the bed, her arms crossed under her breasts, her face
in a scowl.
"We're going to dinner," I said.
"Oh, are you?" He held my wrist and took my
pulse, leaned over and looked at my eyes. "Have you
been taking any pills. Grace?"
"Just to sleep." I said. "I have to sleep." "To sleep?" He looked at Mommy. She shook
her head.
"I haven't given her anything, and she hasn't
gone to anyone to get anything. Bob."
"Grace," he said. "where are these pills?" I lifted my head and then the pillow. He saw the
bottle and took it out to read it.
"Your prescription, Jackie Lee. From the date
on the bottle it looks like a renewal."
"Grace, when did you do that?" "I don't
remember."
Dr. Cook emptied the remaining pills into his
palm and counted them. He looked at the battle again
and then at Mommy.
"Considering what's missing since she got
these, she's been taking at least three or four a day!" "No wonder she's been moving around here like
a zombie. I'm so disappointed in you. Grace. How
could you do such a thing? It's dangerous to do that,
isn't it. Dr. Cook?"
"Of course."
"I had to sleep." I repeated.
"It's better to attack whatever is preventing you
from sleeping. Grace. You're a young woman. You
shouldn't need these on a daily basis." he said, pouring
the pills back into the bottle and handing it to