Page 51 of Trace of Doubt
“I’m here with Shelby in a different capacity.”
“Which is?”
“Her transportation and a friend.”
Dad huffed, and in a way his orneriness reminded me of Randy Hughes. “Let’s get this done before Marissa returns.” He opened the door, and I stepped back in time. The smells were the same, except my cherished memories were tainted with medicine.
A small terrier ran to me. The animal must have smelled Joy on me.
“Aria’s dog,” Dad mumbled.
My thoughts scattered. I wanted to run, but I needed to see Mom.
32
How I longed for my reunion with my mother to be filled with life instead of death. I followed Dad into Mom and Dad’s bedroom. Denton had touched my back, and I viewed it as reassurance as he stayed behind. Shadows deepened around the room. Mom loved the sunlight, but the hospice nurse must feel otherwise. My mother’s hair likened to snow, her body frail beneath a white blanket, and I doubted even the sun could rid the ghastly shade of gray on her face.
But her blue-gray eyes were open. “Shelby?” she whispered.
I knelt at her side. “Yes, Mom. I’m here.”
A faint smile curved her mouth. “I’ve been dreaming about a visit from you.” She lifted her hand, and I took it into mine. Fragile... too fragile. The Bible said Jesus was strongest when we’re weak. I feared I’d crumble.
“Are you in pain?”
“Not with you here.”
I kissed her forehead. “Can I open the blinds?”
“Yes, please.”
“Let me help you.” The nurse, a pleasant-sounding woman, allowed streams of late-morning sunshine to fill the room, and I thanked her.
“Wonderful,” Mom whispered. “I’d like a few minutes alone with my daughter.”
“We talked about this.” Dad jutted his jaw.
Mom shook her head. “Clay, I’m dying, and I want time with Shelby. Go, all of you.”
“I’ll take your purse.” Dad held out his hand.
I gave it to him. Did he think I carried something to hurt Mom?
The bedroom cleared, and when the door closed, I turned to her. A tear dripped down my cheek. “I love you, Mom. I’m sorry to have disappointed you.”
“I hear you’re now a Christian.”
“I am. Jesus has my life. I remember when you used to take Marissa and me to Sunday school. You read us Bible stories, prayed with us. I wish I’d found Him back then.”
“But you have now.” She winced.
“Would you like me to call the nurse?”
“No, dear. The angels have been in my room. They’ve told me soon I’ll be with Jesus. Oh, they are beautiful.”
I smiled. “I hope our mansions in heaven are side by side.”
She touched my cheek. “My lovely Shelby. I’ve missed you.”
