The next time I had a chance to speak with Len, he looked a bit concerned.
"Len, is something wrong? You seem upset."
"I am, Tony. Let me just say this quickly. Your father had a rare conversation with me last week. I guess he didn't tell you, and you and I haven't seen each other since then. He asked a nurse to open the curtain, and when she left, he started talking, which really surprised me. He was straining, but I could hear him. He told me in no uncertain terms that you didn't need two fathers. He didn't like me meddling in your life."
"Meddling? What the-"
"I know it doesn't make any sense, but I don't want to make difficulties between you two. You told me a lot about your relationship with him, and there's no need to make it any worse. You don't know how much longer you'll have him. Maybe you can still salvage something. I don't want to get in the way."
"But you're not. He's just being who he's always been."
"Believe me, someday you'll be happy if you're able to get even a little of the relationship with him you've always wanted. Make the best of what time you have. I'll always appreciate the attention you gave me."
"But this is nuts. He always got his way by intimidating Mom, my sister, and me. Why are you intimidated by him? You're smarter than that and should be able to see right through him."
"Because it's the right thing to do." He held out his hand, and I walked closer and took it. "Thanks, Tony, for all the time you gave me."
"Thank you, Len. I learned a lot from you in a short time. I'll still see you when I visit if you're in the room. At least I can say hello."
"I guess your dad wouldn't object to that." He smiled.
We shook hands and I left. The bastard had won again.
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