My 74-year-old father invited me to dinner and offered me a drink. I accepted, but the next morning I woke up feeling terribly ill and went to the hospital. When the doctor saw my blood test results, his expression suddenly changed. He asked, “Have you suspected lately that you might be pregnant?”

—Sarah, are you okay?

I nodded through tears.

—The doctors believe I will recover.

He closed his eyes, relieved.

-Thank God.

We sat at the same kitchen table.

Then I finally asked him the question.

—Dad, what did you mean when you said something unexpected could happen?

He remained silent for a long time.

Then he took my mother's photograph from a shelf.

—Your mother always said that our biggest mistake was waiting for special occasions to show people that we loved them.

His voice broke.

Last month, my doctor told me my memory isn't as good as it used to be. I need more tests. They don't know yet if it's anything serious.

I stared at him.

—Why didn't you tell me?

—Because I didn't want to scare you before knowing the truth.

He looked down at his hands.

—I started thinking about all the dinners I missed when you were little. All the birthdays I was working at. All the times I wanted to tell you I loved you, but couldn't find the words.