Change of Heart by Rachel J Good

Author:Rachel J Good
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook
Publisher: Charisma House
Published: 2016-03-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

DR. PEARSON STOOD and shook the creases from his crisply pressed pants. “We’ll be monitoring the patient, um, Emily, until she’s transferred to the rehabilitation center to see how she responds.”

Emily? Lydia hid her grimace. He hadn’t even gotten the name right. Could they trust him to get the diagnosis correct? Good thing Dat wasn’t here, or he’d never let any of them try what the psychiatrist had suggested. He’d be even more convinced the man didn’t know what he was talking about.

Mammi’s pinched lips revealed her struggle not to correct him. Her grandmother didn’t usually swallow down her words, so why now? Mammi caught Lydia’s eye and warned her with a glance to keep silent. Not that Lydia had planned to say anything. She’d never correct an elder. Certainly Mammi knew that.

“Yes, well . . . ” Dr. Pearson tucked his clipboard under his arm and nodded toward Mamm. “I have another appointment. I hope you’ll all seriously consider what I said. And encourage your husband to do so as well.”

“We will,” Mamm said to his retreating back.

After the door closed behind him, Mammi’s breath whooshed out. Holding her tongue must have been extremely difficult. “That—”

Mamm’s frown silenced Mammi. “We should not judge him.” Her eyes flickered toward Abe and Zeke.

Mammi nodded briefly. “I’m sorry. I let my temper get away with me. Please forgive me.” She turned to the boys. “I hope you will not be so quick to criticize as your grandmother.” Then she rose. “We should at least see if the doctor is right. If he is, maybe Emma will return home soon. And even if he’s wrong, offering someone forgiveness is something God would have us do. Let’s go.”

Mamm cast one last desperate glance toward the hallway.

Mammi grasped Mamm’s arm. “I feel the need for some assistance. My legs are still a bit wobbly.” She gave Mamm a stern look. “Surely Reuben wouldn’t want you to deny his mother the help she needs?”

Lydia’s heart went out to her mother. Poor Mamm. Caught between Dat’s ultimatum and Mammi’s determination.

Reluctance in every line of her face, Mamm complied. The boys clung close to Mamm as if someone might snatch them away. Sarah followed, casting nervous glances over her shoulder.

When they got to the door of Emma’s room, Mammi halted and freed her arm from Mamm’s. “If you wish to obey your husband’s orders, you can stay here.”

But Mamm wasn’t listening to Mammi’s words. Her gaze was locked on Emma’s face. “Emma,” she breathed. Her arms dropped to her sides, and her face moved rapidly through a gamut of emotions—shock, pain, fear, and then longing. She took one step into the room and held out her hands imploringly. “Emma,” she begged.

Everyone stood still as Mamm moved toward Emma as if drawn by a force beyond her control. When she reached the bed, she placed a hand on Emma’s shoulder. She closed her eyes for a second as if regaining her balance. Then she opened them and gazed hungrily at Emma’s face.

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