“Can you pass the butter?â€?

“Dad, you know you’re not supposed to have any butter.â€?

“Aw, come on, just a little. You know I can’t eat a baked potato without butter.â€? Dad gave me his best hound dog look. The wrinkles on his face were more pronounced than ever. The chemotherapy was taking its toll. “Please?â€?

“Ok, but just a small pat.â€? I scooped some butter onto a knife, and handed it to him.

“So how was school today? Did you see… what’s his name? Steve?â€?

“Dad,â€? I tried to act embarrassed, but watching him struggle with the knife only made me sad. “My day was ok. We had a pop quiz in econ, and I got an A.â€?

“That’s my girl. What about Steve? You two still dating?â€?

“Yes dad. We’re going to the Sadie Hawkins dance next week, remember? You’re supposed to drive us.â€?

“Oh yeah, right.â€? The doorbell rang. “Were you expecting anyone?â€?

“No. Maybe it’s Tim; he probably forgot his key again.â€? I got up from the table, looked through the peephole, then returned to the table.

“Who was it?â€?

“The Spanish Inquisition.â€?