I reached across the table.
“Vanessa, why would I blame you?”
“Because I should have told you sooner.”
She wiped her cheeks.
“I didn’t want you to worry until I knew more. Then the doctor asked about our family history, and I realized how much we didn’t know. I called Eliam because I needed someone to help me understand the paperwork. He took leave so he could come with me to the appointments.”
I looked at the folder.
“Why didn’t you just tell me that?”
“Because I was waiting for the test results. I thought I’d be able to explain everything once I knew what was happening.”
She lowered her head.
“Then the doctor told me I needed more tests. I panicked. I couldn’t bear the thought of telling you I might be sick when I didn’t even know what was wrong.”
I felt tears sliding down my face.
“And Eliam agreed to keep it from me?”
