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“Will you stay for a while?”
“Of course.”
She smiles. “You’re a good girl, Winter. A real miracle.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I kiss her forehead and settle in the chair beside her bed.
Another seed of hope takes root. If she remembers what happened, maybe she’ll finally do the one thing she’s always been too afraid to: leave the abuse.
19 THE LIGHT
Winter
With my mom awake and stable, I resume my shifts at Boones. I work from seven to one, Monday through Friday, then visit with my mom for a few hours before hockey practice. After that, I have dinner with the team at Iced Out before I spend a couple of hours at the library working on assignments for my course. BJ’s house has more than one computer, but I like the library, and it gives me an excuse to see Clover.
When my homework is done, I return to the hospital and stay until visiting hours end. BJ picks me up, and we make out in his Jeep for a while before we go back to his place. Sometimes we jump in the hot tub or go for a late swim and make out some more, but sometimes we’re both so exhausted, we go to our bedrooms and pass out.
A week after the fall, the doctors deem my mom ready to be moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility which is covered by the Hockey Academy’s family fund. I’m beyond relieved that she doesn’t have to go home yet, especially since she still can’t remember what happened. BJ’s parents assure me that she’ll be able to stay in rehab until she’s mobile again, and that their spare room is mine for as long as I need it.
Yesterday BJ and I stopped at the cabin to grab clothes for my mom while my dad was at work. The house was in even worse shape than before. Empties covered every surface, the sink was piled high with dishes, and ashtrays overflowed with butts.
We took my mom’s clothes back to BJ’s and washed them twice to get the cigarette smell out. I also grabbed a couple of family photo albums because she’s been asking for them.
The hospital is transporting her to the facility in one of their vans, and I meet her there so I can help get her settled. The Sunshine Center is a beautiful, renovated house down the street from the library, and it’s partially funded by the Buttersons.
I wheel my mom up the ramp, and we’re greeted by Lovey. “Hey! Hi!” She abandons her post and rushes over, pulling me into a hug. “I saw your mom’s name on the intake sheet, and I hoped I’d still be here when you arrived.” She turns to my mom, her smile warm as she extends her hand. “Hi, Mrs. Marks. I’m Lovey, a friend of Winter’s.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Mom smiles nervously.
“Lovey’s dad is one of the coaches over at the Hockey Academy. Her brother is Officer Butterson.”
“Oh, he came to visit me in the hospital and brought me this.” She lifts the aloe plant in her lap. She refused to let me put it in a box. “He’s quite handsome. Like a Ken doll.”
Lovey laughs. “That’s an excellent description. Come on. I’ll show you around and we can get you settled in your room.”
We’re introduced to several staff members. There’s always a nurse on duty, and a doctor on call, as well as nurses’ aides to assist the patients. The center has a physical therapy clinic, a dining room with the daily menu posted, and access to a snack and salad bar all day. There’s also a common room with a huge flat-screen TV, two shelves full of books, and a games and craft area.
“The daily schedule is posted here every morning. If there’s anything you want to participate in, just let one of our staff members know, and they’ll help you register. We also collaborate with the library, so if there are events you’d like to attend, we can arrange to get you there.” Lovey points to a screen listing various activities scheduled throughout the day, including meal times, and a second schedule with the library’s calendar of events.
When I start to push Mom’s chair toward the hallway that leads to the patient rooms, she pats my hand. “Wait.” She squints at the screen. “GED classes? Is that something anyone can sign up for?”
Lovey, bless her heart, doesn’t even flinch. “Absolutely. Clover Sweet is the head librarian. She can get you enrolled if you’re interested.”
“That might be nice.”
“Great. Once you’re unpacked, we can work on setting that up.”
Lovey shows us to my mom’s room and gives us a quick tour. It’s like a small, self-contained studio apartment, complete with a private, occupational bathroom.
“If you need anything, just let one of the staff know.” Lovey winks at me on the way out. “I’ll text you later, okay?”
“Yeah. Thank you.” It comes out a little choked.
“We got you.”
She closes the door behind her. Mom presses her fingers to her lips, on the edge of emotion. “It’s so nice here.”
“It really is,” I agree.
