“It couldn’t hurt. Things haven’t been good lately. We can’t keep going like this. I love you, but you’re driving me away.”
She remained silent.
I let it go. The last time I convinced her to see Dr. Jacob, he wanted to commit her. Stella refused, opting for medication instead. Medication she never took. One day, I would get her the help she needed.
Or die trying.
Vern poked his head around the corner of the building. Gale appeared at his side. Vern waved and pointed at the motel across the street, then made the motion of driving.
I nodded, letting him know I understood.
Vern headed off, and Gale approached, seeming tentative.
“Mom, I have to go. The guys are waiting.”
“I don’t like that you put yourself in danger.”
“I know.”
“You’ll get yourself killed.”
“I’m careful.”
“Then I’ll be alone.”
“No you won’t.”
“Dress warm and stay dry.”
“I will, Mom.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too. We’re going to talk about Dr. Jacob when I get home. It’s time.”
“Call me tomorrow.” She disconnected.
The second I was off the phone, Gale offered me a takeout container. “Your food.”
“Thanks.” Exhaustion pulled at my body. Lack of sleep was catching up, and for the first time in my life, I didn’t want to head out into the storm. I wanted to crawl into bed and forget the reality of my life. All this chasing was getting me nowhere. I was running in circles.
“Is your mom okay?”
I huffed humorlessly. “Define okay? She’s fine,” I amended, glancing beyond Gale to the motel. “Are we leaving?”
“I guess.”
“Are we chasing anything promising or dancing like puppets in the rain again?”
“The second supercell, the smaller one, has a rear flank downdraft that’s wrapping. If the updraft catches it, we’ll have a proper hook echo. The plan is to land inside it.”
“Fingers crossed.” I pocketed my phone and tugged keys out, dangling them from a finger. “Want to drive so I can eat?”
“Sure.”
Around the corner of the restaurant, I could make out the tail end of the motel, part of the parking lot, and none of the team. We were partially protected from view. “Where’s the camera crew?”
Gale checked over his shoulder. “Not sure.”
