girl."
"What are those pills?" I asked.
"They're just a form of a tranquillizer to keep
her calm," she said.
"Maybe they're doing her more damage." "Are you a doctor?" the plump nurse asked with
a face full of ridicule.
"No, but--"
"Well, her doctor has prescribed them. If you
have a problem with that, speak to Mrs. Greene," she
added and left the room.
"I'd rather speak to the wall," I mumbled. Grandma Belinda was staring out the window
again. I touched her hand and she turned slowly, very
slowly, toward me, her eyes so sad, they put tears in
my heart.
"Grandma, it's me, Melody. Remember?" She
smiled.
"Yes. He told me about you. He said you look
just like your mother." Her smile evaporated. "Only, I
can't remember what she looked like."
"She looked like you," I said.
"Did she?" She smiled again and then gazed out
the window while she spoke. "It's my birthday you
know. We're having guests and a cake.
"Happy birthday, Grandma," I said, tears now
building under my eyelids.
"Everyone's going to sing Happy Birthday to
me." She turned. "Even Olivia, because I'll look right
at her and she'll have to sing. Right?"
"Yes," I said and smiled.
"Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me,