The Woman Behind the Glass Wall

by DB Jones

Jacob took another sip of his scotch while searching for the right words for his father. “I thought we’d keep the den as it is. It seems the perfect place to unwind. What do you think about removing the wall between the downstairs bedrooms to enlarge your personal space? That way you’d have access to the back patio toward the lake and shade from the Camphor tree when you sit outside.”

  “Son, that seems like a lot of trouble to go through. I can be happy with just moving into your room. I don’t need a whole suite.”

  “No, but it would be nice and while the construction is underway. I could use the guest room at the end of the hall. I’ve wanted to do some upgrades around here, and I’d like your input on them. What do you say, Dad?”

  “Sounds like a lot of work, but if that’s what you want.”

  “Are you happy with it?”

  “Are you sure you want to tackle all this? You’re busy with a lot going on right now. Your research, your surgeries and now you’ve taken on this project with this new patient.”

  “I could use the distraction. As far as the new patient; I find her case very interesting and challenging.”

  “When do you want to start on this project?”

  Jacob smiled. “Let’s not waste any time. I’ll make a few calls tomorrow so that we can meet with the architect soon. Dad, this will be fun. This old place could use a few changes.”

  Senior grinned, took another sip of his drink and leaned back in his chair. I hope he’s not doing all this just for me. “Not to change the subject, but how is this case of your’s coming along? Have you convinced your patient to have the tests you want?”

  “No. I’m working on building her trust. Something in her past is holding her back. She won’t talk about it. She gets upset with the mere mention of going outside then retreats into her world behind her glass wall.”

  “Well, if anyone can gain her trust, I’m sure you can.” He yawned and sighed. “I think I’d better get myself to bed. It’s been a long day for me too.” Senior walked to the doorway, hesitated before turning to Jacob. “Thank you, Son.”

  Jacob gave a slight grin. “Hey, I’m doing this for both of us. See you in the morning.”

  “In the morning.”

  “Dad?”

  “Yes?”

  “I love you.”

  “Love you, too, Son.”

  Jacob finished his drink, walked into his bedroom and stood in the center of the room imagining what changes he’d like to make to accommodate his father, without making it look like it was the next step in his father’s decline. He nodded his head. “Yeah, knocking out this wall is going to give Dad the space he’ll need. I can put a desk in there facing the lake. I’ll need to raise the patio, so he won’t risk falling when he steps outside. I’m going to have to do it without drawing too much attention to the project. He’s a proud man.”

  He walked back to the den, poured a short one, grabbed the Parker files and headed to the living room. He pulled out his cell phone and started to call Sydney when he noticed the time. “Jacob, not everyone stays up half the night. You can call her in the morning.” He read over every aspect of her file several times, hoping to find a clue to what happened. “It’s clear she doesn’t want to talk about her injuries. But the more I know, the better I can treat her. If she’ll let me.” He leaned back on the sofa and drifted off to sleep.

  Senior had a hard time sleeping that night. He tossed and turned as he imagined what his new room was going to be like. “I can’t believe that I’m getting excited at the prospect of having a new room, and right off the patio.” He turned toward the clock. It was 5:30 a.m. “I might as well get up and fix some coffee.” He tiptoed passed Jacob’s room expecting his son would still be sleeping. However, on the way to the kitchen, he glanced in the living room and saw Jacob asleep on the couch. “Oh, no. I’m sure he has surgery today.” He quietly made his way into the kitchen and started the coffee.

  “Is that fresh coffee I smell?”

  Senior looked up and saw his son staggering into the kitchen in the same clothes he had on the night before. “Don’t you have a surgery scheduled this morning?”

  “I did, but it was postponed, so I have the day off. I’m going to try again with my patient.”

  “Well, I sure hope you’re not going to wear the same clothes you slept in,” his dad chuckled.

  Jacob looked down at his disheveled attire. His shirt was halfway tucked in, and his trousers were crinkled. “I guess I was so excited about planning our renovations that I fell asleep on the couch.”

  “I have to admit that I was, too. I didn’t get much sleep either. At first, I wasn’t sure, but the more I thought about your ideas, the more I liked the thought of being right off the patio. You know how much I like sitting out there.”

  “Yes, I do. That brings me to another idea that I want to run past you.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Grab your coffee and follow me.”

  Senior followed Jacob outside, and they both stood looking around at the old patio. “What are your plans?”

  “For the longest time, I’ve wanted to tear up these broken bricks and put down flagstone. What do you think?”

  His dad turned to Jacob. “I think that’s a great idea. To tell you the truth, Son, I was hoping you’d replace those broken bricks. I’ve been afraid that one day you’d trip and fall.”

  Jacob bit his lip to keep from laughing. “Yeah, those could be a real hazard.”

  They both started to laugh.

  “Well, now that we have a plan in place I’m going to make some calls today. What are you doing today?”

  Senior’s face became solemn, he tightened his lips, furrowed his brow and then set his coffee mug down. “I have a meeting with Tyler today about taking over the practice.”

  “What? I knew you were planning that someday, but why so soon?”

  Senior reached up and placed his hand on Jacob’s shoulder. “You and I both know that I’m slowing down.”

  “Dad…”

  “Don’t say anything. Let me get this out.”

  Jacob reached up and took his father’s hand as they walked back inside and sat.

  “I know I still have a lot to offer to the practice, but my surgical skills are declining. I tried to excuse my shaking hands and slower response, but the truth is that its time. I had planned to remain in the office but after our discussion last night and my restless night, I decided to make a clean sweep of it. I’ll still be available for consultations.” He smiled up at Jacob. “Son, don’t try to talk me out of this. It was a difficult decision for me, but now with the projects we have in mind, I’d like to redirect my energies.”

  “I don’t know what to say, but I understand your concern for the well-being of your patients. That always has to come first, but you are a valuable asset to the practice.”

  “I don’t plan to divorce myself from the medical field. I just want to take some time to decide where my skills are best suited.”

  “Dad, I support you in any decision you make.”

  “Thank you. I’m feeling good about this.”

  “That’s all that counts. If you’re happy with leaving the practice, then I’m happy for you. I have to say that I don’t see you sitting around drinking beer and watching reality shows all day. I look forward to seeing where the next phase of your life takes you.”

  “Me too, but for now I think I’ll just enjoy myself with some of my retired friends.”

  “Good for you.”

  “Jacob, I’m curious about your patient. Keep me posted on what transpires with her.”

  “I will. She certainly is a challenge. I think there’s more to this woman’s story and if I can reach her, there’s a good chance she could walk again.”

  “You didn’t tell her that, did you?”

  “Absolutely not! I wouldn't give her any false hope. My first step is to get her to agree to more testing. That is if I can convince her to leave her place.”

  “Pat
ience, Son. It doesn't sound like you can push this woman.”

  “You’re right about that, and I’m afraid if I push too hard, she’ll back away completely.”

  Senior poured another cup of coffee and strolled out by the lake. Jacob watched as his father sipped his coffee and gazed at the lake. He nodded his head. “I think Dad’s going to enjoy himself.” He smiled and walked to his room to get ready for the day.

  Jacob finished his shower, dressed then made a few calls to some old friends who were in the construction business. “Hey, Frank, how are you?”

  “Jacob?”

  “Yep. It’s been a while.”

  “It sure has. How are you?”

  “Good. Are you still doing home improvements?”

  “Oh yeah. I’ll probably work until my room’s ready at a nursing home.” He laughed.

  “How’s your schedule today. I have something I want to discuss with you?”

  “Don’t tell me that you're finally going to upgrade that old place.”

  “Considering it.”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  Jacob glanced out back to make sure his dad was still outside. “Well, Dad is thinking of retiring soon, and we thought of making some changes. What’s your afternoon like?”

  “Let me see, and I’ll call you right back.”

  “Great. Talk to you then.” Jacob hung up and joined his dad outside. “What are you thinking?”

  “Not much. I’m just enjoying the view and realizing that soon I’ll be able to sit out here all day if I want. I’ve never taken the time to appreciate what we have here.”

  “I know what you mean. We both have been so wrapped up in our work that we don’t take the time to relax.”

  “Son, I hope you won’t wait like I have to enjoy this place. Have you thought about raising a family here someday?”

  “Dad, I don’t have time for that right now.”

  “Time has a way of slipping by on you. You don’t want to wait too long,” he mumbled as he walked closer to the water’s edge, and then changed the subject. “I think I need to buy a rod and reel. I’ll bet this lake is filled with fish.”

  “Dad, I’ve never seen you with a fishing pole in your hand. Now, you want to take up fishing? Have you ever cleaned one?”

  “No, I haven’t, but I wouldn’t fish to eat them. I'd release any if I catch one. It just seems like the thing to do while one sits down by the lake,” Senior snickered.

  “I suppose it does. Do you remember my friend, Frank?”

  “Sure I do, why?”

  “I just gave him a call. I’d like to meet with him today or tomorrow about the remodeling. Any input you want to share while he’s here?”

  “I can’t think of anything at the moment, but if something comes up, I won’t hesitate.”

  “Okay. I want this project where we both agree.”

  “I appreciate that, Son. However, this is your house.”

  “It is, but it’s our home.”

  Senior tilted his head up at his tall son and smiled. Aren’t you planning to visit your patient today?”

  Jacob glanced at his watch. “You’re right. I’d better give her a call.” He turned and hurried back to the house.

  Sydney smelled the coffee brewing in the kitchen and heard laughter. She got out of bed with the aid of the trapeze, lowered herself into the chair then made her way to her bathroom to clean up and dress.

  Her thoughts flooded with the images Teddy shared with her about her lengthy stay in the hospital. “I still have so many questions about all that, but don’t know where to begin.” She shook her head and stared into the mirror, then ran her hairbrush through her long blond hair and began her morning ritual.

  The laughter in the other room lifted her spirits. “I don’t know why those two keep avoiding the fact that they have feelings for each other?”

  “Hey, you two. What’s so funny?” Sydney grinned as she wheeled into the kitchen.

  Anna raised her eyebrows and grinned. “Oh, we were just reminiscing about all the crazy things we did as children, and wondering if children still did innocent, goofy stuff like that anymore. Do you want some coffee?”

  “I can get it,” Syd replied as she reached for the coffee pot on the counter. “Like what things?”

  Teddy leaned over the counter. “Do you remember the time we took rolls of toilet paper and covered the entire front yard of old Miss Spencer?” he laughed.

  Sydney started to laugh. “Oh, my goodness. I sure do. You could barely see her house when we finished. I wish we could have seen her face the next morning when she walked out to get her paper.”

  Teddy turned to Sydney and Anna. “Do you remember why we weren't there to see that?”

  Anna looked down at Sydney. “I remember. Your father knew right away who had done it. I don’t know about you, but my dad tanned my butt good after that.”

  Sydney gritted her teeth. “Oh, yeah, now it’s coming back. I think Teddy and I were on restriction for a month. You two were younger than me and thought it was funny until we got caught. Daddy said I should have known better. He wasn’t only mad about embarrassing Miss Spencer but wasting all that toilet paper on a prank. I’m sure he held back my allowance for a year to pay for it.”

  Anna raised her eyebrows. “You had to pay for that paper?”

  “I sure as heck did.”

  “No wonder you quit buying candy on the way home from school. I just thought you were saving your money for something special. You never said a word to us about it.”

  “I was too ashamed, and that wasn’t the worst part. Daddy dragged me over to Miss Spencer’s house and made me apologize and clean up her yard.”

  Teddy furrowed his brow. “Why didn’t he make me help you?”

  “He said it was my doing.”

  “Sorry, Sis,” he snickered.

  “It’s funny now, but it sure wasn’t then.”

  Sydney’s cell phone rang. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning, Miss Parker. This is Doctor Thornhill. I was hoping I could stop by sometime today.”

  “Doctor Thornhill, today is not a good day. I have company from out of town for the weekend.”

  Teddy mouthed to her. “I’d like to meet him.”

  “Oh, I understand. Maybe sometime early next week then. I’ll give you a call.”

  Sydney shook her head at Teddy, but he insisted.

  “Doctor Thornhill? Maybe you could swing by this afternoon. I do have some free time then if that would work for you.”

  “I have a meeting late afternoon, but I could come by after lunch or early evening. I won’t stay long.”

  “Okay, how about after lunch, about 1:00?”

  “Perfect. Thank you. I’ll see you then.”

  Sydney hung up and sneered at Teddy. “I wish you hadn’t insisted. All the man wants to do is try and talk me into having more x-rays and tests.”

  “What’s wrong with that? There are many new medical advancements these days, and I don’t think you’re giving the doctor a chance. What’s holding you back?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Anna put her hands on her hips. “It’s because she won’t go outside.”

  “That’s not the only reason,” Sydney blurted out.

  “Then what?” Anna barked back.

  “Anna…”

  “You can’t think of any other reason. Teddy, maybe you can talk some sense in that rock-hard head of your sister’s.” Anna poured another cup of coffee and refilled Teddy’s mug.

  “Sis, what’s the story? What’s holding you back? I have to agree with Anna, but I think there’s something else you’re not sharing with us that is keeping you from going outside. I know you look out your glass wall every day at those people in the park. Wouldn’t you like to be out there with them?”

  “It’s not that simple. Honestly, I tried to go outside. I even opened the French doors to the patio the other day.”

  “Well, what did you feel
when you inhaled the fresh air and listened to the birds singing?”

  Sydney closed her eyes and lowered her head. “I know it’s crazy. I did enjoy the feel and the sounds, but the moment I tried to move forward, I panicked. My palms started to sweat, my heart was racing, and I felt like the walls were collapsing around me.”

  Teddy reached down and stroked his sister’s long blond hair. “You don’t know what’s hidden inside that’s frightening you, do you?”

  She looked up at him with tears welling up. “I try to dig down deep, but it’s like there’s a locked door that won’t let me in and won’t let what’s in there out. How can I deal with my fears if I don’t know what they are?” Sydney leaned against Teddy’s arm.

  Teddy kissed the top of her head. “Maybe some day. Just don’t give up.”`

  She gave him a slight smile, then glanced at Anna. “That nagging woman won’t let me.”

  Anna smiled. “You’re darn right I won’t. I’m going to leave you two alone for awhile. I’ve got some errands to run.” She grabbed her bag and headed for the door. “I won’t be gone too long.”

  Teddy nodded. “No problem, I’ll be here.”

  “Hey, I don’t need a babysitter twenty-four, seven. I can do quite a lot on my own, thank you very much.” Sydney swung her wheelchair around and headed for the fridge.

  Anna hollered out. “The muffins are on the counter and so is the butter.”

  Sydney cocked her head. “I knew that.”

  “Sure you did.” Anna winked as she closed the front door.

  Teddy walked over to the counter. “You know she loves you, don’t you?”

  “Of course, I do. And I love her, too. Do you want a muffin? Anna baked them yesterday, just for you.”

  “She did not.”

  “She did. She knew they were your favorite. I’ll just heat one up for each of us, and then we can sit down in the living room.”

  Teddy raised one brow. “You’re already sitting down.”

  “Smart ass. You know what I meant.”

  “Sorry, couldn’t help myself. You made it so easy for me.” He carried the cups to the other room, and Sydney brought the warm muffins with butter.

  “Teddy, I still have all these thoughts running through my head, and I need to have answers. Who knows, if we talk about that day, something might trigger my reasoning behind my fears.”