Page 59 of The Last Key
Pulling into a spot, I let out a long breath and clench my hand around the steering wheel as I shut off the car.
Justin looks over at me when I don’t open my door.
“You need a minute?”
I stare at him for a second, then shake my head. “No. Let’s go.”
We get out of the car and head inside. Not seeing my mom or Gladys, I send Gladys a text in case Mom is busy with Dad or a doctor.
Me: Just got here. Where are you?
Gladys: Oh good. There’re double doors at the edge of the ER. We’re down a hall in another waiting room. Let the staff know who you’re here for and they should let you through.
Me: Thanks.
I gesture for Justin to follow me, and go to the check-in desk, letting them know who we’re here for. They let us through the double doors, and we quickly find the waiting room.
“Mom,” I call, hurrying over and pulling her into my arms.
“It’s all right, dear,” she says softly.
When I let her go, I take her hands. “What happened?”
She sighs. “He wanted a breakfast sandwich, and he didn’t want me to get up and make it for him. Thankfully, he let me sit in my chair in the kitchen and hand him things. He was turning to pick something up from the table when he lost his footing, fell backward, and caught his head on the edge of the counter.”
My eyes go wide. “Jesus, Mom. That doesn’t sound like it’s all right. Where is he now?”
“Getting a CT and an MRI. He was conscious and making jokes with the ambulance crew when they left, so I think he’ll be fine.”
“This time. What about next time? I know you—and especially Dad—don’t want to rely on me or an aide, but you need to. This could’ve been worse. What if he’d been in there alone? We have to come up with a better plan.”
Mom nods solemnly. “I suppose we do.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to take your independence. That’s the last thing I want, but I need you to be safe.”
“I know, sweetheart. Once this is all settled with your dad, we’ll talk about it, okay?”
“Yeah. Okay.”
She looks around, then waves at Justin. “Where’s Kennedy?”
“She had to fly back to New York this morning.”
“Oh, that’s right. I hope it all goes well for her. Did you call her?”
“Not yet.”
She furrows her brow. “Why not?”
“She’s on the plane. Nothing she can do.”
Mom shakes her head. “There are other ways to reach her.” When I don’t say anything, she sighs. “Hopefully the doctor will be out soon. Try not to worry.”
“Sure.”
I help her back into her chair next to Gladys, then take a seat in a row of chairs across from her next to Justin.
“You okay?” he asks.
