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Claire was moved at the obvious sincerity in Dr Mauldin’s voice She could tell that her mother was also soothed by his prooing to go set up sohter have a chance to visit If it's ok, I’ll call you Evelyn froood friends before this is over" Her reement, and Dr Mauldin left them alone

Claire looked down at herto be okay; I know you’re scared but please believe ill get you the help you need"

Tears started to flow from herherto say her name after several attempts was one of the sweetest and saddest moments of her life

"Moth back up You heard Dr Mauldin say they’re doing tests today so they’ll kno best to help you"

"SoorryNot…G…ood…Mo…ure out what herto say to her "Mom! Why would you say that? This isn’t your fault and it sure doesn’tsick will never change that" As her own tears began to flow despite her best efforts to hold them back, Claire reached down to brush the tears away from her mother’s cheeks

"Didnot…save…my…baabies" In thatto Even after he was gone, the presence of her father lingered heavily in the room alive in both her mother’s and Claire's memory

The abuse she received at the hands of her father would never leave her, but she’d ed to make a life for herself Her mother, however, had never really had that reprieve Shewith an abusive husband to the prison of Alzhei in around her Regret and so close to shame were clearly reflected in the depths of her eyes

"Mom, the past is over Daddy made you a prisoner, but now you’re free and you deserve to be happy and enjoy your life I realize that you spent er onto you and away from us" Claire leaned down and put her arms around her mother as best she could, and they stayed like that until the door opened

"Can anyone join in this hug?"

Claire saw Louise s then" Claire insisted that Louise take the one chair in the rooet here thisto call and see if you wanted me to pick you up"

"My sister dropped hed Louise "You know nothing can keep her fro payoff"

Claire noticed her mother looked much better since Louise arrived She’d been part of their lives for so long that she was like a sister and maybe a bit of a ht the sa influence to herto shten the mood

~~~

Glenda arrived around eleven and wheeled her oing to the restrooo to the waiting rooazines to pass the time As she neared the nurse’s station she was surprised to see Jason deep in conversation with Dr Mauldin

Jason spotted her and walked over to give her a hug "Hi there, how is your ood When did you get here?"

"A few o," said Jason "Iup We both serve on some of the same charities and have known each other for years Your mother couldn’t be in better hands I told Tom that your mother was to have whatever she needs so don’t worry about anything"

Claire felt her spine stiffen She gave Dr Mauldin a tight smile and turned to Jason "May I talk to you privately for a moment please?"

Obviously puzzled by her behavior, Jason replied, "Sure Toain I’m sure ill talk soon"

Jason steered her down the hall and stepped out a side door into a small courtyard When he attempted to put his arms around her, she stiffened and pushed away "Jason, ere you discussing my mother’sconfused, he said, "As I mentioned, Tom and I are friends, and I wanted him to know that your ht need Doctors have their hands tied these days getting insurance companies to approve adequate care for their patients, and I don’t want this to be the case with your mother; I kno important she is to you"

"Jason, I appreciate the fact that you’d care, but I need to make these decisions I realize that you’re somewhat in the know about my mother’s financial situation; however, I must be co her care I can’t proive them a blank check for whatever they dee arrangements as soon as the doctor discusses options with ME"

"Honey, you don’t have to worry about looking at options I’ht need You don’t need the additional stress of thinking aboutabout yourbetter than to help you I’ to take over here, but I do want your mother to have every opportunity to recover," assured Jason