“Well, as I said, it could be just a few days, or it might be permanent. We can only leave it in the hands of God. Soon enough we’ll know the truth.”

Luke sat by his father’s bedside and watched him sleep. Gloriana had told him about JT seeking to form a bond with Luke’s father and of his acceptance of the role of grandfather. She had also told him of their discussion and his father’s regret for how he’d acted.

“Who’s there?” his father asked.

“It’s me, Luke. The doctor told me about your eyes, and I came right home. I’m sorry you’re having to go through this, Father.”

His father’s eyes were open, but Luke knew he saw nothing. How awful it must be. How terrible to be confined inside the darkness when he had once known light and sight. Luke felt overwhelmed with grief.

“Sometimes God has to do . . . something drastic . . . to get a man’s attention. Especially a man as stubborn as I am,” his father replied. His voice was much stronger than it had been yesterday.

“And does God have your attention now?”

Father chuckled and began to cough. Once he regained control, he shook his head. “Sorry about that. Gloriana tells me it’s good because . . . I’m clearing my lungs.” He began to cough again, and this time it was less severe. “But to answer your question, yes. God has my attention now. There’s little else for me to do but contemplate Him and my life.”

“The doctor said this isn’t necessarily permanent.”

“I know.” His father shifted his weight in the bed. “But there’s also the possibility that it is. I have to accept that I might never see again. That isn’t easy to grasp.”

“No. I can’t imagine it is, but know that you will be cared for.”

“By you?”

“Me, Gloriana, JT, and one day, Sally.” Luke took his father’s hand. “We won’t give you over to strangers.”

Father smiled at this. “Even though I deserve it?”

Luke couldn’t help but smile in return. “That’s what grace is all about—not getting what we deserve. Gloriana told me when I came home that if you needed to remain with us for the rest of your life, she was all right with that.”

“She’s a remarkable woman. You really should marry her.”

Luke laughed. “You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve tried to do just that.”

His father smiled. “I’ve never known you to be stopped from doing what you set your mind to.”

“No. That’s true enough.”

“You sound tired, wearier than I’ve ever heard you sound. Then again, maybe I just wasn’t listening. Maybe my hearing will improve now that I have no vision.”