Page 80 of How You See Me
“First, Ava loves the photos and wants more.”
“Is she okay?”
She sighs, sounding more worn out than usual. “We’re back in the hospital.”
My heart tumbles into my stomach.
“She has an infection, but they hope we caught it early.”
“You knew something was off with her. I’m glad you didn’t wait.”
“Yeah, but something like this is more complicated with her treatments. Her system can’t take much more.”
“What can I do?”
“You know the answer to that. Don’t worry about us. I have friends who’ve offered to help, and Raidyn is coming tomorrow.”
“What about her job and kids?”
“Your sister has it all under control.”
“No doubt, but I should be there.”
“Hayes, this is what Ava wants. Please stop feeling bad about it.”
“How would you feel if she told you to stay away?”
She’s quiet for a moment. “That’s not what she’s doing.”
My fingers press into the bridge of my nose, attempting to soothe the pulsing ache there. “I’m sorry. I feel so helpless.”
“That’s one thing you’ve never been. Where are you?”
“Just outside Little Rock.”
“Did you do anything exciting today?”
I know what she’s doing, and although I appreciate the effort to lift my spirits, I’m not in the mood. “We hiked to a few waterfalls near Memphis.”
And I kissed Josie. What was I thinking?
“That sounds fun.”
“I forgot to take a photo, but I’ll get some from Josie and send them soon.”
“I’m glad she’s with you.”
After months of worrying and losing sleep, this setback in Ava’s progress sends all the negative emotions rushing back to the surface. They snuff out the stitch of hope and peace I wrangled together after my spontaneous decision to test my connection with Josie, and I can’t summon the words to agree.
Sensing it, Mom ends the call. “Send those photos when you can and have some fun. We love you.”
I shove the phone in my pocket and take off down the street. Exercise usually works the nastiness out of mysystem, and I’m desperate to reclaim a sense of control again.
I run twice as far as my normal workouts, pushing hard for something to change inside me. When I finally loop back to the B&B, I’m soaked and trembling, feeling worse than before.
I pace the lawn, waiting until I can breathe without needing to scream. Without an end in sight, I give up and head inside.
The last thing I expected to find was Josie curled up on the couch, hugging her knees, while the B&B owner comforts her with a pat on the back. They both set down coffee mugs and rise to greet me.
