Nicole was happy; she was adapting to life in the big city and enjoying school. The coursework was copious, challenging, and very fascinating. There was so much to cover and she spent hours in her room happily engrossed in assignments. All was well in her world then something unexpected happened.
Nicole did not see much of Marie during the week; she was either working late at the office or travelling with the other partners. Despite the longer hours dictated by her new position, Marie seemed much more animated and happier and it became customary for her to cook a big Sunday dinner. Nicole would help and they would talk about their week over dinner while Marie’s favorite jazz instrumentals played in the background.
One Sunday after dinner Nicole’s mom called, it was not usual for her to call late so Nicole knew something was amiss. “Mom?” she asked in surprise. “Baby your daddy had a stroke last night and he is in the hospital, I didn’t want to tell you anything until I’d spoken to the doctor”. “Oh my God! How is he? what did the doctor say?” Nicole had a million anxious questions but these were the most important ones.
“I went to see him not too long ago and he was awake, the doctor says his left side was affected but it wasn’t very bad and he should be OK after therapy”. “We had just gotten into bed last night when he told me he’d forgotten to get his water”. “He fell as he was getting out of bed; at first I thought he was playing one of his tricks on me!”Her mom explained.
“Can daddy use his left side at all? How long does he have to stay in the hospital?” Nicole asked tearfully. “He is a bit slurred and can barely move his fingers when the doctor told him to make a fist, but the doctor says he should be able to come home by Tuesday,” her mom said. “I’m coming home,” Nicole said decisively. She knew that her mom would be too worried about her dad to take good care of herself. “Oh no! We don’t want you to come home baby,” her mom said in her no-nonsense tone. “But mom you will need help! Nicole said worriedly.
Nicole’s mom assured her that her dad had been very clear; Nicole was to stay in New York. After sending her best wishes and love to her daddy, Nicole bid her mom a tearful goodbye before handing the phone over to Marie. She had never gone against her parent’s wishes, but this was the one time she truly felt that she should have.
To be continued…
