Where Secrets Lie
use it.
    Lee kissed Sara on the forehead. “Use the bell if you want anything, I’ll be downstairs.”
    “ Ok, thanks.”
    Sara was sore from the day’s ordeal, but mostly, she was tired and dazed. That morning, when the sun was just starting to come up, she called out for Katie to wake up their mother. Lee took one look at Sara and whisked her to the hospital without hesitation.
    Jack wanted to drive them, but Lee thought it would be better for Katie to go about her day as usual and not be privy to details about what was happening with Sara. They told Katie that Sara needed to see a doctor because her period was abnormally heavy. Jack stayed home and got her off to school. Lee promised to call him as soon as she had news.
    The entire drive there, Lee spoke to Sara in a soothing tone although Sara had no recollection afterward what words Lee uttered. Sara felt lightheaded the whole time and found it impossible to focus on what her mother was saying, so she closed her eyes and allowed her mind to drift. No matter what happened now, her mother would take care of it.
    Once they arrived at the hospital, Lee took a hold of Sara’s hand and never let it go. She held onto it when she filled out those annoying forms they gave her on a clipboard, while they sat stranded in the uncomfortable waiting room chairs, and throughout the eventual examination that confirmed Sara had indeed miscarried.
    Of course, Sara already knew that’s what happened, knew it that morning when she was alone in the bathroom. Even so, the doctor’s acknowledgement stunned her. She sat on the exam table with her mother holding fast to her hand, watched while the doctor and her mother conversed, and didn’t hear a single word they said. She didn’t cry. She didn’t think. She stared straight ahead, motionless and numb.
    ~
    There was a quick tap on Sara’s half-opened bedroom door, and Anne appeared in the doorway.
    “ Your mother said I should just come up.”
    “ Sure, come on in.”
    Sara moved to the middle of the bed. Anne dropped her backpack on the floor and sat on the bed next to Sara.
    “ So what happened to you? I was worried when you didn’t show up at school.”
    “ Oh, my mom had to take me to the doctor. Heavy period, no biggie.” That wasn’t so hard after all.
    “ So you’re ok?”
    “ Yeah, sure.”
    “ What’d the doctor say?”
    “ I can’t remember exactly, some medical gibberish. They gave me pills and told me to rest through the weekend.” At least most of that was true.
    “ So you’ll be back to school on Monday?”
    “ Yep.”
    “ That’s good cause it’s really boring there without you.”
    Anne reached into her backpack and pulled out some papers.
    “ I brought your assignments. I knew you’d freak out if you missed anything.”
    “ Thanks, Anne.”
    Sara started flipping through the pages.
    “ Sure, I can’t vouch for Spanish though. I had to ask Janet since she’s the only kid I know who’s in that class with you, but you know how flaky she is.”
    “ I’m sure it’s ok.”
    Sara continued to look through the assignments, grateful for the distraction. Anne got fidgety.
    “ Well, your mother said I shouldn’t stay too long.”
    Anne got up and gave Sara a quick hug.
    “ I’ll bring your class stuff again tomorrow.”
    “ Ok, that’ll be great.”
    Anne grabbed her backpack and left. About fifteen minutes later, Jack poked his head into the room.
    “ Mind if I come in?”
    “ Of course not, Dad.”
    Jack pulled a flower arrangement out from behind his back.
    “ I thought this might cheer you up.”
    “ Thanks, Dad, those are really pretty.”
    Jack looked around the room.
    “ Where do you think I should put them?” he asked.
    They both glanced at the overflowing nightstand.
    “ The dresser’s good,” Sara said.
    Jack put the arrangement on the dresser next to the television and pulled the chair from Sara’s desk over to the bed.
    “ So, how’re you feeling, honey?”
    “ Pretty

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