“I work with a lot of children. Should I be worried about any exposure they might have had? Is it contagious?”
“The virus can be passed around like any other illness, but the chances of it turning into shingles is low. Generally, shingles is triggered by the onset of a stress-inducing incident or anxiety.”
Frankie’s face paled. Charlie kept her upright.
The adoption. My sister. Dad’s extra stress is my fault.
“Thank you, Doctor,” Suzy said.
“Visiting hours are over for the evening. I’d recommend you go home and get some rest. The nurses will call you with any changes. Just be sure to confirm your contact information before you leave.”
“Thanks,” Frankie managed. Her head began to ache. Her pulse was loud in her ears.
Dr. Rudd nodded and exchanged a few words with the nurses at the front desk.
“Charlie, here’s a five. Get Frankie a sports drink from the vending machine,” Suzy told him. “She’s in shock and could use some electrolytes. We’ll just be sitting here.”
He nodded and disappeared down the hall.
Suzy pushed her into a chair. “Shingles is manageable. Rich will recover. He’s also got a strong support system. As do you.”
The words felt hollow. She understood what both the doctor and Suzy were trying to tell her, but it still did little to ease her guilt. It was like a colony of termites was slowly eating away her protective shell from the inside out. She felt raw and exposed. How could anyone stand to be near her?
“This is all my fault.” She took her head in her hands. “I wish I’d never ever opened Pandora’s box.”
“Frankie, this isnotyour fault. Rich would be the first person to say that you didn’t cause him to become ill.”
She shook her head, clenching her fists. “I wasn’t there when he needed me. Again. Itismy fault. I should’ve noticed he didn’t feel well before I left. I should’ve had my phone on me.”
“None of us is perfect. We’re all human. When you left for the day, there is a very good chance your father was in fighting form. You can’t have your phone on you twenty-four-seven.” She felt the comforting weight of Suzy’s arm on her back. “Rich is an adult. He knew to call me when he couldn’t get ahold of you.”
Her head shot up. “But it’s myjobto take care of him. I promised I would after the last time.” Her lips quivered. Her body shook.
“Oh, Frankie, you can’t do everything, as much as you may want to. We all need somebody to take care of us. Even you. I’ll keep repeating it over and over, but you and Rich aren’t alone anymore. You have me and Charlie. We’re your extended support system. Even if your father and I decide to no longer date one another, I’ll still be there for you two.”
Frankie started to cry. She instinctually knew Suzy meant every word she said. She’d never had a mother or a grandmother before, but in Suzy’s arms, she knew she was safe from the world. She knew that everything would be all right.
“It’s been an emotional last couple of days for you both. What you need is a good night’s sleep.”
Charlie shuffled back to the waiting area. “Nan, I’m sorry I took so long. I couldn’t decide what flavor to get so I bought one of everything in the machine.”
Suzy released her. Frankie looked up and noted Charlie’s arms were laden with about eight or nine different colored bottles. She wiped her face with her sleeve and fanned herself.
“I’ll take the yellow one.” She sniffled.
Charlie untwisted the top and handed it to her. The icy cold bottle felt refreshing against her hot skin. She took a long drink.
“Charlie, take her home and make sure she goes straight to bed.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Frankie gulped and opened her mouth to protest.
Charlie shook his head. “Never argue with Nan. She’s the head of the family.”
“That’s right. We grandmothers have awesome powers.”
She sighed, too tired to argue with either one.
