I sink back into my seat, annoyed. She knows I’m sick, I can tell. She's the same flight attendant we had on the trip here, and while she was polite the first time, now she's hovering.Coddling, like I'm a toddler afraid of flying.
I should've known this would happen. Once one person knows that you’re sick, word tends to spread. I’m sure James informed his entire staff of my condition. He’ll probably tell all his friends next, and then allmyfriends will know. Just like that, I’ll be the sick girl again.
Since our wedding, I've been living in a fantasy world, one where I exist as more than just a sick girl. I was a wife, a friend, a respected artist. Now, I'm just this fragile porcelain doll that everyone has to avoid upsetting.
“Anything?” the flight attendant says, worry creeping into her eyes.
“I’m fine, thanks.” I force a smile.
“If you need anything, anything at all, just press the call button,” she says. Then she points to it, like I’m too stupid to find it for myself.
I slump down in my chair when she finally disappears to the back of the plane. I know none of this is her fault. She's just treating me the way her boss—James—wants her to.
Thankfully, when I pull out my phone, it’s connecting perfectly to the plane’s WiFi. I should probably send the girls a text, letting them know I was in the hospital. At least this way, I can control the narrative.
Maura
Don’t freak out. I’m fine. I just wanted to let you know I had a minor medical incident in Greece and had a brief stay in a hospital. I’m on my way home now.
Brinley
WHAT DO YOU MEAN, DON’T FREAK OUT????
Brinley
YOU CAN’T SAY THE WORD HOSPITAL AND EXPECT ME TO NOT FREAK OUT.
Cat
What happened?? How are you feeling??
Maura
I collapsed on a hike. I pushed myself a little too hard, that’s all. I should have drunk more water.
Pippa
You ended up in the hospital for days for…dehydration?
I rub my forehead. I should have known her journalistic instincts would spot the poor cover-up.
Maura
Long story short: I have a preexisting condition. It was just a bad combo. Again, I’m fine.
Another text comes in. This time, it’s just from Brinley, outside the girls group chat.
Brinley
I’m glad you’re coming home, but are you really okay? I want all the details you’re comfortable giving me. If you want to keep things to yourself, that’s fair, too, I’m just being a worrywart.
My mouth softens. Brinley doesn’t give her affection easily. I don’t know what made her put her guard up so high, but I do know I was lucky to get to the other side of it. She really cares about me—sometimes to a fault.
She’s earned the truth, and I trust her with it.
Maura
I have a heart condition. It’s mostly under control now, but it’s serious. I’ve dealt with it a long time, and it’ll be something I’m always dealing with. I haven’t brought it up before because people treat me differently once they know, and I didn’t want that from you.
