Page 170 - The Houseguest

planned at one point on bringing Laura to her to appeal to her maternal instincts. However, after he’d met her, he was thankful he hadn’t followed through with that plan.
She was huddled in the corner of an overpass, with a blanket, an uncanny comparison to her own daughter huddled in the corner of her room. The pavement slanted downward and he saw the traces of urine that gravity had pulled down to the weeds below. He approached her slowly so as not to startle her. After all, his objective was to befriend her, to talk some sense into her. He sat down about six feet away as she stared up at the pylons securing the road to the structure. The cars and trucks made a loud echoing noise as they passed overhead. There was almost a drumbeat rhythm as they drove over each expansion joint in the concrete. She didn’t seem to notice his presence there. Maybe she was just used to other addicts seeking shelter in her makeshift home site.
He moved closer, and still she seemed completely unaware. He realized then that she was stoned beyond reach and he’d have to catch her at a different time, between highs. Yet, he would try to speak to her regardless. “Emma?” She shot an immediate glance in his direction. He wondered if she would recognize him. “Emma Travis?” She looked surprised and frightened, and suddenly began gasping for air. He thought she was having some sort of drug-induced seizure. He waited until she gained control and added, “I’m Brian, Laura’s brother.”
Giant tears welled up in her eyes. “Laura? You know Laura?” He nodded his head and removed a tattered photo from his wallet. He handed it to her noticing the needle marks in her filthy arm as she
170
The Houseguest by Linda Ellis www.LindaEllis.life