By some mercy, the fever broke the next morning.
Leonard made congee for breakfast—brought it to me himself, looking almost guilty.
"Connie, I made this just for you."
"Naomi says keep it bland today. Surgery's tomorrow."
I looked at it, then dropped the bowl into the trash.
I didn't say a single word to Leonard for the rest of the day.
It wasn't until I got up in the middle of the night for water that his voice drifted through the crack in the bedroom door.
"Yeah, yeah, I know."
"Once she's done with the surgery, I'll bring up the breakup. Definitely."
"Isn't that the whole point right now? I'm just keeping her happy so you can get your surgery. All right? Come on, stop being mad…"
I wasn't surprised. Actually, something in my chest loosened.
I sat in the living room for the rest of the night.
When Leonard found me there at dawn, he took a startled step back.
"Why are you up so early?"
I stood. "Waiting for you two. Let's go to the hospital for the surgery."
"Didn't you say we'd get our marriage license once it's done?"
"Leonard, I've thought it through."