The Silent Plea

"Are you sure you want to go to the hospital today?"

Vivienne set her ceramic coffee mug down on the smooth granite surface of the kitchen island. She slowly dragged her gaze toward her father. He stood near the stainless steel stove, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his thick brow pulled down in a heavy scowl of concern. It was the umpteenth time he had asked her some variation of that e