Deciding Moment
Copyright© 2008 by John Smith
Chapter 5
Theresa had sent Jessica out of the room, with explicit instructions to be down at the nurse's station, waiting for her there.
I knew I needed to take this matter into my hands, or Jessica would suffer more than I wanted to think about.
"Theresa. You daughter was just trying to do good. Does she bring stray cats home as well?"
The idea that I was some stray, lightened up her mood.
"Yes, she has tried that."
"Look, I'm not surprised by your reaction. I'd be more shocked if you'd agreed. I mean what would your husband say anyway? For someone so bright, Jessica didn't think this out very well."
"There isn't a— I don't think I need to explain to you."
"No you don't. I'm sorry. I think Jessica got attached to me for some uncanny reason. Maybe vomiting when I saw her dressed in her Halloween costume did it."
Theresa laughed. This was a good sign.
"She told you I make her come here dressed up, didn't she?"
"Yes."
"You know I couldn't take you in. I mean a man I don't even know, outside of the hospital, living in my house?"
"You're right," I said with a bit of humor in my voice. "With this cast on, I'm pretty dangerous."
She rolled her eyes. I noticed it was done with the same facial inflections that her daughter did.
"Now you are sounding like Jessica, making up smart remarks. I'd send you to your room as well, but you're already here."
"Could you promise me one thing?"
Raising her eyebrows, she answered, "That is a very broad request. I think I'd need to know what I was agreeing to first."
"Don't be mad at Jessica. She meant well. Talk to her about communicating with you about important things, so peoples' feeling don't get hurt."
Theresa smiled. "I think I can do that, John."
She was walking out the door when she paused and looked back.
"Your feelings are hurt."
I shrugged my shoulders. "It couldn't be helped." I forced a smile and added, "Won't kill me."
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