Risk of Falling

“You’ve been over this. You’re the ones imprisoning me here.” Their mom looked out the window.

“Does that make me your warden, Mrs. Stone?” Suzy made a face. “I’ve been called a lot of things, but not that. Mr. Stone called me flighty the other day.”

Mrs. Stone looked her up and down. “My son is usually right.”

Suzy considered this and agreed. “You’re probably right. But once we get to know each other better, you can let me know what you think yourself.” She winked at the older woman who again turned away.

“So about that pie. Who’s up for it?” She pulled out an imaginary order pad and pen. “I can bring some coffee to go with.”

The sister grinned. “I think we could all use some. Right, Ma?”

Mrs. Stone rolled her eyes. “You do what you want. Obviously, it doesn’t matter what I think anymore.”

Yep, a difficult one. Suzy looked at Mr. Stone. “Think I’ll grab your son to give me a hand. We’ll be right back.”

He followed her out of the room and down the hall towards the main entrance and the kitchen. “I’m sorry about my mother.”

She stopped to look at him, noticing the bags under his eyes. Here was a man who loved his mom. It made him less forbidding. More...attractive. She shrugged. “You don’t have to apologize. I’m used to that.”

“She’s not usually that nasty.”

“She’s just had her life turned upside down. Anger is normal. Almost expected.” She opened the door and let him pass in front of her. “She needs a few days to adjust, then she’ll be back to almost normal.”

He looked at her. “Almost?”

“Mr. Stone, her life will never be the same even after she leaves here.” She went to the refrigerator and pulled out three pieces of pie and thrust them at him. “She has to learn a new normal.”

He nodded as he juggled the plates. “This is why I requested your section. I saw the way you handled the trauma the other day.”

“Just doing my job.” She grabbed a tray from below the coffee station, poured three Styrofoam cups of coffee, and added packets of cream and sugar to the tray.

“She needs some sunshine too, and I thought of you.”

She smiled at him. “I like that. Sunshine. Much better than warden.” She looked at him right in the eye. “Or flighty.”

“Miss Bylin, I—”

“Suzy, please. If I’m going to take care of your mother, you might as well call me by my first name.”

He nodded. “Suzy, I apologize for calling you that.”

She’d heard worse, especially from some of her angrier patients. “Like I said, I’ve been called a lot of things.” She arranged the tray and took the dessert plates from him. Added forks and napkins beside them. “Now this looks fabulous.”

He followed her back to room twenty-three. Suzy placed the tray on the bedside table with some flair. “Your dessert, madam.”

Mrs. Stone glanced at it then shook her head. “I’m not hungry.”

“We’ll leave it for later in case you change your mind.” Suzy passed a plate of pie to the sister along with a fork. “If you need anything else, I’ll be your waitress tonight.”

Will took a fork from her. “Thank you, Suzy.”

Mr. Stone attempted a smile, but it didn’t quite work. She had a feeling he wasn’t used to it. She grinned instead. “You betcha. Enjoy.”

She whistled as she waltzed out of the room. Mrs. Stone might prove to be an interesting case.

And seeing Mr. Stone again might not be so bad either.

As long as they didn’t discuss Mama’s house.

* * *

AFTER AN HOUR of short answers and cold silence, Will sighed and rose to his feet. His backside was getting numb from all this sitting anyway. He turned to his mom. “Visiting hours are ending, Ma. Do you need us to bring anything from home?”

Silence.

Tori approached the bed and put her hand on their mom’s, who snapped it away. His sister gestured at Will, probably hoping he could fix this. Just like he fixed everything else. But remembering Miss Bylin’s...Suzy’s advice, he overlooked the slight. “Well, if you think of anything, you have both of our cell phone numbers.”

He kissed his mother’s cheek then waited as Tori did the same. He then put his arm around his sister. “We’ll stop by tomorrow.”

“Don’t bother.”

Tori gasped, but Will nodded. “Lovey.”

“Lovey,” Tori echoed.

Nothing back. He pulled his sister from the room.

Tori began crying as their mother’s door shut behind them. He tugged her down the hall and stopped at the nurses’ station. Suzy popped her head up at their approach and smiled. “How’s my new friend?”

He winced. “The same. Angry. You’ll check on her?”

“It’s my job, Mr. Stone. But I’ll peek in her room a couple extra times.” She came around and gave his sister a tissue, then a hug. “I know this is hard, but it will get easier.” She handed them each a post-it note with a handwritten phone number and smiley face. “This is my cell phone number. Call me anytime. Seriously.”

Tori hugged Suzy. “You’re an angel.”

“You and your family calling me names. Trust me, I’m no angel.” She looked up at Will. “Mr. Stone knows that all too well.”

Tori seemed confused, a question in her eyes. He thrust his hand out at Suzy. “Please call me Will. It’s only fair after putting up with my mother.”

She waved it off. “I took an oath to be there for all my patients. But I especially look out for the new ones.” She eyed the clock. “I’d better go check on your mom. She probably misses you already.”

Tori looked back at the room. “Maybe I should go talk to her. Maybe she’ll listen to me.”

Suzy looked at her. “What’s your name?”

“Tori.”

Suzy put her arm around the woman’s shoulders. “Tori, you’ve done all you can do today. Going back in there right now will only make all of you feel worse. I mean it when I say give her a chance to miss you, to look forward to seeing you again.”

Will nodded. “We’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Perfect.” Suzy peered into Tori’s face. “This isn’t a sprint, but a marathon. You’re going to need all the rest you can get, so enjoy your evening. Go home. Watch some TV. Read a book. Go to bed early. And don’t worry about your mom. She’s in good hands.”

Tori turned into Suzy and hugged her again. “Thanks.”

Will took Tori from Suzy’s arms and helped his sister leave the nursing home. She took a few steps and looked back. Walked a few more, and glanced behind her a second time. When they reached his truck, she opened the passenger side door but stared back at the home. “Are we doing the right thing?”

“You heard Suzy. And I don’t think she would steer us wrong.”

Tori climbed into the pickup truck and fastened her seat belt. “I know you’re right. But I hate leaving her like this.”

“We’ll be back tomorrow. And the next day. And the next.” He started the engine then turned to her. “Suzy said her attitude will improve in a few days.”

“Suzy, huh?” Tori wiped the corners of her eyes, then blew her nose. “You two seemed awfully cozy.”

“We talked when we got the pie and coffee.” He shrugged. “I wouldn’t exactly call it cozy. But she did help explain things.”

“Well, I like her.” She grabbed a new tissue. “She seems so nice.”

She did. And not like the flighty woman he’d met only days ago. “She’s good at her job. And you can see that she’s good with people.”

“I feel better knowing that she’s watching out for mom.”

“I do too.” Despite her house and the disaster in the yard, she appeared competent. Friendly. And he wouldn’t have to worry about his mom.

At least not about the nursing care she was receiving.

CHAPTER FIVE

“I TOLD YOU I wanted eggs over easy.” The breakfast tray clattered to the floor as Mrs. Stone swept it off the bedside table with her arm.

It had been a quiet night, Mrs. Stone falling asleep soon after her children had left. She was obviously making up for lost time. Suzy sighed and squatted to collect the pieces of broken china mixed with scrambled eggs and toast. She loaded the mess onto the tray and took it to the cart by the nurses’ station. She picked up the phone and ordered a replacement breakfast for Mrs. Stone: eggs over easy with wheat toast. Orange juice. Coffee.

The woman had ordered scrambled eggs, but Suzy gave her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she hadn’t heard right.

But she knew she had.

She returned to Mrs. Stone’s room. “I ordered you a new breakfast. Eggs over easy, just like you like them.”

“I’m hungry now.”

“It will only be a few moments.” Suzy checked the woman’s vitals and made note of them on her tablet. Her blood pressure teetered on the high side, but considering her mood, it wasn’t a surprise. “I’m going to deliver the rest of the breakfast trays and return with yours.” She started to walk out of the room.

“I’m sorry.”

It was so soft, she almost didn’t hear it. Suzy nodded. “I’m sorry too.”

By the time she’d finished her rounds and made notes on all her patients, Carly had arrived for the day. “How’s the new patient?”

“We’re waiting on a new breakfast tray after she threw the other one on the floor. I already put in a call to housekeeping.” Suzy shrugged. “I get it. She’s angry, but she doesn’t have to take it out on me or my clean floors.”

Carly put her arm around Suzy. “Don’t take it personal.”

Suzy shook her head and gave a wide smile. “Never do.” She brought up the main menu of her tablet. “Nothing new to go over. Besides Mrs. Stone’s temper tantrum. I spoke with her family, and they’ll be back later today to see how she’s doing.”

Carly nodded. “I get the feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of them.”

Suzy agreed. She had plenty of patients who saw their children once a week or once a month. Some who never had visitors. But Mrs. Stone would probably have more than her share of time with her kids. “I also had a call from Mrs. Stone’s supervisor at work asking if he could visit. He might be by at lunch.”

Carly made notes. “Any plans for today?”

“Besides sleeping?” She dismissed the niggling feeling that she should be cleaning the back yard. She still had time. Nine days. Plenty of time to get it all done, right? “I should probably do some laundry. A little grocery shopping.” She groaned. “Three more days, and I get a day off. I can’t wait.”

“Well, go get some well-deserved rest. I’ll hold down the fort until you get back.”

In the break room, Suzy punched out and retrieved her purse and coat. It was late September, so mornings started chilly. As she walked out the main entrance, she almost bumped into Will. “Wow, you’re early this morning.”

“Thought I’d check on her before work.” He seemed to note her appearance. “You’re just leaving for home?”

“Only a half hour past my usual time too. Let’s write the day on the calendar.” She crossed her arms. “You might want to tread lightly around your mom, she’s had a rough morning.”

“She’s never been a morning person. At least not until after two cups of coffee when the caffeine kicks in.”

“Thanks for the tip.” She stood while he watched her intently. She glanced behind her then touched her cheeks. “Do I have something on my face?”

“Pardon?”

“Was there something else you needed, Mr. Stone?”

“It’s Will. Remember?” He glanced at his watch then at her again. “Do you have time for coffee?”

She peered down at her scrubs. “I’m not actually dressed for going out.”

“I don’t care what you’re wearing. I was hoping we could talk. Even for a moment.”

She bit her lip and considered it. On one hand, it had been a long night and she could use the sleep. On the other, when was the last time an attractive man had taken her out for anything, even coffee? “Fine, but it has to be quick. I have a yard to clean up.”

He gave her a smile then led her to his truck. Once he started the engine, he glanced at her. “I really appreciate this, Suzy.”

“Sure.” She turned and looked out the window as he drove into town and to the diner. He helped her out of the truck then walked beside her into the restaurant. They could only find two open spots at the counter. “They’re busy this morning.”

“It’s blueberry pancake day.” He motioned to the waitress for two cups of coffee. “Would you like a stack?”

“I’m not much for breakfast in the morning.” She thanked the waitress who poured her coffee then added double cream and triple sugar. “But coffee? Now you’re talking my language.”

Will gave her an almost smile and stirred one sugar packet into his coffee. “I was hoping we could discuss how to help my mom.”

“Bring her some familiar things from home that will offer her comfort. Remember that she’s in an unfamiliar place, so that will help her find some peace.”

“Things like what?”

“Pictures. Favorite book. If she likes to do crosswords...” Suzy shrugged. “You know, things she enjoys.”

Will brought out a small notebook and made notes. “Puzzles, ok. What else?”

“Be patient with her. She needs that more now than ever.” She ticked the items off on her fingers. “Call or visit her often. Include her in what is going on with your life so she doesn’t feel so isolated. And above all, just love her.”

Will looked up from his notebook. “I already do that.”

“She needs to know it more now.”

He added that to his notes and then put the book down. “When my dad was sick, I was only a teen. So I didn’t have to do much. But this is different.”

Suzy placed her hand on his. “It’s going to be overwhelming at times, but you’ll get through this.”

He stared down at their hands, and she snatched hers away. They finished their coffee in silence, and Will paid the check. He walked her out to his truck. He took a deep breath, and she waited for him to say something. Before he could, he swallowed hard. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you did this.”

“It was only coffee and some advice.”

“You gave me reassurance when I felt lost.” He looked into her eyes and reached toward her.

She felt a warmth spread over her chest as she glanced at his mouth. But then all he did was open her door and help her into the truck.

* * *

THE GROCERY STORE bustled with shoppers who stopped in on their way home from work. Will grabbed a basket from the stack at the front and headed for the produce section. With his mom in the hospital, meals had been catch it when you can, and he grew tired of fast food and carryout. He wanted some fresh food. Even a salad sounded great.

He must be losing it.

The pyramid of oranges called to him, so he walked in that direction and pulled a plastic bag from the roll. He was quick to find four nice size oranges that felt and smelled juicy, which he put in the bag and tied it shut at the top; turned and noticed Councilman Barry watching him from the bakery aisle.

He wasn’t going to let him get to him today. He had to focus on buying food and then getting to the hospital to check on his mom. He had already dealt with several phone calls from the town council members about his job. Had justified six times over why they needed him in office to keep the town safe. He didn’t need to explain it a seventh time.

Bad enough he was one man doing a job that required a staff. What were they going to do if they did eliminate it? Give the responsibility to an already overworked colleague? He shook his head. It was starting to feel personal.

“Fancy seeing you here, Will.”

Will forced a pleasant expression on his face. At least he hoped it was pleasant. “Councilman Barry.”

The man glanced into Will’s basket. “I’m a big fan of oranges myself.”

“Can I help you with something?” Will didn’t have time to talk about the benefits of citrus.

Councilman Barry huffed, and his eyebrows slammed together. “The budget meeting is coming up next month. You realize, of course, that your job is on the line.”

“Yes, you all have been telling me that for months now.” This was hardly news. Will had slept with it, worked with it and eaten with the knowledge that his job could disappear. He’d taken the post after his predecessor had a heart attack on the job. He’d only been the man’s assistant at the time, but he’d accepted the position and done a great job. Why didn’t anyone else see that? “I’m hoping to have your support.”

“That depends on you, son.” Councilman Barry folded his large arms across his chest. “We pride ourselves on getting results and reward those who do the same.”

“My track record speaks for itself.”

“And the Bylin house? What does that say?”

Will tried not to grimace. He had to bring up Suzy, hadn’t he? “The resident has been given a deadline of a week from now. I’m sure we will see a positive outcome.”

“Rose Bylin had years to get the yard cleaned up, but we can see how well that was enforced.” Mr. Barry shook his head. “The last code inspector was too soft. I’m not saying you are too, but we want results. Success. And the Bylin situation has to be dealt with.”

The man was determined to rub Will the wrong way. But he wasn’t about to react. Not today. This was just a job, not his life. His life was his family. And he needed to finish here and get back to that life. “I appreciate your concern, but we are dealing with it.”

“Results, Will. Not excuses. And then maybe you can keep your job.” Councilman Barry returned to the bakery counter on that pronouncement.

Will closed his eyes. The council wanted results. Well, so did he. And they’d get them.

He checked his grocery list again, but the rest of the items on it now held little interest. In fact, the oranges no longer appealed to him. He considered putting them back and leaving the store. He could shop tomorrow. But then this would be a waste. And if there was anything he hated more than clutter, it was wasted time.

He scanned his list again and walked to the deli department and took a number. He browsed the case while he waited for his turn. The turkey looked good, but he’d had a craving for ham lately.

“I’d recommend the salami.”

Will looked up and found Suzy smiling at him. “Miss Bylin...Suzy, what are you doing here?”

“Choosing a little something for my dinner later.” She perused the prepared salads and pointed at the macaroni. “That would do.”

“You should be working on your yard.”

Suzy glanced down at her scrubs under her jean jacket. “And miss seeing your mother? Not on your life.”

Will closed his eyes and willed the headache away. “You only have...”

“Over a week. Yes, I know.” She examined a package of rolls then replaced them on the shelf. She glanced up at him. “Worried I won’t make my deadline?”

“Your mother never did.”

“She didn’t believe in ultimatums either. Trust me. I know better than you.”

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