Page 79 of The Women of Oak Ridge
“I don’t like it either.” She cast a glare at the doctor. “They say I have a concussion, but I feel fine. I want to go home.”
Dad turned his attention to the doctor, his brow raised in question.
“Now, Ms. Willett,” the doctor said, chiding in his voice. “I’ve already told you, you need to stay in the hospital until tomorrow. A concussion is a serious injury to the brain. You may feel fine at the moment, but we don’t want to take any chances of you losing consciousness or having an emergency of some kind.” He met Dad’s gaze. “It’s my opinion she should remain here for observation for at least another twenty-four hours. I believe her new eyeglasses will take a couple days to arrive since they’re coming out of Nashville. Television or reading would be too much of a strain on her brain. Quiet rest is what she requires to make a full recovery.”
A scowl tugged Aunt Mae’s forehead. “Pssh. I can rest at home better than I can here.”
“Mae,” Dad said, using the I-won’t-take-any-nonsense tone I’d heard every time I got into trouble growing up. “You can come home tomorrow...ifthe doctor agrees. Until then, you need to rest. I’m here to keep you company.”
A look of pure adoration shone on her face as she gazed at her baby brother. “I’m glad you’re here, Harry.”
Dad followed the doctor and nurses into the hallway, speakingin low tones. I moved to Aunt Mae’s bedside. “I’m happy to see you’re feeling better.”
A sheepish look crossed her features. “I’m sorry to have caused so much trouble.” She shook her head. “I can’t imagine how the accident happened. I don’t remember the traffic light turning red. My poor car. I’m just grateful the other driver wasn’t injured.”
I agreed. “I think Peggy was happy to see Dad,” I said, changing the subject.
She chuckled. “He claims he doesn’t care for her, but they have a special bond.”
Dad joined us. “I heard that. I’ll admit your dog is cute, but I draw the line at letting her sleep in my bed.”
“Uh-oh.” I laughed. “She looked so sad last night, I gave in.”
We were still discussing Peggy when the pretty blonde nurse arrived with some medication. I braced for another outburst, but Aunt Mae simply accepted the pill.
“Is there anything I can get you, Ms. Willett?” the nurse asked. “You didn’t eat much of your breakfast.”
Aunt Mae wrinkled her nose. “The oatmeal was stiff and lumpy.”
The nurse pursed her lips. “Would you like some fruit? Lunch won’t be served for a couple hours.”
“No, thank you, dear. I’m not very hungry.”
After the nurse left the room, Aunt Mae said, “She’s a nice girl. Very attentive.”
I waited to see if she’d remark on the girl’s resemblance to Sissy or mention her panic from yesterday, but she changed the subject.
“I know what you’re going to say, Harris.” She scowled at her brother. “You’re here to tell me I need to stop driving and move to Boston. Well, I’ll save you the trouble. I’m not leaving Oak Ridge. If you take my car away, I’ll get a bicycle. I used to ride miles and miles every day when I worked at K-25. I’m sure I can get around on one again.”
I glanced at Dad. He wore a bemused look on his face.
“I think a bicycle is a great idea, Sis.” He grinned. “Maybe we’ll get one of those tandem bikes. You know, the kind that’s built for two. Then you can pedal me around town when I come for a visit.”
Clearly, she didn’t see the humor in his comment. “You may find this situation amusing, Harris Willett, but I don’t. I know everyone is thinking I shouldn’t be allowed to drive anymore or live alone, but I’m telling you I’m still in charge of my own life. I’ll be the one to decide when it’s time for me to make a change.”
Dad didn’t appear offended by her stern words. He grasped her uninjured hand and cradled it with both of his. “Of course you’re in charge, Mae. No one is going to force you to do anything you don’t want to do. But I’ve told you many times how much Sallie and I would love for you to move to Boston. With the girls grown and moving on with their own lives, we have plenty of room. We’ve even talked about renovating the basement and turning it into an apartment. You’d have all the privacy you want.”
I remained quiet during their conversation. Although I had a strong opinion regarding Aunt Mae driving again, I wasn’t involved in the decision. I especially didn’t need to add my two cents about uprooting her from the place where she’d lived for more than thirty years. That discussion would take place between the siblings when the time was right.
Aunt Mae’s shoulders soon relaxed against the pillow. “I’m glad you agree it’s up to me to decide where I should live. I appreciate your offer, and I promise I’ll think about it.”
“How long have you been having trouble with your eyesight?” Dad asked.
A look of guilt crossed her face. “Six months or so.”
Dad clearly wasn’t happy with her answer. “You should have told me, Mae. The accident could have been much worse.”
“I know.” She sighed. “It’s only been recently that my eyesighthas gotten worse. But I’m not ready to have my independence taken away from me.”
Dad nodded. “Let’s focus on getting you home first, then we’ll talk about the future.”
Aunt Mae’s eyes grew heavy. “I think I’ll take a nap now, Harry.”
Dad leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Rest well, Sis. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
The touching scene reminded me that their relationship went back to the days when Dad was a little boy and Aunt Mae watched over him while their parents worked. The bond between them was strong, made stronger because of the adversity they’d faced together. Poverty, the death of their father, the loss of their mother. Even long miles that separated them couldn’t diminish the love they had for each other.
I smiled.
Grandpa and Grandma Willett would be proud of their children if they could see them now.
