“I lived beside him for two years,” she whispered. “And I never once asked if he needed help.”
A few days later, Laura returned to Ashley’s hospital room.
She brought Buddy and explained that her father was alive.
Ashley listened quietly until Laura mentioned the wedding ring.
“Daddy sold Mommy’s ring?” she asked.
Then the little girl began crying.
“He never took it off. He loved Mommy so much.”
Laura held her close.
On Friday, doctors arranged a reunion.
Ashley walked down the hospital hallway holding Buddy.
When she reached Raymond’s room, she raised her little hand.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
From inside, a weak voice answered.
“Ashley?”
She rushed toward her father.
Raymond stretched out his arms, and a nurse carefully helped Ashley onto the bed.
They embraced, both crying.
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart,” Raymond whispered. “I tried to come home.”
“I waited for your three knocks every night,” Ashley sobbed.
