Page 118 of One More Kiss

Her hand comes up to touch the wounds and I flinch.

“I did this?” She says so quietly I barely hear. I nod, causing her to turn back away from us.

We stay for a little while longer trying to make small talk and engage her in conversation, but once the doctor comes in it’s obvious, she doesn't want us there any longer.

“I’ll come back tomorrow,” I tell her, but receive no response.

“It’s normal behavior to shut out the people we’re closest to, to prevent further disappointment.” Doctor Scott tells me as we all follow him out into the hall.

I run my fingers through my hair nodding, “Is there any update?”

“Yes. We have a court date Monday. We probably could have gotten one sooner if it wasn’t Friday,” he explains.

“Is there anything I can do to help the process?”

“The process, no. But I do think it may do you and your mother some good to create some distance.” He says.

“Some distance?” I laugh. “I don’t think there can be anymore distance between us.”

“What I mean to say is, perhaps some time apart may do you both some good.” He says gently.

“How much time?” Asher asks from behind me.

“Just a few days. Let her sober a bit more. Come back Tuesday, I’ll update you and you can stay with your mother for a bit, I think the time away could do you both some good.” He reiterates.

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