'No,' I answered honestly.
'Then get out of here!' she said angrily. 'I don't want you
at my damn death-bed.'
'OK, I accept it,' I said.
'That's better. Now - will you do something for me?' From
somewhere inside me came this sudden, violent need to cry.
But I was strong. I was not going to cry. 'Mm,' I said again.
'Will you please hold me, Oliver?'