A Gesture Life

After Hata’s discharge from the hospital, Liv comes to pick him up. She brings him flowers, adding to the dozens of flowers already in his room. Hata arranges for Renny to show up, setting up Liv and Renny Banerjee to get back together. As soon as Liv arrives, she starts to tidy his room. Hata’s doctor has a stiff, stereotypical mien, which reminds Hata of his heady, quiet arrogance when he was a newly minted officer. Hata is grateful for Liv’s care, telling her that she will be the one to sell his home once he decides to sell it. Liv and Renny are pleased with each other’s company, carrying Hata’s flowers to the car.

In the hospital’s front lobby, Hata finds Mrs. Hickey. Hata apologizes for not visiting Patrick. She starts crying, sharing that she told Mr. Hickey to leave because of money problems and the uncertainty of finding a heart for Patrick’s transplant. She doesn’t want to admit it, but she herself is frustrated waiting for something that may never come. Hata excuses himself to join Liv and Renny in the car. He shudders at the prospect of a heart arriving and the notion that it is only possible if another child dies.