Page 39 of Never Forget

“This isn’t about independence. It’s about safety.”

“It doesn’t have to be long term,” I say, trying to soften the blow. Even though Dr. Keane’s tone couldn’t be softer, I know my grandparents and how hard they’re taking this. “If a facility is out of the question, what about a home health nurse?”

I’m confident that the doctor was going to suggest exactly that before my grandfather cut him off, but if I can make it seem like a negotiation, maybe he’ll feel like he has some control here.

The doctor nods, and I think he understands what I’m trying to do. “I think that could work. How would you feel about that, Mr. Lester?”

Grandfather scowls but looks like he’s considering it at least. He looks at my grandmother. “Linda?”

“How does that work? Where would she stay?”

“He, she, or they could stay in the room I had specifically built for this exact thing.”

My grandfather groans.

Grandmother sighs. “Nazario…”

“Hear me out, please. The house is finished. It’s been finished for weeks. It’s fully accessible and equipped for anything you could need.”

“We’ve discussed this.”

“To be fair, we’ve talked around it and then you shut me out and won’t tell me why. I built that house for you, according to every specification and desire you mentioned. If you’re getting winded walking to the bathroom, what do you imagine walking up all those old, rickety stairs is going to be like? What happens if you fall?”

“I’m not an invalid.”

“Please, just come stay for as long as it takes you to get better. I’ll hire a full-time care nurse.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.”

“No,” Dr. Keane says calmly. “You need medical support. What your grandson is suggesting is ideal. But if you’re unwilling to accept appropriate support at home, I can recommend some facilities.”

That’s the final blow that gets their attention. My grandfather looks horrified and offended by the idea.

“A nursing home?”

“A skilled nursing facility.”

“A nursing home.”

The doctor smiles politely. “You can call it whatever you like. The point is that you’re not currently safe living independently without additional assistance.”

“If you hate it, you can move back out once you’re fully recovered. I won’t argue or complain.”

“Nobody is trying to take away your independence, Mr. Lester. We’re trying to make sure you get to keep it.”

Grandfather sighs deeply, then wheezes out a cough. He looks at Grandmother, then back at the doctor, and then once more at me. He doesn’t meet my eyes, but his chin dips in a sharp nod.

My shoulders drop in relief. “Thank you.”

TEN

SCOTT

Unknown: I have a business proposition for you.

Unknown: Call me before it’s too late.

“You alright?” I ask, gently bumping Naz’s arm with mine as we make our way out of the hospital. It feels like we’ve been there for days, when it’s only been a few hours.