Mike put his arm around Leah as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "He'll be all right, my darling."
Howard looked at them and then turned wearily to the nurse. "I'm ready."
The nurse walked down the long room with the stooped man and disappeared beyond the door.
"Did you tell him about us?" asked Mike.
"Of course not. What a man doesn't know won't hurt him."
"Are you Mrs. Kent?" asked the other nurse who had remained behind.
"Yes."