Chapter 27: Madison

Hopefully everything's okay.

“Mads?” My mom’s voice brought me back to the present.

“Are you remembering to take all your meds, Mom?”

“Of course, although they’re almost finished,” she answered, her voice weak. “I don’t feel like leaving the house today, so I’ve given the money you sent to Nigel. He just went out to the pharmacy to get me my refill.”

I felt my heart crack. “Oh Mom. I still don’t understand why you keep trusting Nigel with your money. Surely you know by now that he’ll only return with excuses about what he spent it on—though we all know what he really spends all your money on—and ends up demanding more!” 

Hence the calls and harassment, I thought as a maelstrom of heat and anger hit me right in the gut. I couldn’t breathe. Will things ever change?

“What do you mean? Nigel is my flesh and blood,” she said defensively, her voice hitching. “Of course, I trust him.”