Stranded by Patricia H. Rushford

Author:Patricia H. Rushford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Published: 2015-09-25T18:19:03+00:00

13

Jennie awoke to the sound of a bell and the smell of food. Silverware clinked.

“I’m sorry to wake you.” Kimberly, the nurse she’d met earlier, touched her shoulder. “It’s dinnertime, and I’m sure you must be hungry.”

Jennie rubbed her eyes and yawned. “Thanks.” She swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Her head throbbed. Again. The juice.

“My head hurts,” she told the nurse. “It hurts every time I wake up. Um … I think it’s the juice. What do you people put in that stuff, anyway?” As soon as she’d said it, she wished she hadn’t. At the moment it didn’t seem wise to trust anyone here—not even the nurse or the doctor.

“Our juice?” She frowned. “Hmm. It’s made with all-natural products. Mainly a combination of fruits and herbs. You could be allergic to one of the herbs. It happens sometimes. I’ll tell Dr. Paul.”

“No, don’t bother. The headaches aren’t that bad. They go away after I eat.”

Kimberly nodded. “Well, if they persist, tell us. We can alter the formula for you once we find out what you’re sensitive to.”

“I won’t be around here long enough for that.” Besides, Jennie added to herself, I don’t plan on drinking any more of it. “How’s Gram?” she asked, changing the subject. The curtains around Gram’s bed had been pushed back, and she looked to be sleeping.

“About the same. We’re hoping to see some improvement by morning.”

“I hope so.”

Jennie sat on a nearby chair to put on her boots. Kimberly and Dr. Paul must have taken them off when they put her to bed. Before leaving, she kissed Gram. “Get better. I’ll be by later. I love you.” This time when Jennie took Gram’s hand, there was a slight pressure. Gram knew she was there. That thought nearly took away the headache and the grogginess still fogging her brain.

On her walk across the compound, Jennie mulled over the suspicions she had about the juice. Kimberly had suggested sensitivity to herbs. Jennie wasn’t convinced. She’d been offered juice by Donovan and the doctor when she’d been upset. Each time she’d come away feeling less anxious and more tired. Had they been putting something extra in her drink?

She made it to the dining room just as the residents were standing to offer thanks. Slipping into the vacant spot beside Eric, Jennie folded her hands and bowed her head. At the end of the table blessing, as they went through the buffet line, she offered a silent prayer of her own. Thank you, God, for bringing Gram here. Please make her better so we can leave. And please help us to get out—and to find out what happened to Eric’s family. Amen.

“Mmm,” Eric licked his lips. “Spaghetti, my favorite.” He piled on noodles and a rich red tomato sauce with what looked like ground beef. Another meat substitute. This time she didn’t ask.

“Looks good.” Jennie’s stomach felt as if it had been neglected for a week. She took an ample portion of the main course, a serving of green beans, a tossed green salad, and a buttery slice of garlic bread.

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