Chapter 11 - Calling the Bluff
I walked into the cardiac wing of the hospital with my guard completely up.
I found room 412 and pushed the heavy wooden door open.
Brenda was lying in the hospital bed, hooked up to a heart monitor.
Jessica was sitting in a chair beside her, looking genuinely stressed.
When Brenda saw me, a weak, dramatic smile spread across her pale face.
“Sarah,” she whispered, reaching her hand out toward me.
“My beautiful girl.”
I stood at the foot of the bed, refusing to take her hand.
“What happened?” I asked, keeping my voice emotionless.
“My heart just couldn't take the stress of losing you,” Brenda cried softly.
“The doctors say I need to avoid all stress, or the next attack could be fatal.”
Jessica stood up, crossing her arms.
“She needs a place to stay, Sarah.”
“She’s getting evicted next week, and she needs round-the-clock care.”
“Your duplex has a spare room downstairs.”
Suddenly, the monitor beeped normally, and a nurse walked in with a clipboard.
“Ah, the family is here,” the nurse smiled cheerfully.
“Great news! The tests all came back completely clear.”
“It was just a mild panic attack, Mrs. Jenkins.”
“You are perfectly healthy and cleared for discharge in an hour.”
May you like
The silence in the room was absolute.
Brenda’s face flushed red, and Jessica looked like she wanted to melt into the floor.
