The thing is I am not sure who I was protecting. Gerald asked me because he trusted me. Shirley trusts me too. I have been the one in the middle for years. When they argued about little things I would hear both sides.

When they made up I would get the happy calls. Now I am sitting here with the biggest thing of all and I cannot say it to either of them.

Gerald woke up around seven and asked if Shirley had called yet. I told him not yet. He said “Good. She needs to finish packing.” Then he closed his eyes again. I do not know if he was really asleep or just done talking.

The clock hit eight and the phone rang. I picked it up on the second ring because I did not want it to wake him. Shirley’s voice came through the same as always.

She asked how he was doing today. I told her he was resting. She said she had everything laid out and the flight was on time for Saturday. Then she asked if I thought he would be strong enough for the long day of travel.

I said he would be fine. She told me to give him a kiss from her and make sure he ate something decent for dinner. I said I would. She laughed a little and said she could not wait to send pictures from the ship.

After we hung up I sat there with my hand still on the phone. Gerald stayed asleep in the other room. The cruise was still on. Shirley was still packing. And I was still the only one who knew what the doctor had said.

I do not know what happens when she finds out later. I just know I kept my word to him tonight.

My hand stayed on the phone even after the call ended. The plastic was smooth and a little warm from holding it so long. I could still hear the way Shirley’s words had come through the line, bright and full of plans. She had said “I packed his favorite sweater, the blue one with the pockets.” Her voice had that little lift at the end like she was smiling while she talked. I told her that was a good idea. She went on about the binoculars she had bought and how she hoped they would see seals on the ice. I said “He will like that a lot” and I meant it because I knew how much he wanted to see those things with her.