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Heather laced her fingers in her lap as she listened to her mother’s lecture from her own kitchen. An unexpected visit from her mother only made things worse since she expected to meet her physical therapist. Once Heather answered that she didn’t need it, her mother’s face tightened. The couch groaned as she adjusted in her spot. She sat her teacup on her coffee table, grateful the chamomile tea relaxed her. Tinsel played with his chew toy on the area rug.
“Do you hear me, Heather Shaw?” her mother called out from the kitchen.
“I hear you.” Heather tapped her good foot on her hardwood floors. She then rubbed her brow to ward off her dull headache.
Then her mother came to stand in front of her. “You still haven’t told me why you kicked your therapist out.”
“I didn’t kick him out.”
“Well, then?” Her mother’s forehead wrinkled.
“I… I…” She couldn’t lie to her mother. Her mother knew her better than anyone. She could spot a lie a mile away. “I’m not used to letting others help me.”
“I know. I raised you to be independent, but this has to do with your health. You need—”
“Mom, I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time now. I’m in health and fitness so I know what needs to be done. I can do this on my own.”
“So you don’t need anyone?” her mother asked with a shake of her head. “Okay. You don’t need anyone.”
“Mom, I didn’t mean that.”
“What did you mean, young lady?” Her mother’s eyebrows etched together. She then came and sat next to her daughter.
She knew she went too far. “I’m sorry.”
“I know. You’re more like me than you think.” Her mother opened her arms and Heather scooted over to let her mother hold her. “You weren’t planning on this but it happened. You’re strong and you’ll get through this, but you need therapy. Do you want to do more damage?”
“No.” Heather sighed.
Her mother patted her arm. “I’ve got to get to the high school.”
Heather perked up. “I have more snowflakes if you need them. I can still help. I promise I’ll bring my crutches and stay put.”
“You never give up.” Her mother raised an eyebrow.
Heather made a steeple with her fingers, pressing them against her chin. “I promise I’ll be careful.”
“Only… if you promise to give therapy another chance.”
Her hands dropped to her lap. “You’re stooping to bribery?”
“I’m a mother.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
“I suggest you call and set up another appointment.”
“Fine.” The doorbell rang. “Did you invite somebody over?”
“No,” her mother said as she grabbed her purse. “I’ll see who it is.”
Heather waited for her mother but recognized the deep voice. Terrance? What was he doing there? Heather sat up and combed her hair with her fingers.
“You have company,” her mother said as she led Terrance into the living room.
Terrance stood with red roses in hand. “How are you feeling?”
Heather’s mouth opened agape. “I’m getting there. You didn’t have to bring me flowers.”
