244 The Pain of Loss Without Loss

After I dressed and my things were packed, the doctor came in and released me. Michael never came back in, but I had a feeling that he wasn't far away. 

"It feels weird leaving the hospital without Dakota," I said to my father, standing beside his bed. 

Dad rubbed my back. "Jess, you're not really leaving him."

"That's what the doctor said." I sighed. "He said it was a marathon, not a race."

"Listen to him." He smirked. "He's a smart man."

I bent down close to Dakota, knowing he could hear me. "Dakota, I'm going home now. But I'll be back." I gently kissed his lips. "Come back to me."

A lump formed in my throat and tears welled up within my eyes as I walked toward the exit. I pushed through the doors to wait in the hallway for Dad, and Michael was there, leaning against the wall. 

"Going home?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I nodded. "Will you look after Dakota for me?"

He nodded. "Always."