"You thought he wanted you to go away with him? Is that true?"
I turned back to him. "Yes," I said. I heard myself say it and realized I could still be heard. The doctor smiled.
"I'm sure you misunderstood him. Grace. He wouldn't have wanted you to leave your mother and Linden forever, now would he?"
It couldn't be helped. It was orders," I said.
"Well, orders can be rescinded. Just a mistake. Grace. That's all it was."
I shook my head. "No."
"She'll do it again," I heard. Mommy was standing in my doorway. "We've got to do something. I can't live with one eye open all the time. I'll be the one who needs your therapy soon."
The doctor put up his hand without turning back to her and then smiled at me.
"You just relax awhile. Grace. I'm going to speak with your mother. and I'll be back. okay?"
I didn't reply. He rose and went out with her. I heard their muffled voices. Mommy's sobbing, and then I heard the doctor go to our telephone.
I dozed off, and when I opened my eyes again Dr. Anderson was back at my bedside.
"Well now, Grace," he said. smiling. "new orders have come through."
I looked up at him. Was this true?
"You are required to go someplace where people are going to help you get well again. Your Daddy would surely like that, wouldn't he?"
I nodded.
"I want you to take these two pills. Grace. They will help you rest until it's time for you to go, okay?"
I nodded again, and he gave me the pills and some water, bracing me up with his hand as I swallowed, Then he lowered me to the pillow and smiled.
"That's fine, Grace. Good girl," he said. I closed my eyes.
When I opened them again it was already early afternoon. One of our former house servants. Lourdes, was in the kitchen. I could hear her speaking with Mommy, who was going over a list of things she wanted her to do.
"While were away," she repeated, practically beginning every other sentence with it.
Who's going to be away? I wondered. I tried to get out of bed and felt so weak my arms and legs trembled, All I managed to do was sit up.
Sitting up. I was able to see the suitcases in the hallway just outside my bedroom doorway.
"Mommy!" I called, Was she leaving with Linden? She came to the door.
"Well, good, you're awake. The car's coming for us in about an hour. so I'm going to have you shower and dress. Grace. Lourdes will help you if you need help." she said.
"What car?"
"The car that will take us to the airport. Grace. We have to go to the clinic where they can help you Dr. Anderson has arranged it all. He has a friend who owns it and runs it, and he assures me his friend is the best in the profession. His name is Dr De Beers."
"Oh." I said.
"It's for your own good, and mine too." she muttered, "Can you shower and dress yourself?"
"I'm not sure," I said.
I struggled a little, and Lourdes came charging in around Mommy and helped me to my feet and to the bathroom.