Page 26 of Mic Drop

Soon, the Zoom meeting is joined by the foreign doctor, who reviews Faith’s charts and scans with Jenna. I stay off camera, considering I don’t have legal permission to look at the medical records. The doctor asks several questions, for which Jenna has ready answers.

“Given all you have told me and the records I reviewed before we got on here, I’m afraid my diagnosis is the same as the others. Surgery isn’t an option for a cancer that’s metastasized to this degree. You really want to keep her comfortable.”

“I understand.” Jenna’s face has morphed into a study in sadness. “None of the other doctors will answer this question. How long?”

My breath halts.

On screen, the doctor flips through some pages. “Based on everything I see, and what you’ve told me, I’d say she has a few months. Maybe three. At the most.”

I exhale and bow my head. My Jenna doesn’t deserve this.

Chapter 8

Jenna

Afew months.

Three months maximum.

Months.

Ma will only be here with us for eight to twelve weeks.

My head shakes. No. No. No. This isn’t happening.

I don’t register the doctor asking if I have any more questions. It is of no import when Bennett leans over and disconnects the meeting. This is wrong. Wrong!

“Sweetheart.”

Ma has to stay with me. I need her guidance. Who else would support my crazy decision to open ten physical therapy clinics in five years?

“Jenna.”

She’s been my rock since day one. With my grandmother when I was a child. When Darren died, who picked up the pieces? Ma, that’s who. Despite her faking it with Bennett at first, she always adored Darren.

Hands move me physically from my chair. “Look at me.”

Concerned green eyes stare at me. I blink.

“Tug on your left ear if you can hear me.”

My chin bounces. What did he say? I concentrate and my left hand reaches for my earlobe. I pull once.

“Whew. I was worried there for a moment. Did you know Carol Burnett tugged on her left ear at the end of every one of her shows as a hello to her grandmother and to let her know she loved her?”

His words sink in. “No, I didn’t know that.”

He reaches over and tugs on my left ear. “I always loved that story.”

“It’s sweet,” I admit.

“Now that you’re talking again, how are you feeling?”

“Awful. This doctor confirmed what all the others have been saying. But he was the first one to give me a time frame.” I scour his face for answers. “Weeks?”

“Oh, Sweetheart. I am so sorry.”

He envelops me in his warm hug, and I allow his warmth to seep into my weary bones. “What am I going to do without her? I need more time.”

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