Chapter 7

It was a Tuesday. Chris had left for work an hour ago and Tawny had finished a proposal for work on her computer before putting on the finishing touches of makeup and heading out the door. Her car was a bit older than Chris’ but she had loved it the minute she saw it on the lot and although Chris had tried to talk her into a later model, she had insisted that was the car for her. Buckling in, she pulled out of the driveway and headed to work.

The car came out of nowhere, running a red light at almost twice the legal speed, the drunk driver later testifying he never saw her. Tawny was broadsided and despite air bags and seat belt her neck was broken instantly and she almost died when it took almost thirty minutes to cut her from the wreck.

X-rays showed permanent damage to her spinal column which left her paralyzed below the neck. After a five month stay in the hospital she was brought home where Chris took care of her day and night. Luckily he was able to complete a lot of his work duties from home but he still missed some important meetings which were not skyped. Trudy stayed as long as she could but after a few weeks simply had to return to work. A caretaker was hired, but although she was quite competent, she was also quite expensive and Tawny’s heath insurance covered little or none of that kind of care.

It was several months later and Chris was looking over some medical bills for the third time wondering where they would find the funds to pay them when there was a knock at the front door.

“Aunt Trudy!” he smiled ushering her into the living room and taking her coat, “What a surprise!”

“How’s our girl?” asked the attractive older sister.

“About the same. She’s resting comfortably at the moment. The therapist finished about an hour ago.”

“Anything new?”

Tears glistened. “We’re on our third team of doctors, but they’re saying the same thing. Her mind continues to be clear except for the severe headaches. She’s on painkillers but they make her mind fuzzy. But the really bad news is that, despite physical therapy, her muscles continue to atrophy. The doctors say it won’t be long before her organs begin to shut down as well.”

“Oh, god, Chris, I’m so sorry,” said Trudy hugging him comfortingly in her arms.

“And how about you?” he asked, trying to smile and change the subject.

“I’m fine. That’s the main reason I’m here. I know what a real financial burden it’s been for you to try to maintain round the clock care for her.”

“We’re managing,” he replied, although in his mind Chris knew he couldn’t keep up the level of care he wanted for her much longer. Their savings were gone and he had already taken out a mortgage on the house.

Trudy wasn’t fooled by Chris’ act.

“Well, managing or not, I’m here to help.”

“Oh, how long can you stay?”

“As long as you want me. As of now I’m here to stay. Cashed in my stocks and set up an early retirement. I am, as they say, financially independent and I’m here to help take care of Sis. That is, if you want me.”

“Want you? My god, Trudy you’re a godsend!”

She smiled. “I’m glad you said that because my suitcases are on the doorstep. The rest of my stuff will be arriving tomorrow.”

He grabbed her and hugged her again, but this time while whirling her about the room, he realized the hugs were perhaps becoming a bit extended.

“I ... uh ... sorry ... I...”

“Hey, it’s okay,” she smiled, “you know I still get flashbacks.”

“Uh ... So do I. That is...”

“Hey, you don’t have to explain, that day still remains one of my favorite memories.”

“Uh ... uh ... coffee?” he asked changing the subject.

“Sounds good,” replied Trudy and the two retired to the kitchen where they discussed Tawny’s condition and how they would, as a team, take care of her.

Several months passed with Trudy providing most of the care for her sister while Chris continued to work for the auto parts company where he was moved into a management position. He also took shifts while at home caring for Tawny but there were few times in the evening hours when he and Trudy were not at Tawny’s bedside.

Her voice was now weak and they all knew, despite both Trudy’s and Chris’ attempts to provide encouragement, that the end would not be long in coming. With the two by her side, Tawny indicated she wanted to share something with them.

“You can never know how much you both have meant to me. Caring for me, lending a shoulder, loving me. I also know that my constant care has prevented both of you from pursing a life that you want and deserve.”

Trudy started to respond, but Tawny cut her short.

“Even though you’ve tried to hide them, I’ve seen the looks between you...”

“Tawny, we would never...” started Chris.

“Oh, I know that. But you both deserve to find out if the two of you belong together.”

“Right here with you is where I belong,” said Chris, bending over and kissing her.

“Chris is right,” added Trudy, “I’ve never heard or even read in the most intimate romance novels anything as intense or enduring as the love you two have for each other. Neither Chris nor I would ever do anything to...”

“Look, let’s address the elephant in the room. I’m not going to be here much longer...” Again Trudy started to interject but Tawny persisted. “I can’t think of any two people who I love as much or who deserve each other as much as you two. I just want you both to know that I very much approve of the two of you teaming up when I’m gone.”