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My hands shake as I send a single message. Maybe seeing him will jog her memory. And it’s better that I’m here when he comes. So I can keep her safe.
“How?” she asks.
“How did you get here?”
She taps her chin.
“What happened to my chin?”
“Yes.”
“It was a hockey accident. I’ve been playing for the women’s team at the Hockey Academy. I tripped and split my chin, but it’s fine. The team doctor stitched me up. I’ll explain, but one thing at a time, okay?”
“Okay.” She licks her lips.
“Do you want some water?”
“Please.”
I bring the straw to her lips, and she takes a small sip.
“You really don’t remember what happened?”
She frowns and whispers, “I remember the college letter.”
“That was the night before last. Dad found the letter and the tuition money in my dresser. He went to see friends and came back late. Do you remember that?”
She swallows. “Yes.”
“I had a game the next morning. I didn’t say anything because I knew it would upset Dad more. I split my chin during the game. He was drunk when I came home. You know how he can get when he’s angry. He was really mean, and I just…was tired of feeling bad, so I left. I guess you must have gone outside on the deck. The railing gave way.”
Her eyes widen, and she makes a sound, like a hiccup.
“Do you remember?”
She’s quiet, as if she’s searching for the memory. “Did I fall?”
“I don’t know. But if you remember what happened, you can tell me. You’re safe. Dad isn’t here. It’s okay to tell me the truth.”
Her face falls, and she looks away. “I must have leaned on the railing.”
I shake my head. “You knew how rickety it was.”
She squeezes my hand and gives me a weak smile. “I always forget.”
“No, you don’t.” I drop my head, more tears falling as I whisper, “You were knocked unconscious, Mom. You were in surgery for hours. It’s going to take a while for you to heal. Probably at least a few months.”
“I’m sorry you’ll have to quit hockey.”
That this is her solution to the problem is gutting.
I shake my head. “That’s not fair.”
“Then you won’t hurt yourself, and your dad won’t get so upset.” She smiles, like it’s so easy, like she isn’t dragging me right back into the hell I’ve been fighting to get out of my entire life.
I motion to the hospital room. “The Hockey Academy paid the insurance deductible, Mom, and they’re helping me with the supplemental insurance forms so you can get the care you need. I won’t quit.”
“Knock, knock!” My dad’s voice makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
