Page 14 of Mister Fireman

Enjell

We were no longer able to deny how Grandma Debra was deteriorating. From a medical standpoint, knowing what to look for because of research or patients I’d helped in the past was one thing, but seeing someone you love become a victim of dementia was altogether different. Grandma Debra had always been independent. In fact, the only thing she ever needed someone to do for her was drive. After a bad accident, she was too afraid to learn how. Because of that, she always had to depend on others when she had to go somewhere.

I think that was why I was so adamant about getting over my fear of heights. The only time I didn’t let it consume me was on flights. Even then, I’d fly first class and drink until I could fall asleep.

But this… this battle against her own mind… it was different. She had always prayed for specific things—a sound mind, the activity of her limbs, the ability to use her senses, and the independence to take care of herself. I feared, with the rate at which this syndrome was affecting her ability to remember, make decisions, and function throughout her daily activities, Grandma would begin to lose hope. And without that hope, her condition would cause her quality of life to decline even more quickly.

“I don’t know, Mitchell,” Mom said.

We’d come to the diner for breakfast, though none of us had an appetite. Grandma didn’t want to leave. She’d returned to herself and was aware of what had happened, but knowing her house had been on fire sent her into a depression. She wanted to stay with her neighbor, who was also her best friend.

“I think it’s time for us to consider bringing Mama Deb to our home. She doesn’t need to be alone. Not all day at least.”

Daddy’s head shook as he slumped further in his seat. “You know my mama is too independent for that. She won’t leave that house for anything.”

That was true. That house and my grandfather’s truck and Cadillac were her pride and joy. All three were paid off and proof of his hard work. Before he died, he made sure he set up Grandma for the long run—hefty life insurance policy, health benefits from his job to take care of her since she wasn’t working, and enough cash to take care of whatever she wanted or needed to. Grandma was diligent about keeping the tags and insurance up to date for his vehicles, though they were only driven by one of us to take her out for errands. There was no way in hell she’d leave her home… for anything.

“Then we need to put someone at the house with her,” Malaysia said, gripping my hand under the table.

“That could work.” Mama agreed.

“I could do it,” I offered. “I need to work, but I can stay until I find a job.”

“I’ll run it by her, but I don’t think she’ll want anyone living with her because of this,” Daddy said. “She loves her space and independence.”

“We’re not denying that,” Mama said, voice soothing as she covered his hand with hers on top of the table, “but we also can’t deny she can’t be there alone. What if something like this happens again and no one notices?”

Daddy flipped his hand, locking his fingers with hers. “We’ll figure something out.”

That Evening

I wasn’t expecting Dejvi to answer the phone, but he did. As soon as I heard his gruff voice on the other end, my pussy throbbed. It was like she knew exactly who he was and what he’d done to her.

“I’m about to send you a FaceTime request,” Dejvi said. “I need to see you.”

“Okay.” I agreed, quickly ripping the bonnet from my head and smoothing a few strands away.

Before answering, I looked my reflection over in the camera. I’d been home long enough to freshen up before getting into bed. It wasn’t late enough to consider going to sleep any time soon, but the day’s events had drained me of my energy.

“You are so beautiful,” Dejvi said as soon as the call connected, making me smile. “I miss you.”

“Thank you, sexy, and I miss you too.”

“How’s everyone doing?”

I released a long sigh. “Grandma is… okay. She’s with her neighbor. Edna is keeping us updated through my dad.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

My head shook as I felt my heart soften because of his genuineness. “No, but I appreciate you. I’m leaving it to my dad and his sister to determine the course of action they want to take for her. I offered to stay with her until I start working, but that would just be a temporary solution.”

“I completely understand. Do you have an idea of what you want to do next?”

With a shrug, I shook my head. “Not really. I’m leaving my options open. I don’t want to go back to nursing, but if I did, I don’t think I’d go back to a hospital. Those hours are brutal. A part of me wants to see if I could make it as a chef, but… I don’t know. Now doesn’t seem like the time to try and chase dreams.”

“A chef? You mean the Lord has blessed me with a woman who loves to cook?”

I laughed and pulled the covers up to my neck. “I do love to cook. I did some catering back in my college days but stopped. I wanted to have my own line of cookbooks and seasonings too.”

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