped it in without reading it to me.

The board found that Dr. Damian Rowe's disclosure had been voluntary and complete.

It issued him a public reprimand and a year of supervised practice.

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