Page 32 - Self Talk

“Susan's had a rough morning but she's been looking forward to your visit all week. I would appreciate it if you would make it brief. Her bedroom's at the end of the hall on the left.”
The hallway was no more than 25 feet long but it seemed like 25 miles. My feet felt like lead as I passed a blur of family photos on the wall. The house was unbearably warm. I started to sweat and the lump in my throat reappeared, much larger than before.
I had rehearsed my half of the conversation too many times to count, but now my mind was blank. I tapped on the door, opened it gingerly and peered inside.
Shocks of bright red peonies papered the walls and matching drapes in an otherwise cheerless room. Susan was neatly tucked in the center of a queen-size,