The line jags up and down as it records the murmurings of his heart. Diastolic, and the other one. The one that was first too high, and after the diets and surgeries, too low.

After three days of watching Bugs Bunny, Dad’s face seems less dead, and I am surprised the nurse doesn’t notice.

“He looks tanner today, Doc.” I’ve been calling everyone “doc.” I click the “c.”

I know that these things relate to swellings of cheek cavities, of blood backups and all things bad that have subtle positives.

The nurse smiles like someone who doesn’t understand the language.