signs of swelling gone and his memory slowly coming back, Brad was being released to go home. Physically he was good. His memory close to the time of the accident was fragmented, but the rest had come back.
She’d hired a nurse to help out the first week or so to make sure Brad received every bit of care he deserved. Constance was busy with a big social event she was committed to seeing through.
As she drove into the driveway of Brad’s large home, Aggie admired the lines of it. Constance might not be the easiest person to get along with, but she had good taste. Aggie had learned early on a beautiful house didn’t always mean a loving home. Her parents had spent their years together fighting. It wasn’t until she and Arnold had moved into their first house that she’d discovered nothing mattered but the people inside sharing love.
She parked her car and went to the front door and stepped inside. The nurse was supposed to arrive any minute. Empty now with the boys at school, the house was quiet. She felt like walking on tiptoes as she entered the den. It was here, Constance hoped, that Brad would spend much of his time healing. She saw that Constance had placed a light blanket on Brad’s favorite reclining chair.
The doorbell sounded. Aggie went to answer it and found a heavy-set, brown-skinned woman smiling at her.
“You must be Rita Gomez,” Aggie said. “Please come in. The agency told me you were one of their best. I’m glad you’re here. You can set your things down here in the front hall or in the kitchen, wherever you’re comfortable. The patient, my son, will most likely be spending most of his time awake down here in the den.”
“Thanks. Tell me about the patient. I understand he was in an automobile accident and had a brain injury that is healing nicely except for a bit of memory loss.”
“That’s right,” Aggie said. “The doctors advised us there can be mood swings and other side effects as he struggles to remember everything and tries to get stronger. But each patient is a little different depending on their injury. Brad’s isn’t as severe as many.”
“I see,” said Rita. “Please show me the house, and I’ll figure out the best way to handle things. Each family is different in how they want to work around my presence.”
“Yes, I can understand. Besides my son and his wife, there are two boys, ten and twelve, who are in school most of every day. An older daughter works with me and may come and go but lives in downtown Boston.”
Rita nodded with a look of calm. “Sounds easy enough.”
They turned at the sound of a car pulling into the driveway.
“Here we go!” Aggie said, giving Rita an encouraging smile.
They went to the front entrance and watched through the screen door as Constance and Blythe walked slowly on each side of Brad, up the front walk to the steps.
“Welcome home, Dad!” Blythe said.
“Yes, darling, glad to have you home,” said Constance.
He looked up at Aggie and Rita. “Who’s that?” he asked, settling a gaze on Rita.
“A nurse your mother hired to help us out,” said Constance.
Aggie opened the door and signaled Rita to join her. “This is Rita. I’m pleased she’s able to be here. Say hello.”
Brad frowned and then said a curt hello, which wasn’t at all like him.
Aggie hid her disappointment. This wasn’t the homecoming she’d envisioned but was one of a string of disappointments that were likely to come. The vibrant, active man Brad had always been was now a thinner, weaker, paler version of him, a sign, no doubt, of the other less tangible results of the accident.
“I’m sorry …” Aggie began.
Rita held up a hand. “Not a problem. I’ve had many patients with similar injuries. He and I are going to be friends. You’ll see.”
Aggie studied the smile on her face and nodded. Rita was a true professional. She moved back out of the way as Constance led Brad inside.
“I thought you’d be comfortable in the den,” Constance told him.
“Okay,” Brad said. “I’m tired.”
Aggie waited with Blythe while Constance led Brad to his chair and stood back as Rita helped him into it and then placed the blanket over him.
“Now, Mr. Brad, you call me if there’s anything you need. Remember, I’m Rita and am here to help you. How about a glass of water or juice?”
“Water.” He leaned back against the chair and closed his