Short Story

I did not expect to get home this late. Work was atrocious, and the kids have yet to finish their homework. As we pull into the driveway, I see a head peeking out the window. Ms. Jones doesn’t mind staying a few extra minutes, but two hours late is excessive.

“Michael, Sarah we’re home.” I look in the back seat and see my two angels fast asleep. I hate waking them up because it will for sure be a hassle for them to head to bed later. Stepping out of the car, I go to the back and unbuckle the two of them. With minimal protest from the children, they wake up and step out of the car. We gather our belongings and head inside.

“Ms. Jones I am so sorry we’re late. The office offered me overtime and I called the house, but no one answered the phone” I said.

Ms. Jones looked at me and sighed “Child, you’re going to work yourself to death.”

I move into the kitchen and place my purse on the counter.

“I’ll be alright Ms. Jones. How was your day today? Where is my mother?”

“She’s sitting in the living room, watching television” Ms. Jones grabs her purse and we make our way to the door.

“Thank you so much for your help. I know it is difficult taking care of her especially since she’s been forgetful”

“It’s not a problem. I will see you tomorrow morning bright and early. Good Night.”

“Good Night Ms. Jones. Be safe and thanks again”

I shut the door, closed my eyes, and take a deep breath. Before I can open my eyes, I hear crying and footsteps approaching.

“Mommy! Michael won’t let me play with him!” Sarah whines. Michael holds the toy behind his back and begins to protest.

“Mommy she can’t just play with my robot!”

“Stop all this arguing. Why don’t you both go and wash up for dinner?”

The two of them race up the stairs to their room. I make my way to the living room and my mom is sitting in her favorite rocking chair ready for bed.

“Hey mom, how was your day?” I ask as I place a kiss on her forehead.

“It…. was…. good” a breathless whisper replies. My heart leaps for joy when I hear her answer. It is not because her day was good but it’s because she answered. Once the Parkinson’s took away her speech it took away my mom too. The doctor says is hard for her to speak because the nerves in her face and mouth needed to speak are damaged.

“Did you eat dinner already? Would you like to eat?” I ask my mom. She shakes her head “no.”

“Alright, I’m going to heat up some food for the children.” I make my way to the kitchen and start putting things in order. Once the kid’s plates are in the microwave, I move to set the table. The mail was piling up, so I decided to look through it. Right at the top of the pile in big bold red letters “NOTICE” from the insurance company. I tare open the letter and begin to read what it says.

“We are sorry to inform you that the brain stimulation surgical procedure is not covered under the policy plans for those who are on disability.” My heart drops. This cannot be happening. The doctor predicted that the surgery would help my mom function better. I don’t make enough money to pay for this procedure out of pocket. My head starts spinning. The only other options I can think of is to get a third job or take out a loan. Taking out a loan would mean putting our house up as collateral and I don’t think—

“Beep Beep Beep” The microwave rings and I snap back to reality. I grab the plates of food and carefully walk them to the table. Before I reach the kids’ seats, I feel two little bodies push past me.

“You two are always running. Don’t come crying to me if one of you fall.” Once the plates are in front of them, they start digging in. I am proud that the kids love my cooking, even if it is leftovers.

“Mommy, are you going to eat with us?” Michael questions. Normally I always eat with them but tonight that letter made my stomach queasy.

“No, my love, Mommy is going to eat a bit later”

I let the kids finish off their meals and go to my mom.

“Mom let’s get you into bed for the night. It’s getting late” The remote was in her lap so I turned off the television. I help her up and we walk slowly to her room. She gets into bed.

“You used to tuck me in just like this ma and now I’m tucking you in.” It all comes full circle.

“Good night ma. Sleep well. I love you.” She looks at me and does her best smile. I close the door behind me and make my way back to the kitchen. The kids are almost done eating.

“When you both finish eating go get ready for bed please”

In the morning, the first thing I’m going to do is stop at the bank. Hopefully, I can get a loan for the surgery and if not, I might have to tap into our savings fund.

“Mommy, what’s not ice?” Sarah asks randomly.

“Not ice? Where are you getting that from sweetie?

“She means notice mom.” Michael says pointing at the paper on the table.

“Oh, that has nothing to do with you both. Pass me your plates now it’s getting late”

Both children hurry upstairs while I finish tidying downstairs.

As I make my way upstairs, I hear two voices whispering.

“I don’t think that’s what it means Michael”

“Then why else would mom have that paper. We are moving”

“No, we are not moving,” I say when I walk in.

“Into your beds please” Without hesitation, both of them scurry into their beds and get comfortable.

“We are not moving anywhere as of right now; this is our home. I told you two not to worry about anything.”

“Are you sure mommy because I heard that if your moving, they give you a notice about when you have to pack up and go and—”

“Michael I am sure we are not moving. Where did you hear such a thing?”

“Brian at school moved out of town and before he left, he was talking about a notice”

“It’s alright you don’t have to worry about anything because we are staying right here. Time for lights out now. I love you both so much” I tuck Sarah and Michael in and kiss them on the head. I feel guilty telling them that we are staying right here because what if we lose the house because of the loan.

I make my way to my bedroom and get ready for bed. After a nice relaxing shower, I grab my laptop and begin to look up Parkinson’s medications. Ever since my mother became sick my free time has been spent looking up new medications or new treatments that would assist how she’s living. Her muscle movement has become better with the addition of physical therapy, but I want her to feel as normal as she can. As I’m searching for medications, I stumble upon a drug called Selegiline which is covered by Medicare. We aren’t below the poverty line so I never thought we would qualify for government assistance. I began looking into Medicare and discovered the opportunity it offers.

The different branches accommodate everyone. I read about Part A coverage for hospitalization. They will help cover any inpatient care in hospitals and my mother’s surgery would be considered urgent in their eyes. First thing I’m going to do in the morning is call them and see how much of the procedure would they cover. Maybe I won’t have to go to the bank after all.