Sierra by Lee Dawna

Author:Lee Dawna [Lee Dawna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LeeDawna Books, Inc.
Published: 2023-07-19T00:00:00+00:00

~17~

Dr. Sparks is younger than I expected. For some reason, that’s all I can focus on while words spill out of his mouth with an even cadence. There’s a gray patch of hair by his ears so that must mean he’s older than his youthful face is willing to admit. I wonder if the gastroenterologist will be the same? That’s the next appointment on our list. I only started with the neurologist because assessing a brain issue seemed to be a bit more important than Mom’s GI problems. Now, I’m not so sure. I’d rather not hear what Dr. Sparks is saying.

“Miss Clifton?” His brows knit together and before I start counting the hairs in each bushy row, I clear my throat.

“Sorry, this is just a lot to take in.”

He offers me a grim smile. “I know. That’s why I asked you to step out into the hallway with me, there’s no point in worrying your mother any further. I do need you to be honest in answering my questions though. Is your mother typically this combative with you?”

I cup a hand over my opposite arm and slowly pull up my sleeve, uncomfortable with the truth I’m trying to hide. “My whole life, she’s lived in a constate state of being agitated with me, so that part is normal. What you just saw in the examination room is tame, though, compared to the episodes she’s been having lately. These fresh scratches are from this morning. She fought me like I was Satan trying to drag her into Hell when I was only trying to wash her hair.”

He scans the marks on my arms. “You mentioned that you haven’t been around a lot in recent years. Since you’ve been back, is your mother’s behavior toward you worse, better, or the same as when you left?”

I lower my sleeve. “I’d have to say her behavior is just…different. Before, she didn’t fight me, she’d just hit me.”

“Was this abuse happening daily?” he asks.

I shrug, choosing my words carefully so I don’t get stuck reliving the details. “Sometimes. But she mostly left me alone as long as I didn’t get in her way or bug her about anything. The only time she really came after me was if I dumped out her alcohol. Back then, she could get around though, so she always managed to get more liquor. Now, she’s too weak to go out on her own.”

He nods. “How long has it been since she reached this point where she can’t get around on her own?”

Embarrassment colors my cheeks. “I’m not entirely sure. After I left home, my aunt was the one checking on Mom but Aunt Diana didn’t really monitor whether or not Mom was going out or having someone bring alcohol to her. She did tell me that a local bar owner was bringing Mom bottles of liquor every week, but he’s not doing that anymore.” My pulse quickens, all too aware that Rusty is now permanently removed from Mom’s life.

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