The Woman Behind the Glass Wall

by DB Jones

  She watched Teddy race along the path. Suddenly, he stopped, leaned down and petted one of the cats, and then continued his run.

  The sun hadn’t risen completely, but there was enough light for him to see his way around the lake. Half way around his second lap he almost ran into an old woman with a large bag attached to her walker. She dropped the bag. Teddy leaned down and picked it up for her. Sydney’s heart skipped a beat. “That’s Mrs. Foster. Oh, I wish I could be there to meet her.” Sydney leaned into the window as close as she could watching the interaction between her brother and her friend, the lady that feeds the cats. “I wish I could read lips.” Teddy smiled and pointed up to the window. The old lady turned, smiled, then waved.

  “Oh, my gosh.” Sydney tried to hide, but it was too late, the old woman saw her. She forced a smile then waved back at the woman. “I’m going to kill Teddy.” As soon as the woman turned back toward Teddy, Syd wheeled away from the window. “There’s no telling who else he’s going to tell that I’m up here. He’s a jerk.”

  “Who’s a jerk?”

  Sydney turned to see Anna shuffling her way to the kitchen.

  “My brother is a jerk.”

  “And why?” Anna asked as she ran her fingers through her hair.

  Teddy is in the park with Mrs. Foster. He pointed me out, and she waved to me.”

  Anna took a sip of her black coffee. “Good, maybe now you’ll know her real name., instead of the imaginary name you’ve given the poor woman.”

  “That’s not the point.”

  “It’s not?”

  “Now, she’ll know I’m watching her whenever she comes to feed the cats. How embarrassing.”

  “It wouldn’t be if you’d talk to her.”

  Sydney swung her chair around and headed toward the living room. “You’re as bad as he is.”

  Anna chuckled. She carried her mug and sat down across from Sydney. “Did you ever think that this imaginary friendship you have with those people in the park is not healthy? If you decide to take the doctor up on his offer, you might actually make real friends someday. And who knows, your so-called friends in the park could be your real friends. I’m just making an observation.”

  “I’m facing a losing battle. Between the doctor, Teddy and now my best friend siding with them, I don’t stand a chance.”

  “Sydney Parker, are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

  Sydney grinned. “Maybe.”

  Anna set her cup down, jumped up and threw her arms around Sydney’s neck. “I love you, Syd. You can do this.”

  “All I’m saying is maybe.”

  “No. No, you’re not. You’re saying you will.”

  “Okay, I’m saying I’ll take the tests. That is if Teddy will take me and stay with me until I get the results.”

  “You know he will,” Anna insisted.

  The front door opened, and Anna rushed to Teddy. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

  Teddy smiled. “I don’t know what I did, but let me do it again.”

  Anna quickly pulled herself away. Syd’s going to take the tests.”

  “Hold on Anna,” Sydney blurted.

  Anna looked into Teddy’s hazel eyes. “You’ll stay with her, won’t you?”

  He turned to Sydney. “Of course, I will. Why am I staying with you, Sis?”

  Anna interjected. “She said she’d take the tests only if you went with her and stayed until the results are in. You will, won’t you?”

  “Anna, Teddy has a law practice and might not be able to get away that long, so let’s not jump to a conclusion.”

  “I will stay for as long as it takes.”

  Anna grabbed his face and kissed him again. “I knew you would.”

  Teddy wiggled his brow. “If this is the kind of reaction I’m going to get, I won’t ever leave.”

  Anna’s face turned red. “I’m just so happy that your stubborn sister is going to do this.”

  “Enough about this for now. Tell me about your visit with Mrs. Foster.”

  “Who?”

  Anna gave her a smirk and turned to Teddy. “That’s what she calls the lady with the cats.”

  “Oh, you mean Mrs. Farmer?”

  Anna laughed. “Well, she does care for animals.”

  Sydney smiled. “Mrs. Farmer, I like that name for her.”

  Teddy cocked his head. “That’s her real name, Syd.”

  “Of course it is. It’s just nice to finally know her real name. I wasn’t that far off; Foster, Farmer. They are both animals lovers. Tell me about her.”

  “I only had a brief visit. I didn’t get the woman’s life story, only that she loves cats and since she can’t have any where she lives, she cares for those in the park. She feels like they are her pets.”

  “They are. You should see those cats when they know she’s coming. They rush to greet her and patiently wait for her to feed them.”

  “One thing I learned from her.”

  “What?”

  “She’s afraid of what will happen to the cats when she can no longer walk to the park. Mrs. Farmer told me her legs were getting weaker and it was becoming increasingly painful to walk.”

  “I noticed she was moving slower this year.”

  “This year? How long have you been stalking her?”

  “I’m not stalking her. I just see people outside my window.”

  Teddy laughed. “Don’t get so serious. I was only kidding with you. Mrs. Farmer said she noticed you several years ago and wondered why you never came out to the park.”

  “What did you say to her?”

  “I told her due to an accident that you hadn’t been out in a very long time.”

  “Teddy, I don’t want people feeling sorry for me. I’m quite happy the way things are.”

  “Sure you are. That’s why you stare outside that glass wall of yours watching people living their lives. Instead of writing about other lives, you could be out there living yours.”

  “That’s not fair.”

  “Life isn’t fair, but we do have choices.” He walked over to his sister’s wheelchair. “You know how much I love you, right? I just want you to reach for every opportunity available and for you to enjoy your life. Wouldn’t it be nice to meet a nice man while walking in the park one day? You can do this, Syd, and I’m going to be here with you and Anna to see it happen.”

  “That would be nice, but we have to see what the tests show first. I don’t want to be let down again. This might be my last chance.”

  Teddy hugged her. “And this just might be the chance you’ve hoped for. I want you to think positive thoughts and give it all you have. What do you say?”

  She looked up at him with tears cascading down her cheeks. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

  “That’s my sister.”

  Jacob couldn’t sleep. His mind raced between getting the house renovated and the possibility of Miss Parker having the tests. “This isn’t going to be easy, but if anyone can convince her to do this, it will be her brother.”

  He took his coffee mug and strolled out to the patio. It was barely light outside. The sounds of the mourning doves and the occasional owl whispered through the trees. He felt a cool breeze coming off the lake as he made his way to water’s edge. “I can’t imagine what it must be like to live inside all the time. What is holding that woman back from going outside? She’s missing so much.”

  “Good morning, Son. You’re up early again. Everything all right?”

  Jacob turned to see his father walking down to the lake. “Good morning, Dad. Everything is fine. I’m just enjoying the peacefulness of the day.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you,” Senior said as he started to turn back toward the house.

  “Oh, don’t leave. I’m thinking about my patient. She never goes outside. Some fear has kept her imprisoned in her room. If I could break through that, I think she’d be willing to have the tests. Her fear, whatever it is, is what’s holding her ba
ck.”

  “Have you asked her?”

  “In so many words, without intruding. I have to tread lightly with this one. I tried one time to coax her outside, but that ended poorly. I’m hoping her brother can reach her.”

  “You seem caught up in this case.”

  “I am. I see a strong possibility that this young woman’s life could be so much more if she’d let me help.”

  “Maybe she’s happy where she is.”

  “I’ve thought of that, but if she were, she wouldn’t spend so much time staring out her window letting life pass her by. I believe there is a place inside of her that longs to run again, enjoy the breeze on her face and the laughter of strangers. If I can’t help her walk again, I’d love to help her overcome the fear that keeps her inside her glass prison.”

  His father shook his head. “We all have our self-imposed prisons, in some way, don’t we?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Oh, nothing. I’m just chattering. I have a meeting this morning with Tyler today to discuss the practice. I’ve got to get ready. See you later.”

  “Have a good day, Dad.”

  “You too, Son.”

  Jacob watched his dad slowly walk back into the house. I wonder what he was talking about. Was he talking about me, or him? He sipped his coffee, turned and walked back inside.

  Just as he set his cup on the counter, his cell phone rang.

  “Doctor Thornhill.”

  “Doctor, this is Maria. Are you coming in today?”

  “Oh no. Do we have a surgery scheduled? I must have forgotten.”

  “No, Sir. I just received a call from one of your patients, Miss Parker. She asked that you give her a call today.”

  “Thank you, Maria.” He hung up, leaned his head back and swallowed hard.

  Sydney finished her coffee and wheeled back and forth in the living room. Anna finally grabbed the back of Sydney’s chair. “Good grief, woman. Call him.”

  “Who?”

  Anna scrunched up her face. “Seriously? You know who. Call the dang doctor.”

  “What should I say?”

  “Tell him to schedule the tests. Plain and simple.”

  Sydney’s hands began to perspire, and she could feel the vein in her neck throbbing.”

  “Syd, you’re not asking the guy out on a date, you’re setting up a doctor’s appointment.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. But what if I can’t go through with this?

  “You can do this, Sis,” Teddy interjected. “Do you want me to make the call for you, you chicken?”

  Syd snarled at her brother, jerked the cell phone off the table and dialed Doctor Thornhill's office.

  “Doctor Thornhill’s office.”

  “May I speak to Doctor Thornhill?”

  “He’s not in today. Would you like to talk to his nurse?”

  “Uh, yes, please.” Sydney’s hands began to shake as she struggled to hold the phone to her ear.

  “This is Maria.”

  “Maria, this is Miss Parker. I’m a patient of Doctor Thornhill’s.”

  “Yes, Miss Parker. What can I do for you?”

  “I guess I need to make an appointment for some tests that the doctor wants me to take, but I wanted to discuss it with him first.”

  “Doctor Thornhill isn’t in today, but I’ll be glad to give him your message. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

  “No, thank you.”

  “Have a nice day, Miss Parker.”

  “You, too.” Sydney quickly hung up and dropped the phone. “I can’t believe I acted like a child. You’d think I’ve never made a call before.”

  Anna put her hands on her hips. “Well, you haven’t.”

  Teddy reached for Sydney’s hands. “You did great. I’m proud of you. I’m sure the doctor will get back to you tomorrow.”

  Sydney bit the corner of her lip. “I don’t know if this is the right thing to do, Teddy.”

  “It is, and you know it.”

  “What if the x-rays show I will never walk again?”

  “At least you tried. One step at a time…so to speak. Don’t give up hope. If this guy is as good as all the information, I’ve read about him says he is, then he could be your only chance. If he’s willing, then let’s give him the benefit of the doubt, okay?” Teddy kissed Sydney on the cheek and smiled.

  She smiled back at him. “I couldn’t do this without you and Anna. I hope you know that.”

  “Of course we do,” he chuckled then looked up at Anna.

  “I love you both. Now, aren’t you two going to the Food Festival today?”

  Teddy looked over at Anna. “We are, aren’t we?”

  “You bet we are.”

  Syd smiled. “Then get ready and get out of here. I have a lot of work to do.” She swung her wheelchair around and returned to the desk in her room. “I’m going to do this. I’m going to do this…I am doing this,” she quietly muttered to herself.

  She smiled and rolled up to her desk. She gazed out the window to see Mrs. Farmer sitting on the bench looking up at the window. She smiled and waved. Sydney smiled and waved back. “Good morning, Mrs. Farmer,” she mouthed.

  Mrs. Farmer mouthed back, “Good morning, Sydney.”

  Jacob spread Sydney’s files out again and read over every aspect of her old x-rays and tests. “What if she is calling to say no?” He took a big gulp of air, pick up his cell phone and stared at it. “If she doesn’t agree to this, then what? I need to reach this patient.”

  He paced the den. His father was about to leave and stopped by the den to say goodbye. “Son, are you all right?”

  “I just received a call from Maria. She said my patient called and wanted to talk to me.”

  “So, why are you pacing?”

  “Dad, if she says no, I don’t know what to do next.”

  “You’re not going to know unless you dial the dang phone. I’ve got to go now. Just do it. I’ll see you later.”

  “Have a good day, Dad. And thanks.”

  Senior smiled as he left Jacob standing in the middle of the den staring at his cell phone.

  Jacob waited until he heard the front door close and then clicked on Miss Parker’s number. His hands began to sweat, and his heart was racing. Please don’t say no.

  “Hello.”

  “Miss Parker?”

  “Yes.”

  “This is Doctor Thornhill. You called?”

  “I did. Do you have any free time today? I’d like to discuss these tests you have in mind for me.”

  “I’m free right now. Is now a good time?”

  She looked around the room. She was alone. She wanted Teddy and Anna to be with her, but suddenly she opened her mouth and out came… “Yes, now is a good time.”

  “Great. I’ll be right over.”

  What was I thinking? Sydney started to call him back but hesitated. “You can do this on your own, Sydney Parker.” She wheeled into her bedroom, changed clothes and combed her hair into a high ponytail then waited. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”

  Jacob dashed into his room, ran through the shower, changed into a pair of jeans and a casual button-down blue shirt. “I want her to feel comfortable.” He stood in front of the mirror. “Is this too casual? Just get your butt over there. If she says no I’ll lean on her brother Teddy for support. Maybe he can convince her to change her mind.”

  He pulled up in front of her building, parked, paused then finally got out of the car. He straightened his shirt and headed for her place.

  Sydney heard the knock at the door. “Just a minute.”

  She straightened her blouse, bit her lip, gasped for a breath and wheeled to the door.

  “Thank you for coming, Doctor.”

  “I’m glad you called.” He looked around the place for Teddy and Anna.

  Sydney smiled. “My brother and Anna have gone to the food festival today. It’s just us. Is that okay?”

  “Of course. Now tell me what you wan
t to talk about.”

  “Those tests.”

  “Okay.”

  “What does it entail? I’m sorry, would you like some coffee or water?”

  “Water, please.”

  He watched as Sydney maneuvered through the kitchen.

  She smiled as she handed him the glass of cold water. “Now, where were we?”

  “I think you were asking me what the procedure would be.”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, I’d like to take a set of x-rays and an MRI of your spine and brain.”

  “My brain?”

  “That will just let me rule out any neurological impairment associated with… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean impairment.”

  “That’s okay. I didn’t take it that way. Keep going. What are you looking for?”

  “I’m looking to see if the nerves are completely severed.”

  “And that would tell you what?”

  “It would tell me if there is a chance to repair any damage. I don’t want to sugar coat this, Miss Parker.”

  “I don’t want you too. I want to know the facts.”

  “Okay, If the nerves are severed, and the damage to the spinal cord is irreversible, then we’ll go no further with this.”

  Sydney lowered her head.

  “However, based on what I’ve observed with your treatments, there is a chance that the damage is repairable.”

  “I don’t want any false hopes. Don’t hold back if the tests show I’m going to be stuck in this chair the rest of my life; I want you to tell me right away.”

  “Are you saying that you’ll do this?”

  She took hold of her chin and looked into his eyes. “I guess I am.”

  Jacob stood up, leaned down and hugged her. “Thank you.”

  “I think I’m the one that supposed to be thanking you.”

  “Sydney…may I call you Sydney?”

  “Absolutely. It looks like we’ll be spending some time together.”

  “Sydney, I think we have a good chance with this. How soon do you want to get started? I don’t want to push.”

  “Push away Doctor Thornhill. I’m ready. Teddy promised me that he'd be by my side the entire time. It’s not going to be easy for me to leave this place, but the longer I put it off, the more anxiety I’ll have. Let’s just do this.”

  “Great. I’ll have Maria set up a date as soon as possible.” He set his glass down on the coffee table and started for the door. “If you have any questions, concerns or just want to talk, don’t hesitate to call me. I mean it, anything, anytime.”