Lily

CassieThat afternoon, I’m standing outside his studio door with the folder Mrs Rosalind gave me yesterday. Physical therapy exercises. Stretches and movements he’s supposed to be doing three times a week to maintain muscle function and prevent further deterioration.I’ve been staring at this folder all morning, knowing I need to bring it up, knowing it’s going to be a fight.I knock once.“What?” His voice comes through sharp and irritated.“I need to talk to you about something.”“No.”“It’s important.”“I don’t care.”I take a breath, count to three in my head, then open the door anyway.The studio is dim.That’s the first thing that hits me. There are windows along the far wall but the light coming through is muted and gray, not enough to really brighten the space. The kind of light that makes everything look washed out and tired.There are lamps scattered around the room, the kind artists use when they’re working, but none of them are turned on. Just sitting there dark and unuse

Why do I care so much..??

CassieThe next morning, I bring his breakfast, open his curtains and set the tray down on the table like always.But this time I don’t leave right away. “We’re doing physical therapy today,” I say to his back where he’s still lying in bed facing the wall. “I’ll be back at ten. Please be ready.”“No.”“Ten o’clock, Mr Petrova.”I walk out before he can argue.At ten, I’m standing outside his door again, folder in hand, trying to steady my breathing. I knock once, then open it without waiting.He’s in his wheelchair by the window, dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt instead of staying in bed all day. He’s not looking at me, just staring out at the grounds like they’re more interesting than anything I could possibly say.“I’m not doing this,” he says.“Yes, you are.”“You can’t make me.”“No, I can’t.” I walk over and set the folder down on his desk.“But I’m going to be here every day at ten until you do. So you can either get it over with now, or you can listen to me knock on your doo

Breaking Point

CassieMy mom’s hand feels like it weighs nothing. That’s what I keep thinking as I sit here holding it, her fingers resting loose in mine like they might slip away if I don’t pay attention. The IV line taped to the back of her hand pulls slightly when she shifts, and I adjust my grip to give her more room.She’s awake but her eyes are doing that thing where they’re open but not really seeing anything, just staring at the ceiling tiles like maybe if she looks long enough they’ll tell her something she needs to know.Dr. Patel left a few minutes ago after saying what we both already knew. The surgery needs to happen soon. As soon as we can schedule it. Every day we wait makes the odds worse.“Mom.” I keep my voice low so I don’t startle her. “Did you hear what he said?”Her eyes move toward me, slow and unfocused, and she nods just barely.“We’re going to get it scheduled,” I tell her, squeezing her hand gently. “Everything’s going to be fine. I’ve got the money now. We can do this.”

All Chapters of Blood and Mercy: Chapter 11 - Chapter 13

Lily

Why do I care so much..??

Breaking Point