Page 56 of One Reckless Night

I took a deep breath, trying to find the words. “She’s dying, Clair.”

Saying the words aloud was painful and freeing at the same time. Dying wasn’t a word anyone in the medical profession really used. It was taboo, like you were admitting defeat. But it was reality. And accepting that reality actually made me feel a little better.

“Oh, Amelia,” she said. “I’m so sorry.”

“The doctor says it could be days, maybe a week. Her body is shutting down. They think she had a small stroke on top of everything else. It’s the proverbial straw that just broke her.”

I heard Clair’s sharp intake of breath. “That’s terrible.”

“I saw her yesterday and she was… well, not fine, but herself. Her dementia self. And now suddenly…” I swallowed hard, fighting the lump in my throat. “It’s like watching her disappear right in front of me. She doesn’t even know who I am. She thinks I’m a nurse.”

I rubbed my eyes, feeling the exhaustion deep in my bones. “The worst part is that I’m not even surprised. I’m a doctor, for God’s sake. I know how these things go. One day they’re okay, the next they’re not. But knowing doesn’t make it any easier.”

“Of course it doesn’t,” Clair said gently. “You’re still her daughter.”

“Am I, though?” I asked, the question slipping out before I could stop it. “If she doesn’t remember me, if she looks at me and sees a stranger, am I still her daughter?

Clair was quiet for a moment. “Yes, you’re still her daughter. Your connection to her doesn’t just exist in her memory, Amelia. It’s in you. In everything you do. In the research you’ve dedicated your life to.”

I closed my eyes, letting her words wash over me. “I know you’re right. Logically, I know that. But it still hurts.”

“Of course it does,” she said softly. “Listen, do you need me to come down there? I can be on the next flight.”

“No, no,” I said quickly. “I appreciate it, but I’ll be okay. I just needed someone to talk to.”

“Is Jared there with you?”

I let out a bitter laugh. “No. Jared is having dinner with Gemma. How about that?”

“What?” Clair’s voice rose in disbelief. “That snake?”

“Yeah,” I said with a sigh. “Turns out I might have misread the situation. But that’s fine. I don’t have the time or energy for that kind of drama. Can you please let my team know I’ll be gone for a few days? They can work on their research.”

“I’ll pop in and check on them,” she said. “Take all the time you need.”

It was funny that she was giving me permission. We both knew that was up to Jared, but it was a family emergency.

“Thank you, Clair. I feel much better.”

“Of course. Call me anytime.”

“I will.”

I ended the call and closed my eyes, wishing this was all a bad dream.