A Five-Minute Life

Delia’s cell phone rang in her purse and she rose to answer it.

“How are we doing?” Rita asked. She glanced at my tray. “Not hungry all of a sudden?”

“I feel all over the place,” I said. “I want to head for the front door and keep running. That’s the grief, partly. Like I could escape it if I just went somewhere else.”

Rita nodded, listening intently.

“But also, and this is going to sound horrible…” I lowered my voice. “I’m better.”

Rita glanced around just as Ms. Willis dropped her spoon for the fifth time.

“Not better like superior,” I said quickly. “Literally better. I’m not sick. I don’t belong here anymore.”

“I understand, hon, but it’s only been a few days. Dr. Milton’s procedure is brand new. Not just for you but the entire medical community. The long-term results aren’t yet known.”

“All the more reason for me to get the hell out of here.”

“And do what? Where would you like to go?”

“New York City.”

“That’s a little too much to ask for right now. We need to keep you close. In the event of complications.”

I pursed my lips and buried my disappointment. Rita was a sweet woman and a friend, but she was a medical professional, first.

“Can I at least go shopping for some new clothes?” I indicated the drab outfit. “I mean… Loafers? Really?”

“You can’t leave the premises, honey.”

“Why not? I want to go shopping. Not leave the country. I’ve lost two years. I don’t want to waste one more second.”

She bit her lip, thinking. “Maybe I can get Dr. Chen to allow a short trip if I go with you.”

“A short trip, where?” Delia asked, resuming her seat.

“To the mall,” I said. “Any mall. This wardrobe, Deel?”

“I told you, I’ve been managing our money. High fashion wasn’t a top priority.”

“Clearly,” I said with a laugh and an eye-roll.

“It’s too soon,” Delia said.

“I think Dr. Chen will sign off if I go with her,” Rita said.

“Today?” I said.

“We’ll see,” Rita said, rising. “I’ll go check with her and get your belongings from the safe too.”

“Thanks, Rita. You’re the best.” I felt Delia’s eyes on me. “What?”

“If she says yes, we’re not blowing a ton of money on clothes.”

“Your idea of a ton of money is vastly different from mine,” I said. “Speaking of, how are you affording this place? Insurance? Or has healthcare had a miraculous turnaround in the last two years and everyone’s finally learned we need to take care of each other?”

My sister sipped her tea. “Mom and Dad had an insurance policy, making us the beneficiaries.”

“Oh.” I sat back in my chair. “How much?”