Chapter 20

Nanette sat aimlessly in the park near the hospital. She was unsettled by Sterling's unpredictable attitude. She did not want to guess or analyze it any further.

As she stared at the children playing nearby, Riley Fowler approached and sat down beside her.

"I thought that was you from over there."

"Dr. Fowler, are you on duty today?"

"Yes. What are you doing sitting here?"

Nanette managed a smile. "I thought the weather was nice, so I decided to sit here for a while before checking on my dad."

"Your dad's condition is stable, and there's a caregiver with him. You can relax."

Riley was Harrison's attending physician and had treated Nanette well over the years.

"Thank you, Dr. Fowler!"

"Nanette, we're colleagues, and there's something I've been meaning to tell you. Honestly, there's no need to keep your father alive in this condition."

Harrison had been in a vegetative state for over three years, showing no signs of response. He relied entirely on a respirator and nutrition sol