Kat stared at Jace’s map. Its clusters and webs reminded her of neural pathways and the dementia overtaking Harry’s brain. Plaques and tangles breaking through his last lines of defense, smothering synapses and trapping memories. Battle lines were redrawn daily as dementia encroached further into his mind and body.
Harry slammed a file cabinet in the outer office and muttered something unintelligible.
Kat jumped.
“What’s wrong with you?” Jace asked. “Didn’t you hear me?”
Kat met his eyes and couldn’t answer. Her lower lip trembled.
“Why are you staring at me like that?”
Kat burst into tears. “Harry’s got Alzheimer’s.”
Jace didn’t hesitate. He pulled her close, holding her against his chest as the tears flowed down her cheeks. “So, now the diagnosis is official.”
“You don’t seem surprised.”
Jace pulled back to meet Kat’s eyes. He stroked her cheek. “C’mon, Kat. We both know what’s been happening to him. His delusions and accidents. It’s more than just forgetfulness. But why didn’t you talk to me?” He pulled her towards him. “You knew before—at the doctor’s office?”
“Yes.” She didn’t mention the first appointment. Her tears soaked his shirt as she burrowed her face into his chest.
“But you kept it from me? Why?”
How could she tell him why? Tell him she was afraid he would leave her? He would be insulted at the suggestion. But her father left. Maybe Jace would too.
“I was waiting for the right time.”
“The right time was the minute you knew, Kat. You didn’t want to tell me—you know how that makes me feel?” Jace turned away, a hurt expression in his eyes.
“I didn’t know what to say.” He was right of course, but she was scared.
Jace pulled her close and kissed her. “Kat, I love you. I have a right to know. You just can’t leave me out of things like this.”
“I know, but talking about it—it just scares me. It makes it too real. I can’t deal with it right now.” Kat willed herself to stop crying. Crying never solved anything.
”Your mom had Alzheimer’s.”
She nodded as tears streamed down her face.
There—he’d said for her, out loud. She was just fourteen when her mom died and she’d moved in with the Dentons. Uncle Harry and Aunt Elsie. And Hillary.
“Does Harry know?”
“I’m not sure. He seemed to understand, but now he’s forgotten all about it.”
“Everything will be fine, Kat. We’ll deal with it.” Jace stroked her cheek and wiped away a tear.
“I don’t want Harry to end up like her, Jace.”
She still held out hope that the diagnosis was a mistake. But in her heart she knew otherwise.
“I’ll help with Harry. Don’t worry about anything.”
They were interrupted by a crash coming from the reception.
“Uncle Harry?”
Kat ran down the hall, with Jace close behind her.
Harry lay on the floor. His upturned chair was beside him, wheels still spinning. He held his shoulder and winced in pain.
“I’m okay. Just lost my balance.”
“Never stand on a chair with wheels, Uncle Harry.”
“I had to help her. The file was on the top shelf.” Kat’s office previously housed a dental practice, with floor to ceiling filing. She didn’t use the top rows, but hadn’t got around to renovating yet.
“Help who? Nobody’s here but you.”
“Hillary,” Harry explained. “She needed a file for her school project. It’s due tomorrow.”
“Right,” Kat said. “I don’t see her. Where is she now?”
“She had to go. Or she’d be late for school.”
Kat fought the urge to cry. Jace had no idea what he was in for, and she couldn’t expect him to help for long. It was too much to ask of anyone.