You captured the emotions of that scene so well. In particular, I liked the musings on his cane, and how he's leaving himself vulnerable without it. I noticed the cane being put down, but this gives it a whole lot more significance. You wrote the highly charged moment between them very well, and I liked the way you ended it, with "Truly?" having so many unasked questions behind it, and John's affirmation answering them all.

This is lovely! :)

Oh my goodness! I so very much LOVE the bit about the cane! I didn't pick up on that until I read your story. Absolutely splendid.

I do think that you might consider putting it all in present tense instead of past. I think it would actually be more powerful, more immediate that way.

You put this in print beautifully. Just as it was! Very nice job!

Excuse me as I drown in a puddle of my tears. Beautifully written. Thank you.