Into the Woods (DeBeers 4)

the bed, her arms crossed under her breasts, her face

in a scowl.

"We're going to dinner," I said.

"Oh, are you?" He held my wrist and took my

pulse, leaned over and looked at my eyes. "Have you

been taking any pills. Grace?"

"Just to sleep." I said. "I have to sleep." "To sleep?" He looked at Mommy. She shook

her head.

"I haven't given her anything, and she hasn't

gone to anyone to get anything. Bob."

"Grace," he said. "where are these pills?" I lifted my head and then the pillow. He saw the

bottle and took it out to read it.

"Your prescription, Jackie Lee. From the date

on the bottle it looks like a renewal."

"Grace, when did you do that?" "I don't

remember."

Dr. Cook emptied the remaining pills into his

palm and counted them. He looked at the battle again

and then at Mommy.

"Considering what's missing since she got

these, she's been taking at least three or four a day!" "No wonder she's been moving around here like

a zombie. I'm so disappointed in you. Grace. How

could you do such a thing? It's dangerous to do that,

isn't it. Dr. Cook?"

"Of course."

"I had to sleep." I repeated.

"It's better to attack whatever is preventing you

from sleeping. Grace. You're a young woman. You

shouldn't need these on a daily basis." he said, pouring

the pills back into the bottle and handing it to