Magnolias don't Die by AJ Collins

Author:AJ Collins
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Young adult fiction, Coming of age, Trauma, Forgiveness, Female lead, Gay friend, Music, Small town girl, Australia, Australian, Urban fiction
Publisher: AJC Publishing
Published: 2020-03-01T16:00:00+00:00

15. Amelioration

Snap’s sitting on the edge of his hospital bed complaining that I’ve brought him the wrong jacket. Apparently, I can’t tell the difference between corduroy and velour.

‘What’s it matter when you’re wearing PJs underneath?’ I ask.

‘Mmmatters ... tooo meee.’

Even though he’s slurring, his tone still has a snotty arrogance to it. It’s good to know the stroke hasn’t affected his attitude, but I’m sure he’d be saying a hell of a lot more than ‘mmmatters’ if he had a better grip on his facial muscles.

‘Freeeda’s gumming this aft ... nooon,’ he says.

‘Coming.’

‘Gumming.’

‘C ... C ... coming.’

‘C ... coming.’

He’s getting much easier to decipher, though it’s hard not to look away when his twisted mouth is trying to produce words. It’s as if he’s doing something awkward or embarrassing that should be done in private. And I’ve caught myself talking to him as if he’s a child – slowing my words or speaking louder than necessary. He doesn’t react, so I can’t tell if he’s annoyed or not. If it were me, I’d want to slap someone.

‘Freda is coming in this afternoon?’

Snap nods and points to my iPad on his bedside drawer. I’ve lent it to him because his doctor suggested some apps for cognitive improvement and speech building. I put it on the bed next to him, and he taps out a message with his right hand: Thanks. Legal stuff complicated.

‘You’re welcome, but let’s talk, not type. While I’m in here anyway.’

He looks as if he’s about to lose it at me. He knows. I know. He doesn’t need reminding. His therapist tells him every day: the more he practises his speech – and limb use – the quicker he’ll recover. The first months are crucial. I’m torn between giving tough love and being a shoulder to cry on. Snap thumps his chest and grunts.

‘Hey!’ I grab his arm and tough love wins. ‘Don’t do that. I know it sucks, but this is how it is. For now. Your body is doing the best it can. Show it some love.’

I give him a hug, but he’s still not happy. I don’t blame him. Apart from the speech thing, the prospect of having to rely on other people must suck. Especially for normal stuff you should be able to do yourself, like opening a bottle of water, or pulling up your undies. And people let you down. Even the ones who are supposed to care, like his grandmother.

I thought she might show up after our talk. Maybe she’s embarrassed at not having been there for him when he was growing up? Afraid he’ll reject her. She shouldn’t be. Snap’s not like that. He only blusters because he thinks she never cared. That she’s like his dad. How do I get Snap and Shirley to connect? They need each other.

I’m glad I decided not to tell him about visiting her though. Even if it’s kind of lying by omission – it’s for his own good – just like Harry lied to me.

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