“What is it? Do you need me to call the nurse for pain meds?”

“No, it’s nothing like that.” He took a deep, steadying breath. He was still attached to an IV, but most of the other machines had been removed. “I’ve just been thinking about a lot of things these past couple of hours. Almost dying in a car accident will do that to you, I suppose. I feel like I’ve gained more perspective now than I did in fifty-six years of being alive.” He smiled before continuing. “I am so proud of you for following your heart. I know I haven’t been the most supportive, and I’ve been trying to change that as of late, but … you’re an incredible woman, Ani. And I’m so happy you’re pursuing your dream. Your mom would be so proud.”

Annika blinked back tears. She hadn’t told him about flubbing the pitch; she didn’t want to upset him. Hearing this now, when she could very well lose Make Up in two weeks to bankruptcy, felt bittersweet. She sniffed and squeezed her dad’s hand. “Thanks, Daddy. That means a lot to me.”

“I have another thing to say.” He stopped to reach for his water, wincing a little as the IV pulled at the back of his hand. Annika handed the water to him and he thanked her, took a deep swallow, and set the cup back down. “I realize I’ve been living my life in fear.” He stared off into space, lost in thought for a moment. “I’ve been afraid to move on from the house even though it’s too big for me, because of what it might mean for your mother’s memory. I’ve been afraid to date for the same reason. I didn’t want to do a disservice to her, or even risk forgetting what she and I had. I didn’t want you to start your business and say no to medical school, because I was afraid you wouldn’t be safe—and also because I was afraid, yet again, that your mother’s memory would be tarnished in some way because she was a physician.”

He looked at Annika, smiled, and shook his head. “But I see now that that’s no way to live your life. Being afraid hampers your ability to be in the moment. And if there’s one thing this accident has taught me, it’s that the present moment is all that matters. You just never know if you’re going to get another.”

Annika sank into the chair at his bedside, her hands clasped loosely between her knees. A prickle of nerves tingled under her skin. “So … what are you saying?”