Page 52 of The Inn Dilemma

“I do say so.” She gives me a firm nod of her head and takes a final bite of her ice cream cone.

Chapter Eighteen

Nova

Mom whisks into my hospital room. “How did this happen?” She directs her question at Holt, who continues to brood in the corner, looking far more upset than he should be.

“I’m fine, Mom. It’s just a few bumps and a bruised rib or two. They gave me some light pain meds. I’ll be back to normal after a few days of rest.”

“It’s my fault,” Holt says, standing from his chair and making his way over to my mom, who crosses her arms over her chest.

“Explain,” she demands.

I jump in, not wanting Mom to blame Holt for any of this. “Holt was showing me and Aunt Birdie something out in the woods. Titan took off after a squirrel, and I wanted to make sure he didn’t go too far. He fell down a ravine, and I wasn’t able to stop fast enough to not take the tumble myself. Now we’re here.” I shrug, feeling the scratchy material of my hospital gown.

Mom leans forward and brushes the flyaway hairs offmy forehead. “As long as you’re okay.” She leans down and presses a kiss to my cheek, something I don’t remember her doing for over a decade.

Emotion wells in my chest.

She pulls me gently in for a hug and whispers, “I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you. We just got you back; I don’t ever want to lose you again.”

My throat thickens. Those are the words I’ve craved hearing from her countless times before. I’ve wanted her to admit she missed me while I was gone, but she’s ignored my act of rebellion up until now.

Please Lord, let this be the start of true healing.

There’s a rustling in the hallway before Dad’s intimidating form fills the doorway. Mom shuffles back a few steps, her face turning into an expression of shock.

“Is she okay? What happened?” Dad asks, working his way into the room.“I got a voicemail from Birdie saying Nova had been hurt and was brought to the hospital.”

I’m too stunned to speak. The concern in his voice is more genuine than I’ve ever heard.

“I fell down a ravine and got some bumps and bruises. They said I’m lucky I didn’t break anything or hit my head harder. You guys really didn’t need to come all the way here. It sounds like the voicemail was more dramatic than it needed to be. She didn’t even need to call you. I’ll be discharged soon. I’m fine.”

Dad stares at me for a long moment, almost as if he’s seeing me for the first time. He doesn’t look through me like he did when he slammed the door in my face or stormed out of the restaurant. He scans my face as if he’s checking to see if I really am all right.

“She’ll be fine, Kent,” Mom snaps. “Not that you would even care. I’m shocked youeven came.”

“Of course I came, Amanda!” Dad shouts. “She’s my daughter, and I need to make sure she’s okay.”

Mom stands and settles her hands on her hips, straightening her spine as if she’s ready to go into battle. “Well, it would be the first time you’ve shown concern for our little girl!”

His face goes red and his eyes turn lethal, as if a single look could incinerate Mom on the spot. “How dare you insinuate I don’t care about my child?”

Holt steps between my parents and places a hand on either of their shoulders. “Let’s not do this here.”

Dad shrugs out of Holt’s hand. “Don’t speak to me as if I’m a child.”

“Well, you’re acting like one!” Mom says.

I rub my temples, trying and failing to fight back my growing headache.

Their voices rise again.

“Guys!” I throw my hands up in the air and then let them drop to the mattress. “Please. Not here.” Pain shoots through my body at the action, though if it’s from the tumble or the upper body workout from pulling myself and Titan from the ravine, I don’t know.

Mom’s face softens, and she makes her way back over to me, gently stroking my face, giving me a comfort I don’t ever remember receiving from her as a child. The last time I was in a hospital with her, she was more concerned with the scars my injuries would leave behind. This feels a lot more like genuine care.

“I’m sorry, daughter mine. You’re right.” She strokes my hair where my hidden scar hides. The way her eyes turn glassy, I wonder if she’s also remembering the last time we were here. Almost as if she snaps out of hermomentary stupor, she adds, “This isn’t the place for fighting.”

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