“The way I said it.”
She folded a dish towel.
“Only the way?”
Daniel exhaled.
“I panicked.”
“So you did mean it.”
“I think you need more help.”
Margaret set the towel down.
“That is not the same as needing a nursing home.”
“I know.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
Margaret waited.
Daniel leaned forward.
“You fell.”
“Once.”
“You forgot the burner.”
“Once.”
“You missed a bill.”
“I paid it the next day.”
“You’ve stopped driving at night because you can’t see as well.”
“That was my decision.”
“I know.”
Daniel looked exhausted.
“I’m not trying to throw you away.”
“You stood in my kitchen while your wife told me to get out.”
“I froze.”
“You whispered nursing home.”
“I know.”
Margaret looked at him for a long time.
Daniel did not look away.
Finally she said, “I will let a doctor evaluate me.”
His shoulders lowered.
“But I decide what happens next unless someone proves I cannot.”
“Yes.”
“And you do not discuss moving me behind my back.”
“Yes.”
“And Claire does not call this her kitchen again.”
Daniel almost smiled.
“She already apologized for that.”
