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Everest
Takingthatstepmade me feel both proud and disappointed. I didn’t want Walt’s parents to know about what happened today, but eventually, Walt’s mom was going to notice.
“What’s going on, sweetheart?” Walt’s mom asks me as I cook the empanadas.
Walt and his dad are exploring the greenhouse and, most likely, have gone in search for Hunter and Mayhem.
“It’s nothing, Elora.”
She places her hand over mine and waits until I’m looking her in the eye. “Everie, what’s going on?”
I sigh, feeling really disappointed in myself and, frankly, embarrassed.
“I had the appointment with my director, Chris, today, but as soon as we got to the parking lot, I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t walk into the building, let alone get out of the car. I was so weak today, Elora, I ended up crying in Walt’s arms. I’m so tired of crying and being frustrated about everything.”
“Everie, you’re making substantial progress and you’re a survivor. Don’t even think about anything else. You are an amazing woman. I haven’t spent much time with you, not as much as my son, but I know he loves you. He cares so much about you, and I can see the love clear as day in his eyes when he looks at you. I’ve never seen my son practically lose his mind like that when you were in the hospital. I know one thing: that person tried to take you away from a good man. A husband who loves and cherishes you, but he lost, and you won. All these setbacks are going to be conquered. You can push through. You can do this. You’re already halfway there.”
She pulls me into a hug, and I wrap my arms around her as well. Walt’s mom has no idea how I’ve missed this. Missed talking to an older woman who is practically wanting to be in my life and making an effort of it. She and her husband are the reason Walt is the way that he is; he’s so caring and loving to the core.
“Thank you for making this happen. You don’t know how much I enjoy you and Warren’s company. I know you don’t like that. I couldn’t talk to your son, let alone face him, but thank you for not making me feel excluded or taking sides.”
“Oh, sweet Everie. You’re just so damned sweet and you don’t realize it. We would have never excluded you, no matter what. I, as a woman first above all else, understand the things you went through. I will never dismiss trying to heal so you can love my son properly, as some cheap ploy. You love him and I know that. I can feel it in bones and if I didn’t tell you that enough at your wedding, I’ll tell you again. Thank you for loving my son and giving him the love that he’s always needed from the woman that he’s going to spend the rest of her life right by his side.”
“Just like glue, Elora.” I say, which causes her to chuckle.
A chime alerts me I’ve got a text, and I let go of Walt’s mom to look at it.
Miles (Voice Therapist): Mrs. Cambridge, are you free to talk as in text, right now?
Me: Yes.
“Can you give me a second, Elora? I’ll be back.” I say, distracted as ever by the ominous text.
I walk up to the third floor where our wing is and go to the sitting area. After a couple of deep breaths, I finally glance at my phone again.
Miles (Voice Therapist): Just spoke with Dr. Gupta and I know you told me you’d prefer I be honest with you regarding everything.
Me: Yes, I did. Give it to me straight.
Miles (Voice Therapist): Dr. G and I don’t know how to tell you this but, the damage to your vocals was very major. As you know when we spoke about it, we were running tests and you refused surgery, so we were looking at other holistic treatments to help restore your vocals.
Miles (Voice Therapist): Now, I’m not trying to scare you or anything, but I wanted you to know now. We can still talk about surgery as a last resort, but it is your decision.
Me: Are you saying that my voice won’t be above a whisper now?
Me: And singing would be off the table? If I don’t consider the surgery?
Miles (Voice Therapist): Unfortunately, yes to both. We can set up an appointment next week for you to come in and speak to both Dr. G and I.
Me: Okay.
Me: And surgery is still off the table for me. I don’t want to do it.
Miles (Voice Therapist): Final answer?
Me: Yes.
Miles (Voice Therapist): Alright, Mrs. Cambridge, and just try to relax your voice. Not just your voice, but your body as well. Added stress can counter-effect what we’ve done so far.
