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Brenda’s hand when she extended it. “How do you feel?”
    Brenda’s eyes searched Victor’s and then settled on Asia’s. “With a little rest, I’ll be like new again. I’m ready to go home.”
    â€œYou aren’t rushing too fast?” were the first words out of Victor’s mouth.
    â€œMy husband and daughter,” Brenda said to the doctor.
    Before Brenda said another word, the attending doctor turned around. “Hello, I’m Dr. Thorn. Brenda has sustained a few bumps and bruises, but she’ll be all right, considering the banging her car received from all account of things. She needs to take it easy and get plenty of rest—something she could do from home. If she complains of severe headaches or backaches, especially in the first forty-eight hours, she should come back and be reevaluated as soon as possible. She’s free to go now.”
    â€œThank you, Dr. Thorn,” Brenda said, scooting off the table with Asia’s assistance. “Pass me my jacket, Asia, and we can be on our way.”
    â€œThank you, Dr. Thorn, for taking care of my wife. I’ll make sure she follows your instructions.”
    â€œGood deal, Mr. Christianson.” Dr. Thorn took a last look at Brenda and left the room.
    â€œI’ll need a rental car,” Brenda said to Victor as soon as the doctor’s white coat disappeared beyond the curtains that cordoned off her makeshift room.
    â€œYou won’t need one for awhile. You heard Dr. Thorn; you need rest so you can get better. If you hadn’t gone behind my back andtried to see Mimi, this wouldn’t have happened,” Victor whispered.
    â€œDid you miss your lunch with Nikki’s mom today?” Asia asked.
    â€œI was on my way to meet Mimi when I had the accident. It was weird. A car came out of nowhere and hit me in front of the restaurant. It was a hit and run. Mimi doesn’t know, and I’m sure she’s wondering why I didn’t show up. I’ll have to give her a call.”
    â€œYour mother is hard-headed…running after her past. I bet she thinks I had something to do with her accident.”
    Anger replaced the placid look on Brenda’s face.
    â€œYou need to concentrate on getting well,” Victor continued, not missing a beat. “You aren’t going to be running anywhere anytime soon.”
    â€œWhat’s up with you, Dad?” Curiosity clouded Asia’s face.
    Brenda said, “I’d also like to know, Asia.”
    â€œNothing, nothing. Your mother wants to rekindle a friendship that will do more harm than good. What kind of friend walks out on you without a word, never to be heard of again?”
    â€œIsn’t it up to Mom to decide who she does or doesn’t want to see?” Asia said, her head cocked like she was the grownup in charge. Victor scowled at her.
    â€œVictor, I don’t know what’s gotten into you,” Brenda butted in. “I’m a bit shaken up, but I walked away from that accident without one broken bone. Thank you, Lord. Now take me home.”
    â€œMom, I’m coming home with you,” Asia insisted.
    â€œNo, sweetie. You go on back to school. Momma can take care of herself.”

12
    M imi didn’t care what time it was in Germany, she had to talk to Raphael. She set the few groceries she bought down on the kitchen counter, along with her keys and purse, and let out a sigh. She noticed the light on the answering machine was blinking but hesitated, wondering of it was another irate call from Victor. Something had to be done about his intrusion, and only Raphael could calm her nerves.
    Quickly, she put the yogurt, skim milk, apples, lemon, and salmon in the refrigerator. She was dying for the taste of salmon, her favorite. She would broil it after she spoke with her husband.
    Closing the refrigerator door, she reached for her purse to get her BlackBerry so she could call Raphael. As soon