Ansley Park, Atlanta, Georgia, Thursday, 2 May 2013, 18:23
Claire and Rachel are in the living room of their home, following dinner.
Rachel glances up from a magazine she’s reading.
“What does your schedule look like next week?”
“Spotty. Partial days Monday and Tuesday, but full-on Wednesday. No clients yet for Thursday and several who are tentative for Friday.”
“Leah rang me up to remind us about dinner.”
“Oh yeah. Who’s joining us?”
“Usual suspects.”
Claire’s phone rings. She glances at the number and answers.
“Hey, Jodie. What’s up?”
“Hey, Christine. Selma’s in the hospital.”
“What happened?”
“I hadn’t seen her for a day or so and looked in on her this afternoon and she was in bad shape. She couldn’t talk and couldn’t move her right side. The paramedics were certain it’s a stroke. No telling how long she was there.”
“Where is she now?”
“Perry Hospital.”
“Okay. Thanks for letting me know.”
“Are you coming down?”
Claire sighs. “Yeah, probably. I was going to be there anyway in a few days.”
Claire puts away her phone.
“What is it?”
“Jodie said Selma’s in the hospital. Probable stroke. She’s not in very good shape.”
“I assume you’re going down.”
“Yeah. I need to rearrange studio time for a few clients, but that shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Let me see what I can juggle.”
“No. Don’t alter your schedule for this. I’ll ride down tonight and let you know what’s up once I know more.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. It’ll be fine. Lots of family drama but that’s pretty much my family.”
“I’ll be there when you need me.”
Claire hugs Rachel.
“I know you will.”