Chapter 15
Dr Nielson agreed to let Anne go home, but only if she remained in the hospital for an extra day. She wasn't happy about it, but Kelsey somehow managed to convince mom to do it.
Of course, this gave Kelsey time to arrange for her mother's nurse to be there all day and for another nurse to come by at night. She also stopped by the West Wing and picked up some work
to do at home.
C.J. and Sam stopped by on Saturday when they returned from their trip. They regaled Anne and Kelsey with tales from the trip to London.
Mrs. Landingham came by with a big container of cookies on Saturday afternoon. She and Anne sat and talked until Anne became tired. She found Kelsey, in the kitchen, staring out the
window at the falling snow.
“It appears we’ll have a white Thanksgiving.”
‘Uh-huh.”
“How are you holding up, Kelsey?”
“I’m fine.”
Mrs. Landingham sat down across from the young woman.
“Now might be a good time to mention that you only get a cookie if you tell the truth,” the older woman remarked.
“I’m scared,” confided Kelsey. “There, I finally said it. I’m scared and confused. Part of me wishes that this whole ordeal was over.”
“And the other part doesn’t want to give up hope.”
“Exactly. Do you know how hard it is to look at her everyday and wonder will today be her last?! She has one good day followed by two bad ones. I don’t know if I can handle this
anymore!”
“Kelsey, dear, you are handling this better than any person I have ever known. I admire your courage.”
“But, I’m not courageous, Mrs. Landingham. I’m terrified. I don’t want my mom to die!” wept Kelsey.
Mrs. Landingham wrapped her arms around Kelsey and consoled the young woman as she began to grieve.
On Sunday, Josh and Donna came by. They each walked in carrying an armful of books.
“Here you are, Anne, every trashy romance novel ever written,” declared Josh.
“Be nice, Joshua,” said Donna as she slapped Josh on the back of the head.
Anne laughed for the first time in weeks. Josh and Donna kept her in stitches as they told her about how they had met in New Hampshire. As they left that afternoon, Danny and Leo arrived.
Danny brought a deck of cards and he and Anne played gin while Kelsey and Leo went into the office to talk.
“How you doin’, kid?” Leo asked.
“I’ve been better.”
“If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“I appreciate that.”
Leo told her that Mrs. Landingham and Nancy had rearranged Kelsey’s schedule so she didn’t have to come into the office until Wednesday afternoon.
“Thanks, Leo.”
“I wish I could do more but with the holidays coming up.”
“I understand and so will mom.”
“Well, knowing you Saufl women, you’ll probably drive each other crazy in a few days anyway.”
Kelsey laughed, nodding her head in agreement.