Impactful Fictional Short Stories-Event 3

Just when I Needed You Most

Cathy shares an Impactful fictional story about a time when she needed her loved ones the most. She was always fortunate to have friends and family that she could rely on during a critical part of her life. They were always understanding, supportive and reliable. Sandra was waiting for a Mental Health Care Assessment and no Financial or Personal Support can be provided with out a proper diagnoses. Everyone in her circle banned together to provide services such as transportation, funding and emotional support. There was a long list of people she knew she could count on for support. However eventually that would all change. Her twisted tales provide a plot twist that is relatable and captivating with a surprising ending.

Sorry I Can’t Help You!

“Another rainy day” I thought to myself. As much as I loved the smell of wet grass and the sound of rain hitting the pavement, today was not a good day for it. Sandra has another dreadful appointment and this time she needed some dental work done. It was hard enough to get her out of the house but I knew taking the bus in the rain would be the perfect storm for another fight. I grabbed the list of numbers on the fridge and started making phone calls. Lately everyone I called had a excuse ready. This time I was sure to find someone that could drive us.

Every person I called was too busy or working. It was obvious my family and friends were tired of driving us and had an excuse ready for the next time I call. Sandra had to make it to her appointment, today she had a 2 teeth that were abscessed. All I needed was a few more dollars and I could Uber there and back.

No Money, No Problem

“Who can I borrow from that I haven’t asked yet!” I thought about how all my debts were growing and I had already borrowed from family and friends. I was hoping that Sandra’s dad would pull through. He was the only one that never asked for the money back. I picked up the phone and after a few short words, Pierre cut me off, “if your asking for money, I’m broke”, he said.

My anger started to grow, I knew he was lying and I could not believe he wouldn’t help. “Really, your not going to help me, You know how urgent this appointment is?”, I said screaming into the phone. Panic set in and I realized he was the last person I should be yelling at. I immediately retracted my comment and apologized. I can’t afford to lose any more family support.

My head began to spin and I was  beginning to feel weak. It was time I sit down and have some breakfast. I was starving but my cupboards were bare. That’s when I realized it was Friday and a box of fresh fruit and bread had not appeared at my door. Every Friday I would call to order food from The Food Bank but I had so much on my plate, I forgot to call them. 

The Perfect Storm

Sandra finally woke up and I dreaded telling her we were taking a bus to the dentist in the rain. I was well aware that forcing her out in the rain would be the perfect storm. It was hard to wrap my head around it, how could you walk around in so much pain and not want to get your teeth done? I tried to remind of the serious impact and how she can die from a blood infection. “Good let me die” she said. “I am way too tired too deal with this today.” I thought to myself. “That’s it!”, I made the decision, today I am canceling her appointment.

The receptionist was very accommodating and rescheduled her appointment for the next day. Last time I received a cancelation fee but she was kind enough not to bill me this time. As soon as I got off the phone Sandra started crying in pain. I offered to call back but she insisted it could wait until the next day. Sandra  grabbed the bottle of Aleve off the table and went back to her room. 

At Last The Day is Over

Finally the day was almost over and I was ready for a good nights sleep. Sandra fed the cat and I put out some food for the neighborhood cat. It was time to grab my bedtime snacks, popcorn and home made Peanut butter cookies. I loved baking and popcorn was affordable. Just as I was getting ready to read my James Patterson Novel, I heard a noise coming from Sandra’s room. “Sandra?’, “you ok?” I then heard her race towards the bathroom when a loud bang got my attention. “What’s going on?” I thought. As much as I was annoyed I was more concerned for her.

Just before I turned the corner from my bedroom, I noticed Sandra’s feet laying across the hall. The closer I got the more I realized she had vomited on the floor. “Great” I thought to myself!” she was in a seizure and there was no way to clear her from the mess. After a few minutes she was finally responsive. “OW!”, she said grabbing her ankle. Suddenly with out warning she seized again. “What was happening?” I thought. Within 2 hours she had 5 seizures and her ankle was now swollen. 

Help is on the Way

I decided it was time to call 911 and help was on it’s way. It was likely dehydration and she needed sodium. Her seizures caused her to lose sodium. By now her ankle was starting to bruise and she could barely walk with out holding the wall for support. Finally the ambulance arrived. Two short but bulky attendants came to her aid. One of the attendants referred to her as the faking girl. “What ever” I thought to myself, I was so upset but stayed calm. I just wanted to get her hooked up to an IV and have her ankle x-rayed. They finally had her registered and brought her to observation where we waited patiently. I knew the drill, hospitals always had a long wait list. 

The doctor was standing at the receptionist desk speaking to the ambulance attendant. It was clear he was mocking my daughters seizure. Finally the doctor entered the small observation room. He asked her a few questions and continued to explain that she likely had a Pseudo Seizure. I knew immediately he was not taking her serious. I than asked him if she can have her ankle x-rayed. He  abruptly turned towards the curtains, looked back and said “You will have to go back and wait in emerge or come back tomorrow. “What?”, I said! I than turned to Sandra and told her were leaving. Suddenly she started vomiting again and started seizing. 

What Was Wrong With My Daughter?

After a few minutes she became responsive but started crying in agony. I apologized to her and explained that we will have to come back tomorrow for her ankle. It’s my mouth mom”, “I’m in so much pain.” She said. That’s when it hit me, maybe she’s sick because of her mouth. “Open up”, I said. She opened her mouth and pointed with her finger. There was a huge gaping black hole in her mouth.

I approached the doctor in the hall just before he was about to see another patient. “Dr, could you please check my daughters mouth, I think that’s why she is so sick”. He looked alarmed and marched back in the room. It didn’t take much to convince him something was wrong. He then ordered tests and explained it may take a while. Sandra kept passing out once they gave her some pain killers. Luckily I brought my book to read. 

Finally the tests results were in and she was diagnosed with Osteomyelitis which is a rare bone infection. They explained that she would need to stay in the hospital for a few days. It took a great deal of convincing her to stay. At least I could go home and get some sleep.

A Moment to Think

It was a long bus ride but I was so relieved to be home. As soon as I got home I slipped in my pajamas and tucked myself in for the night. Within minutes my mind started racing about the day. The thought of caring alone was becoming a major concern. After a couple of minutes my thoughts turned to anger and I knew there was no chance of sleeping now. My rule of thumb was to never lay in bed for longer than 20 minutes. It was now almost two hours and I decided it was time to put the kettle on and get out of bed. The coffee was brewing and I had my smokes and lighter in hand. That’s when it hit me. 

There were candy wrappers, take out containers and empty beverage cups every where I looked. Suddenly I found myself  calculating the waste of dollars we were spending. I made my coffee and headed to the back yard for a smoke. One puff and I began coughing like a chimney. It was hard to accept that I was part of my problem but I was beginning to become more aware.

The more I noticed my bad habits the worse I felt for my family and friends. Was I irresponsible and taking advantage of my loved ones?” I thought. Seconds later I was crying out loud. “What’s wrong with me, how did I let things get this bad?” No one was home so I was able to scream out loud and release some stress.

It’s Time I Make Some Changes I thought. I was ready to accept my life and start over with a new positive attitude.

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