Page 72 of The Healing Garden
“We were,” Anita said.
“Phyllis had a stroke,” Carly said. “She’s talking, though—but it’s really slow.”
“I’m glad to hear she’s speaking. What have the doctors said?”
“We don’t have a lot of information yet,” Anita said. “They’re still doing tests, but her left side is basically immobile. She’ll be in the hospital for a few days, then moved to a rehab center for a while.”
Wyatt puffed out a breath. “That’s rough.”
“Her son Cameron is with her, though,” Anita continued. “So things are getting taken care of.”
“We’re going to watch the house,” Carly added.
Wyatt smiled. “Of course you are. You’re good neighbors to her.”
Anita didn’t miss the trepidation in his eyes even though his tone was light. “What brings you to our neighborhood in the middle of the day?” she finally asked.
“Oh...well, I got a phone call from Lila,” he said, slipping his hands into his pockets.
“What?” Carly said. “I thought she said she didn’t want to hear from us again.”
“That’s what I thought too.” Wyatt offered a brief smile. “She said that Susan wants to talk to my grandpa. She was very insistent about it, so Lila was finally forced to call me.”
“Wow,” Anita said. “That’s great, right? They can discuss the past and maybe find some healing.”
Wyatt gave a short nod. “Yes, right. But here’s the thing. Lila told me that Susan wants to talk to Grandpa in person. She won’t have it any other way.”
“In person?” Carly said. “Is Susan coming to visit, then?”
“Not exactly.” Wyatt rotated his shoulders. “Lila said that Susan doesn’t travel. So I’m going to have to take Gramps to her.”
Anita stared at him. “Will your grandpa be up for the road trip?”
“I honestly don’t know,” he said. “I need to talk to the medical director at the center. Find out if he’s under any traveling restrictions. I don’t think he is, though. I’d just have to be updated on his medication schedule and his general routine.”
Anita watched the worry flit across his face. “That’s a lot of responsibility to take him by yourself.”
“Yeah, I thought so too,” Wyatt continued. “I talked to my sister about an hour ago, and there’s no way she can get any days off work right now. She just took a vacation last month.”
Anita didn’t know if he was asking, directly or indirectly, but he had driven to her house in the middle of the day to talk about this. “When are you thinking of going?”
“This weekend, if possible.” Wyatt folded his arms. “I mean, waiting only drags everything out.”
“How long of a trip?”
Wyatt’s gaze focused on her—he knew where this was leading. “Three days. Driving one day, the second day for the visit, then returning the third.”
“Carly and I can come with you if you want extra help.”
Carly squealed. “Really, Mom?”
“Really,” she said, but kept her gaze on Wyatt.
His expression was one of gratitude and relief. “Are you sure? I mean, I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t important, because I know you have your own lives.”
She touched his arm. “I’m sure. It will be a fun adventure, and as you can see, Carly is ready to pack.”
Carly laughed and hugged Anita, then she hugged Wyatt.