“You’ve got to take it easy on him, Sam. He’s been through a lot.”

I roll my eyes, thankful for the sunglasses on my face. “You’ve been through hell and back and you don’t act like a jerk to everyone.”

I pull into the clinic parking lot, hoping like hell she’s ready to let the conversation of her son die. I look at my watch then glance toward Margie, blowing out an exaggerated sigh. “Ready?”

She peers at me with the same sad eyes I’ve grown accustomed to. “The things he’s seen and done while serving have changed him.”

“Luke’s shitty attitude started before he enlisted. I know he’s your son. I know you love him but he doesn’t have permission to treat anyone like garbage.” Margie opens her mouth, but I manage to cut her off. “We need to get inside or you’ll be late for your appointment.”

After the short walk inside, Margie doesn’t bother checking in with the receptionist; instead, she immediately sits down, doing her best to catch her breath. Once I’ve signed her in, I take a seat next to her. “Have you been feeling okay?”

“Oh, yes. I’m doing fine dear.”

“Are you sure? Because you look—.”

“Margaret Runyan?” Margie pushes to her feet and limps towards the nurse.

I’m not sure when it happened, because it feels like it happened overnight, but clearly Margie’s health is failing. Almost an hour passes before Dr. Russell steps through the door and motions for me to follow him.

“What’s wrong?” I question the second I step into his office.

“I think Margaret had another mild stroke.”

My heart drops to my stomach. “What? She didn’t say anything.”

“I don’t think she knows. It could’ve happened while she was sleeping or been mild enough that she didn’t understand what transpired.” He pauses, wearing a grim smile. “Her limp is more pronounced and overall she doesn’t seem to be in as good of condition as she was last month. I’d like to send her to the hospital for an MRI but she’s refusing.”

“What? Refusing? Why would she do that?” Margie usually agrees with everything Dr. Russell says.

“I think she might be in denial.”

“I’ll figure out a way to convince her.” Doing my best to keep my tears at bay, I stand up, on a mission to find Margie. I noticed she hasn’t acted like herself lately but I’ve been busier than normal, not to mention since I heard Luke was coming home I’ve had an unbelievably hard time focusing on anything else.

“Thanks, Sam. I knew this was going to be hard to hear, but I’d really like to do another MRI and see what we’re dealing with.”

“Consider it done.”

I jump out of the truck and race around to the other side, helping Margie out of the truck. “It’s just a test; I don’t know why you’re refusing.”

“Because I’m fine. I don’t need a test to tell me what I already know.”

She yanks her hand from mine and wobbles up the sidewalk to the house.

“Your insurance will cover the test and it will give Dr. Russell an idea of what’s going on?”

“No, Sam; I don’t need it.”

“What’s going on?” Luke asks, standing in the doorway to the living room.

“Nothing,” Margie scolds, narrowing her eyes in my direction.

Message received, loud and clear. She doesn’t want me talking about her condition with Luke.

“I need to go, but think about what we talked about. Please?” I’m not sure what I’ll do if something happens to this woman.

“I’ll see you Saturday. We’re still having dinner as planned, right?”

I refuse to look at Luke as I answer, “Of course, it wouldn’t be the same without you. Call if you need anything.”

I make it out the door and down the sidewalk, my truck only inches away when Luke catches up with me.

“What’s going on with Mom?” He nods his head toward the house while his brown eyes burn into mine. For a brief minute, my mind slips to the past. To a time when he claimed to love me but I quickly shake those thoughts off. “If she wants you to know, she’ll tell you.”

“You can’t be serious.” He sarcastically laughs, crossing his incredibly large arms over his chest, narrowing his eyes. “You of all people know my mother isn’t going to admit to anything being wrong.” He’s right but that doesn’t mean I can or should tell him anything. Instead, I ignore the way he’s attempting to intimidate me into answering him, open the truck door and mumble, “Have a good day.”

Luke used to be someone I couldn’t get enough of. He captured my soul the first time his lips touched mine. There was nothing I wouldn’t have done for him. Now, he’s just a man I can’t seem to get away from fast enough.