Page 172 of The Love Operation

Benedict: You changing subjects on me, Spinal Cord?

Me: It’s related.

Benedict: Because you’re worth it.

Benedict: But I won’t wait forever. Eventually, you’ll have to pick me too . . . or let me go.

Me: [ on But I won’t wait forever. Eventually, you’ll have to pick me too . . . or let me go.]

A few days later, 2 a.m.

Benedict: So I was outside today when a cricket jumped on my shoe. I thought of you.

Me: [GIF of little girl with wild hair, big eyes, and protruding front teeth looking confused.]

Benedict: Cord? Is that you?

Me: Have you been drinking? Who else would it be?

Me: At 2 a.m.??

Benedict: Wow. This is awkward. That message was meant for Tad Cooper. We text sometimes after you go to bed.

Me: I’m too tired to find a GIF of someone blinking in disbelief.

Benedict: [GIF of someone blinking in disbelief.]

Me: Thank you.

Benedict: Anytime.

A few more days later . . .

Benedict: How’s your mom?

Me: Today was a hard day.

Me: She was setting the table for her mother—Grammy. She didn’t remember that she’s gone.

Me: It didn’t last, but those moments . . . they’re hard. And I don’t know if it’s just that I’m over there more, but it feels like she’s having more moments of confusion.

Benedict: I’m so sorry, Cord. I can’t imagine how that feels.

Me: I don’t really want to talk about it. But I saw your dad in clinic today—he’s doing great! I wasn’t sure if you’d be there.

Benedict: Trying to respect your space. Didn’t want to show up before you’re ready.

Me: Thank you. Your sister was with him. She brought me a pack of really nice pens. And a crumpled four-leaf clover.

Benedict: I told her about your clover obsession.

Me: It was sweet. She was so proud she found one.

Me: You were right. She really is an example of how to appreciate the little things.

Me: I really like your family.

Benedict: [ on You were right. She really is an example of how to appreciate the little things.]