Mike’s eyes went from the exit back to Nicole, whose lower lip was protruding, still watching Ulysses walking to the truck.

 

              “Pirates lose last night?” Mike asked.

 

              “Yeah,” Nicole replied.

 

              The sun was rising in the east, coming up over the skyscrapers in the foreground. Beams of orange light hit Mike’s and Ulysses’ faces through the windshield of the truck. Blinkers and taillights flashed in front of them in the thickening traffic. Mike flipped on his left blinker to merge. A horn blared and sent Mike swerving back into his own lane and sending Ulysses’ shoulder slamming against the door.

 

              “Jesus Christ,” Ulysses said adjusting his seat belt.

 

              “You all right, Dad?”

 

              “I could have driven myself.”

 

              “The doctor said you wouldn’t be able to drive after the tests.”

 

              “Tests. Pills. Needles. Activity time. You know I helped construct half the buildings in this city?”

 

              “Dad, I told you to just come and stay with us. We have the spare bedroom.”

 

              Ulysses waved him off. He twisted a thick gold band around his wrinkled fingers.

 

              “I won’t be anybody’s burden.”

 

              The clock dashboard flashed 6:55a.m. When Mike pulled into the hospital’s drop off lane.