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“Yes. This looks more like it,” Andrea approved.
Two days had already passed since they’d all gone out to The Anchor. The two had been working since the crack of dawn, removing the old faded wallpaper in the downstairs kitchen of the inn. It had been far more work than Andrea had anticipated. They had to cover all exposed areas in the room (except the walls) with plastic and tarpaulin, cut the lights and cover the electrical outlets with tape. They had to soak the walls with warm water and wallpaper stripper before using the putty knives to start stripping off the paper. Afterward, they had to clean the walls with soap and water. All this work lasted all the way into the afternoon.
It had been a grueling experience, but she enjoyed it, especially with Marg’s company.
“I don’t think I thanked you for inviting me out with your family last evening. I wanted to tell you I had a really great time.”
Andrea smiled, acknowledging the woman’s sincerity. “It was no big deal, Marg. I’m just happy you came. As long as you’re available, you’ll always be welcome to join our get-togethers,” she promised.
Marg, in turn, gave her a smile of gratitude.
“I’m going to head back to the house, but hopefully, we can pick this up tomorrow.”
“Sure, no problem.”
After saying her goodbyes, Andrea left.
When she stepped into the house, she noted that it was quiet as she made her way to the kitchen. She realized that it was empty along with the other rooms downstairs. She wondered if Cora may have perhaps gone on the road, but then she recalled that her vehicle was still in its parking spot. Her uncle’s black Grand Cherokee was also in the parking lot. This made it even stranger that she couldn’t hear or see anyone. Perhaps they were outside.
Pushing open the back door, she walked out onto the porch before taking the two steps that led to the short pavement and to the patio. She still didn’t see any sign of her family. Just as she turned to go back inside, her eyes caught two people sitting at the picnic table at the side of the house overlooking the harbor. She changed directions and walked over to the picnic table.
“Hey, Cora, Uncle Luke,” she called out as soon as she was in hearing range.
They both turned toward her, and her heart slammed against her chest at the grim expressions on their faces.
“What’s wrong?” she asked as soon as she was standing before them. “Is it Mom? Is she okay?” she couldn’t help the panic that had crept into her voice as she envisioned the worse scenario.
“Mom’s fine, Drea…for now,” Cora replied with a deep sigh.
“What does that mean?” she asked, still on alert.
“I didn’t tell you this, but the week after the funeral, after you guys left, we took Mom to dinner at the restaurant… and her hand froze, making the fork fall from her grip.” Cora looked up at her sister with a pained expression. “She couldn’t use that hand for the rest of the meal, Drea,” she finished softly. “She was really embarrassed.”
Andrea’s heart fell to the pit of her stomach.
“The doctor said she suffered a mild case of spasticity and that it will become more prevalent and debilitating the further she regresses. There is a new trial opening up that could possibly give her a few more years, but she is refusing to do it,” Cora finished with a defeated sigh.
Andrea’s eyes widened in surprise. “Bu-but why?” she stuttered out.
“Mom says she doesn’t want to spend the remainder of her life in observation rooms going from trial to trial. She says she wants to spend the time with her family.” Cora bowed her head and folded her hands over her chest.
“Cora, she’s making a mistake. We have to convince her otherwise.”
Just then, Uncle Luke chimed in. “Girls, I know it is a lot to take in, but you can’t force your mother to do what she doesn’t want to do. If you do that, you will end up regretting it…What Becky needs right now is to know that you’re here for her. I know it’s not easy, believe me, I know, but just letting her see you supporting her in this difficult time will make the difference that is most needed.”
Andrea noted the look of sadness reflected in her uncle's eyes and could only determine that it was as a result of him losing a brother, having a sister who was almost immobile, and a sister-in-law that was more like a sister with ALS. These things could take a toll on a person.
“You’re right, Uncle. I’ll do my best to support Mom’s wishes,” she acquiesced, resting a hand on his shoulder to offer some level of comfort to him as well.
“Me too,” Cora chimed in, taking his hand into hers and giving it a hearty squeeze. “This may not be what I want, but I’ll support her and make the best of the time we have.” Cora offered a small smile that the others returned.
“Thanks for being here for her and for us, Uncle. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
Uncle Luke squeezed Andrea’s hand in acknowledgment. “That’s what family is for.”
The trio sat by the table, looking out at the water, allowing the peace and tranquility to quiet their tormented minds. Half an hour later, Andrea and Cora went inside, and Uncle Luke left to go pick up his wife Maria from the local library.
After grabbing a bite to eat, Andrea left Cora in the kitchen and headed up to her room. She needed to take a shower after the long day she’d had.
