The door opened and Nicu welcomed me in. How are you, boss? he said in a thick Romanian accent, before turning and leading me down the hall to the common room. I smelled bleach-laden disinfectant and air freshener and Nicu’s cologne and my eyes watered. The floor squeaked under the soles of my shoes. Mr. Bob, he tired today, Nicu said. I just get him up and ready for your visit.

How’s he been doing? 

Ahhh, he’s outstanding, Mr. Bob. Outstanding. My favorite.

Still asking to go home?

Not so much. Sometimes.

Do you remind him that it sold?

Nicu turned to me and shrugged his shoulders. Why would I do that? He forget and ask me again.

His son was supposed to bring by some of his stuff. Did that happen?

Of course. Yes. Holly brought it by. She visits on Sundays, usually. The son, he calls me to ask about Mr. Bob and I give him report. 

Has the son been here?

Not since we move Mr. Bob in. Soon, though, he says. Soon he will visit with the kids.

Nicu pushed open the door to the common room and I stepped past him. The television was on loud. An old episode of The Lone Ranger. A man slumped in a wheelchair next to a window. Another man sat on a leather couch in front of the television. Bob was sitting at a table with his back to where I stood. An unfinished jigsaw puzzle was in front of him. His eyes were on the tv. I could see the white compression socks on his feet and calves. I walked over and sat at the table so he could see me. 

Hi, Bob. I’m Tim. Your lawyer. Remember me?

He looked at me and smiled. My rememberer isn’t so good any more.

How about your forgetter?

Too good.

And how are you?

Tired of waiting for Josh to take me back home.

How do you like the food here?

His face lit up. She’s a terrific cook. Dinner is the best part of my day.  

All you can eat?

He patted his stomach, a little rounder than I remembered it. Plenty, he said. 

I hear Holly comes by to see you. 

She got me this puzzle. 

I looked at the pieces spread out on the table. Good work. I said.

Do you know when Josh is going to take me back home? 

I don’t know, Bob. It looks like you got it pretty good here. 

I don’t need to be here, though. He looked around at the men in the room. I don’t need to be here. 

Seems like you need some help, though, Bob. There’s no help at home. Remember when you fell and ended up in the hospital?

I never went to any hospital. I can take care of myself. Been doing it all my life. 

We locked eyes for a moment, and then he waved his hand in the air as if to shoo something away. I don’t know if Josh is after my money or just what he is up to. Can you ask him?

I’ll ask him, I said. You keep eating that good food and do those exercises for your arms and legs.

I will, he said. I will. 

He looked at me and then he looked at the television. I sat and looked at him and I put my hand over his. 

Take care, Bob. 

He looked at me and smiled and I got up and walked out of the room.