“Addison,” Helen said. “Addison. Can you hear me? Say something. Speak to me. Hello?”
Addison could hear her. She could also feel the palm of Helen’s withered hand slapping against the side of her face repeatedly. Her eyes flashed opened. Helen was poised over her, a glass of water in one hand. Milton stood a couple feet away, phone in hand, ready to dial 9-1-1 if need be.
“Were you planning on pouring water on me?” Addison asked.
“If I had to, yes, I was,” Helen replied.
Addison sat up. “How long was I out?”
“Not more than a minute. What on earth is going on? Have you ever blacked out before?”
“I … I have to go.”
“I think not. You aren’t in any position to walk home right now after what just happened. No way. I’ll not have it.”
Addison boosted herself off the floor, picked her cell phone out of her pocket, and sent Luke a text message. “You know what, Helen? You’re right.”
“What are you doing? Who are you calling?”
“I’m not calling anyone. You don’t have to worry. I’ve asked Luke to come get me.”
“You need to sit down, rest for a few minutes.”
In the interest of soothing Helen’s strained nerves, she complied. She lifted herself back onto the chair and leaned her head to the side, taking a quick glance down the hallway to see if they were alone. “Where did Milton go?”
“I have no idea. Why?”
“How much do you trust him?”
Addison had blurted the question without much forethought as to how her words would be received. Seeing Helen’s hand press to her chest accompanied by her stunned expression, she realized she’d been coarse, too coarse, and it was too late to backpedal now.
“What do you mean, how much do I trust him?”
“I only meant, how well do you know him?”
“Don’t be absurd,” Helen said. “Milton has been my friend and companion for decades. You know this. I trust him with my life. Why would you even ask me such a thing?”
Luke’s truck hummed to a stop outside. Addison stood. “I’m sorry, Helen. I don’t even know Milton. I’m sure he’s very good to you. Forget I asked, okay?”
Addison opened and closed the front door without glancing back, hoping Helen wouldn’t follow her out. A vexatious knot burgeoned inside her.
When her hand grazed Helen’s cane, she’d caught a glimpse into Helen’s future.
A future she wished she hadn’t seen.