Dolly Parton

My mother has just had a double masectomy and Dad has returned from the hospital for forty five minutes to take a shower. He doesn't expect to find me and Tigersmiles in his closet emptying out Moms bra drawers into green glad bags.

"What are you doing?"

Tiersmiles and I look at eachother and stop what we are doing.

"We didn't think she would want to see them when she got home."

He sighs and shakes his head.

"Good idea. I was going to do it. But I haven't had a chance."

"It's okay. I think we have it under control."

Dad just can't seem to stop watching.

"Really, we got it. We didn't want you to have to do it."

He's staring at the pile of La Perla and Victoria Secret. His eyes trace the outline of the beautiful lace, the delicate embroidery, the tiny details.

"You know. I bought her most of those."

Tigersmiles and I exchange a glance.

"I thought you were going to take a shower. Are you hungry?"

He is still staring. "No."

"Where are you taking them? She might want those later."

"I'm not going to throw them away Dad. I'm just going to hide them. So she doesn't have to look at them."

"Okay."

And he turns slowly and goes to the bed. And he lies down.