Page 90 of A Really Bad Idea

In Mom’s room, Dad is plugging her iPad into the wall as I walk in. Her favorite Sherpa throw is over her hospital blanket, and a picture of Aiden and Dylan is on her tray table next to another of all seven of us taken at my party a few weeks ago. She has a bag of Werther’s Originals at her side and a murder-mystery novel lying on her lap.

“You’re all set. Looks like someone is ready to have you move in here permanently,” I joke, rubbing my dad’s shoulders.

“Your father spoils me,” she says, and Dad makes a humming sound in agreement. Mom holds out her arm, gesturing for me. “Meadow, come here.”

I walk to the other side of her bed and sit in the wooden guest chair by the window. I take her hand. It’s cold yet smooth. She gives it a squeeze.

“Thomas is very proud of you, you know.”

“When did he say that?”

“Every time I see him. He thinks you’re doing a beautiful job. So do I.”

“And here I thought, you were annoyed with me for forcing you to come here,” I say, knowing she’s not mad in the slightest.

She stretches one of her legs. “I knew something was wrong. I just needed someone to tell me what to do. Looks like someone is becoming like her mother.”

I groan out loud at the thought. She laughs at my dismay.

“Good thing you pushed me to be a nurse. I wanted to be an actress.”

She pats the top of my hand. “And a lovely one you would have made. I wanted more for you. Stability.”

“I know, Mom.”

And there lies our relationship. She meddles, but it’s only because she loves me. I let her because I love her even more.

“Doesn’t help that you were right. I enjoy working with Thomas, and, as it turns out, I’m pretty good at what I do.”

“You get that from my side of the family.” She winks, and I chuckle.

“I’ve never doubted it.” I kiss her goodbye. “See you tomorrow.” Turning to my dad, I suggest, “Do you want to come to my place and get some sleep?”

He shakes his head like I’m crazy for even offering. “I’m staying by Mom’s side.”

“There’s nowhere for you to sleep,” I state.

He thumps the arm of the reclining chair he’s sitting on. “This is enough for me. I didn’t leave her when you and Brian were born, I didn’t leave her the last time she had heart surgery, and I’m not leaving now.”

I give my dad the biggest hug, say good night to my parents, and leave the hospital.

Walking through the park at night isn’t always the wisest decision, but it’s not even nine, and I need the fresh air. Central Park is lit well, and there are many people out, walking their dogs or taking a stroll.

When I get to Bethesda Fountain, I look up at the bronzed angel gleaming in the moonlight. Her arms are open, asking for my wishes, so I make one.

I make the same wish, but tonight, I hold my coin to my chest and think of my mom.

It’s not just a wish; it’s a prayer. A plea for the one woman who has cared for me when I was sick, has fought for me on my down days, and loves me when I’m at my worst. No matter how logical I try to be, I can’t help but feel frightened at the thought of losing her.

I believe in medicine. I know science, and it’s on her side. Still, the thought of my mother dying is one of the few things in this world that scares me the most. She’s too young to go through heart complications for the second time in her life. As much as she is the pillar of strength for our family, it’s only natural that she’s worried. That’s why she didn’t want to go to the hospital. She’s frightened as well.

With a flick on my thumb, I toss my coin in the fountain and continue on home.

Salvatore is there when I get back, and I tell him about my mom. He offers to keep her in his prayers. I appreciate that.

I take a shower and change. Then, I head to my kitchen and open the refrigerator, staring at the contents with no desire to cook. We ate an early dinner, so my tummy is grumbling, and I look for something to stifle the hunger. The lasagna, while delicious, looks like a lead weight in the tray. I close the door and stand here with my chin on my chest.

A knock at the door is the only reason I move my feet. I look through the peephole and see Christian standing in the hallway.