“You’ve been robbed of so much,” Phil whispered. “I think God will let you paint for a while longer.”
Her mother set her brush in the easel’s tray and walked over to her. “Is that your young man?” Sabina asked as she stared at Phil’s painting.
Most of the portrait was still in outline form, an outline she’d sketched from memory. “It is.”
“I hope he comes back to see me soon. He is a very nice young man, Aggie. I’m so happy you found someone like him.”
Phil just smiled. She knew if she tried to talk, those damn tears would start flowing.
They stayed in the garden for another hour, their conversation jumping from one decade to another. As usual, Phil tried to follow as best she could, and she embellished whenever necessary. When the nurse came to retrieve Sabina for afternoon exercise, Phil bade her mother goodbye with a kiss on the cheek and a promise to return in a few days.
On her way out of Mossy Oaks, she stopped in the director’s office.
“She seems to be doing well,” she said to Dr. Beckman.
“We haven’t had any more episodes,” he told her. His face took on a thoughtful, contemplative look. “Can you close the door? I’d like to speak to you privately, Ms. Phillips.”
Fear threaded down Phil’s spine. “Is there a problem?” she asked.
“No. Actually, this may be the best thing that’s happened in quite some time.” He gestured for her to take a seat. When she was settled, he continued. “There is an experimental study being conducted at LSU’s medical school, and they’ve contacted Mossy Oaks for study subjects. I believe your mother would be a good candidate.”
Phil’s heart started pounding against her ribcage, curiosity and hope flooding her brain as the facility’s director gave her an overview of what the study would entail.
“This wouldn’t cure her,” Dr. Beckman was quick to point out. “But, if successful, it could significantly slow the progression of her disease.”
Phil brought a trembling hand to her mouth.
“I don’t want to get your hopes up,” he cautioned her. “Remember, it’s experimental, and there are no guarantees, but it’s something to consider.”
“Whatever can be done, do it,” she said. “I need her here as long as possible. Even if she thinks I’m my aunt Agatha.”
Dr. Beckman nodded and smiled. “Good. I’ll keep you abreast of the study. And when it’s time, I’ll have the paperwork for you to sign.”
Phil couldn’t help it. She stood, walked over to the director, and wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you so much for all you do.”
Even if she had to sell her house and live on the streets, she would do whatever she had to do to keep her mother at Mossy Oaks. Moving her from this place and its amazing staff wasn’t an option.
Her cell phone started ringing as she made her way to the parking lot. Phil recognized the number; it was the real estate company she’d hired to sell the properties she owned in Maplesville. Dread climbed up her spine. What was it now? A fire? Vandals? Termite infestation?
“Hello?” she answered, preparing herself for the worst.
“Hello, Ms. Phillips, this is Marla Conner with Conner Realty. I have some good news for you.”
Phil stopped in her tracks. “Yes?” she asked, too afraid to hope.
“We have a buyer for one of your properties,” the woman said.
“Oh my God,” Phil breathed. Her knees nearly buckled with the relief that crashed through her. “Are you serious?”
“I sure am. A husband and wife and their beautiful twin girls. They just moved down from Jackson, Mississippi. They said the house is perfect for them.”
“That’s just… It’s wonderful,” Phil said, still breathless. The anxiety that had been weighing down on her chest like a boulder slowly began to lift.
“Congratulations,” Marla said. “Let’s hope we can move the other two houses soon.”
“Let’s hope,” Phil replied. She made plans to meet with the Realtor at her office tomorrow to go over the details of the impending sale.
After she ended the call, Phil sat in her truck for several long moments, staring at Mossy Oaks’ beautiful chateau-style exterior. An overwhelming sense of peace settled into her bones as she thought about the doctors and staff and how her mother would now be able to remain under their care for the foreseeable future.
