Risk of Falling

by Syndi Powell

  Jeffy, a young man with Down’s syndrome who played on Rick’s softball team, passed by her with two full trash bags. Right. She was supposed to be helping him. She grabbed one bag then groaned as it opened and spilled the contents among the weeds. Why did this always happen to her?

  She found a new bag and started stuffing trash inside. “Problems?”

  She looked up and had to shield her eyes. Will stood in front of where the sun shone, but it still required her to squint. “I guess the bag was too full.”

  “Or too old.” He swept the yard with a glance then focused on her. “Would you mind if I used your bathroom?”

  A familiar panic hit her stomach. No one went in her house. Ever. She could almost hear her mom telling her that no one would understand how they lived. But when nature called, how could she refuse. “Umm...”

  “Is that a problem?”

  Big time. She hadn’t cleaned the bathroom that week. She tried to remember the last time it had been done. Maybe on her day off the week before? It wasn’t a pig sty by any means, but letting him into the house to use her bathroom meant he’d have to tunnel down the hallway to get to it. It meant letting him see the rest of the house, her mother’s awful secret. If Mr. Town Code Inspector didn’t like how her backyard looked, he certainly wouldn’t appreciate Mama’s organization inside the home. “I told Rick that I’ve been having plumbing issues, so my neighbor agreed to let us use his bathroom.” She pointed to the brick house on her right. “Mr. Fletcher has the back door open. It’s just off the kitchen.”

  Will frowned as he looked at her. Probably trying to figure out what she wasn’t saying. What she couldn’t say. “I’m pretty good with my hands. I can take a look at it. Fix your plumbing.”

  “That’s sweet of you, but it’s fine.”

  “If it’s fine, then I can use your bathroom?”

  Crud. He’d caught her. Think, Suzy, think. He can’t go in. He just can’t. “Well, I haven’t had much time to clean lately.”

  He shrugged. “I think I can handle it. I’m a guy.”

  Like that would excuse it. She was running out of excuses. If she gave any more, he’d know that she was hiding something. That is, if he didn’t already. “Sure. Go in the side door though. It’s past the kitchen and down the hall. First right.”

  Will nodded. And Suzy tried to ignore the growing panic. She hadn’t had company inside her house since before her mom got sick two years ago. And even then, it had been Presley and only for five minutes.

  She closed her eyes. What had she just done?

  * * *

  WILL COULDN’T get INSIDE the house on his first try and had to brace his shoulder against the door and push. He had to squeeze through the slight opening between the frame and door, and could only take two steps into the room before he stopped.

  Mostly because he could only take those few steps before he had to avoid something.

  His jaw dropped as he took in the piles of stuff that lined both sides of the kitchen. Some boxes were labeled in black marker. Most were not. Mom’s dishes. Baking tins. Tupperware. Silver tea set. Lace linens.

  Will took a deep breath and found a small path between the boxes that led to the hallway. He popped his head into the living room and groaned. More boxes. And appliances. Junk. Even clothes with price tags still attached. The sofa was at least cleared off and held two pillows and a blanket. A clear path led to it between the clutter, and he assumed that Suzy slept there. Sighing, he took the notebook from his back pocket and started writing.

  He walked down the hallway, careful not to disturb the line of chairs and an end table that had a ton of books stacked on top of it. The bathroom at least was clean. But still crowded. He found plants in the shower stall. A pile of paper towels and toilet paper still in plastic sleeves next to the toilet. He was a big guy and had difficulty moving around the tight space.

  How did she live like this?

  After doing what he had come in to do, he took his time and poked his head into the bedrooms on the lower floor. Crammed with stuff, he knew his assumption about Suzy sleeping on the sofa was correct. Where did she find the room to stretch out?

  He sniffed the air. A faint moldy smell but nothing rotting. At least there was that.

  He replaced the notebook in his pocket then reviewed the mess. He should have known that the condition of the backyard was an indicator of what was inside the house. In the kitchen he tried to get a glimpse into the backyard through the window above the sink. Unfortunately, the stacked dishes partially blocked his view. He could see Suzy working with Jeffy, gathering up trash. With the crew that Rick had commandeered, they would finish with the backyard that morning. If only he could get them to help with the house too.

  Problem was, by letting on that he knew about the house, progress on the yard would slow if not stop. He couldn’t set her back just yet.

  He could wait.

  Once outside, he took a deep breath. While inside the home, he’d felt trapped and closed in. Out here, freedom.

  In the backyard, he found Suzy watching him, chewing on her bottom lip. She had to know what he’d seen. Had to realize what he needed to do. He gave what he hoped was a reassuring smile. She returned the smile then went to the Camaro where she emptied the items from the trunk into her garbage bag. Jeffy asked Suzy something, and she bent her head closer to hear what he had to say. She nodded, and they both started coming towards him. He stopped their progress. “What are you two doing?”

  Suzy pointed to Jeffy. “He needs to use the bathroom, so I was going to show him the way.”

  “Not a good idea.”

  She looked at him and paled. Yep, Miss Suzy, I know your secret. He shrugged. “The plumbing issue was a little more complicated than I thought.” He put his arm around Jeffy. “But I can take him over to Mr. Fletcher’s. Sound good, buddy?”

  They started walking to the neighbors. Will glanced back and saw Suzy watching them go, biting her lip, then turning to look at her house.

  Yep, he could wait. But not much longer.

  * * *

  A LITTLE AFTER NOON, Will shaded his eyes from the sun as Suzy threw the last bag of trash into the dumpster. She dusted off her hands then turned and saw him watching her. She gave him a thumbs up then walked past him back into the yard. He followed her. “I need to talk to you.”

  She shushed him. “Rick is speaking.”

  His softball coach was indeed speaking. “I wanted to thank all of you for your hard work today. It’s nice to see us come together and do some good for one of our neighbors.”

  “Are you campaigning for re-election already?” someone called.

  After a couple of chuckles, Rick held up his hands for silence. “All I’m saying is thank you. And that lunch is on me. Let’s go to the diner.”

  The team seemed to like that idea and soon paired off and left in the cars they’d brought that morning. Suzy went up to Rick and offered her hand. “Thank you again, Rick. I don’t know how long it would have taken me to do this on my own.”

  “You can always ask for help, Suzy.”

  She gave a short nod, then turned to Will. “Well, Mr. Inspector, I believe the yard is now up to code. And with two days to spare.”

  He nodded. “Yes, but there’s something we need to discuss.” He extended his hand to Rick. “Thanks, coach. We’ll see you at the diner. I need to talk to Miss Bylin for a moment privately.”

  Rick put his arm around Lizzie, and the couple left the yard. Will turned back to Suzy who bit her lip. “You sound serious.”

  “It is serious.”

  She sighed. “I know you saw inside the house. You saw it all.”

  “Miss Bylin...”

  “Suzy, please.”

  “The condition of your home...” He frowned, shaking his head. “It’
s a hazard to your health and your safety. You need to get it cleared out.” She had to know how serious the situation was. She could get sick from the hoard. Hurt if something fell on her. Didn’t she get it? “Public health matters aren’t a laughing matter.” He brought his notebook back up and ticked off items. “No clear pathways. That’s a fire code violation. Papers and boxes near an appliance with an open flame.” He looked up at her. “Another violation.” Back down at his notebook. “No defined sleeping space.”

  “That’s not a violation.”

  “No, but a concern.” He stepped closer and dropped his voice. “Miss Bylin, Suzy, how do you sleep? Prepare your meals? How can you live in that squalor?”

  Suzy backed away as if he’d slapped her, which he had in a way, even if it had been with his words. “I live just fine. I’ve been trying to take care of things since Mama died, but you don’t know what that’s been like. To have to deal with what’s been left behind on top of everything else.” She seemed as if she wanted to say more, but she hesitated and took a deep breath instead. “I’m fine.”

  “As code inspector, I have no choice but to give you notice.”

  “So another two weeks?”

  As if two weeks would solve her problems. And his. “You’ll need more time to take care of this.” He watched her while she probably prayed for six months. Finally, he told her, “You have thirty days to clean it up.”

  Her shoulders sagged but he didn’t know if it was from relief or defeat. “Or what? You’ll do it for me? Because that’s sounding pretty good right now.”

  “Or the town will confiscate your home.”

  He winced at the expression on her face. This part of his job always made him feel like the bad guy.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  SUZY ARRIVED A minute early before she was scheduled to clock in at the nursing home. Which considering her state of mind was a miracle in and of itself.

  Thirty days, and she’d be homeless. What was she going to do? Where would she go?

  Before she could let those thoughts overwhelm her, she dumped her purse and things in her locker and checked the schedule on the bulletin board. Good. An easy night.

  At the nurses’ station, she found Rita lounging there. “Mark the calendar, you’re on time today.”

  Suzy attempted a smile but knew it missed its mark by the way her boss looked at her. Rita put her arm around her shoulders. “You okay, Suzy Q?”

  Suzy nodded and walked down the hall towards her first patient. She paused outside for a moment and tried to conjure up her smile. It had never been a problem in the past. Even when her mother lay dying and after she was gone, Suzy had been able to smile and bring comfort to those who needed it. If she could cheer Mama from her darkest doldrums, then she could do that for her patients.

  Problem was, she’d smiled for everyone else but needed someone to smile for her now.

  She entered Mrs. Stone’s room. Again the television played in the background, but the older woman didn’t pay attention to it. As Suzy walked around the bed, Mrs. Stone closed her eyes and pretended to sleep.

  Suzy could use the quiet so she didn’t say anything. Checked the monitors. Noted vitals on her tablet. Glanced at the dinner tray that had been delivered but not touched.

  She had her hand on the doorknob to leave when Mrs. Stone asked, “Dearie, what’s wrong?”

  Suzy turned back to find the older woman propped up on one elbow and watching her. “I thought you were sleeping.”

  “No you didn’t.” She patted the side of her bed. “You look like you need to talk to someone. Tell me what’s going on.”

  Suzy shrugged. “Nothing. I’ll check on you later. And you might want to eat something before I do.”

  “Come on. You can tell me.” Again she patted the empty space beside her.

  Suzy was tempted to sit and spill, like a daughter to a mother, but there was protocol for a reason. Instead, she evaded. “Did your family come to see you today?”

  Mrs. Stone sighed. “Tori was here with the twins. Then my son stopped by this afternoon.” She adjusted the pictures on the nightstand. “Doesn’t matter whether they visit. I want to go home.”

  Suzy consulted the woman’s chart. “The doctor doesn’t think you’re ready just yet.”

  “I’d heal faster at home.”

  “I know it’s hard to accept help, but we have the best therapy program for you here.”

  Mrs. Stone cleared her throat. “It’s because none of my children will help me. If they loved me, they would take care of me and not put me in a home.”

  Suzy sat on the bed next to Mrs. Stone and took her hand in hers. “They do love you. But there are times when they can’t do what we nurses and doctors can. Let us do our jobs and help you heal.” She pulled the table with the food tray closer to them and removed the lid covering Mrs. Stone’s dinner. “But you have to do your part too. And that means eating your meals.”

  “Your cook can’t make meatloaf that comes close to mine.” She peered closer to the plate and sniffed. “The potatoes are lumpy. And I can’t stand gelatin with fruit cocktail.”

  Suzy made notes. “Okay, I’ll let the kitchen staff know.” She looked back up at Mrs. Stone. “But you still have to eat. If I can get you something else, what would you like?”

  The older woman shrugged. “Doesn’t matter.”

  Suzy stood and nodded. “Okay. Liver and onions it is.” She started to walk out of the room again.

  “Wait.”

  Suzy smiled and turned back. “You gotta give me something.”

  The older woman huffed. “Fine. I could go for some pie.”

  Suzy grinned. “Dessert first? My kind of woman.” She grabbed the food tray. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Wait.” Mrs. Stone reached for the tray. “I could probably force myself to eat the meatloaf and potatoes. But after my pie.”

  “You got it, Mrs. Stone.” Suzy placed the tray back on the table and left the room. In the cafeteria, she found the staff washing dishes and prepping the meals for the next day. “Hey, Al. Any pie left?”

  He brought a piece of coconut cream out of the cooler. “Anything for you, Miss Suzy.”

  “Can you make a note that 23 has a picky eater? She’s got a sweet tooth though.”

  “She’s sent back full trays the last two days.” Al noted on the white board. “But she must like pie.”

  “Especially yours. Thanks.”

  When Suzy returned to the room, she found Mrs. Stone sitting up and waiting for her. With a flourish, Suzy placed the piece of pie in front of her. “I hope you like coconut cream.”

  “Adore it.” Mrs. Stone picked up the fork and started to shovel the dessert into her mouth. “This is good.”

  “It’s Al’s best.” Suzy placed a napkin under Mrs. Stone’s chin. “If he sends you more , will you eat it?”

  The older woman nodded between bites.

  At least one woman’s blues could be saved by pie.

  * * *

  AFTER WORK THE following Monday, Will stopped by his mother’s house. She’d complained on his last visit that she needed something to read. Knowing her, she had a bunch of books on the nightstand by her bed. He figured he’d run in, feed the cats again, grab the books and get home at a decent time.

  The house smelled as if it hadn’t been opened in a while, so he left the door open to let in some fresh air. He also opened a few windows.

  In Ma’s bedroom there were several books on the nightstand so he got those then searched the room for a bag to place them in. Finding none, he went into his dad’s office, which hadn’t changed in years. Maybe Ma had kept his dad’s book bag that had gone to libraries around the world.

  He sat in the chair behind the desk and opened the lower left desk drawer. Fil
es neatly labeled, but no book bag.

  He shut the drawer and tried the other side of the desk. He spotted the leather book bag, pulled it out and snapped it open before adding the books. Good thing he knew Ma better than she probably did herself.

  He stood and planned on leaving but glanced at the lower left desk drawer again. Files. He sat back down and opened the drawer. Flipped through the files until he found the one he wanted. Ma’s will.

  After his father died, Will had been afraid of what would happen to them if something had happened to her as well. After a lot of arguments, he’d convinced Ma to visit the lawyer and update the will. He opened the file and perused the document. From the looks of things, not much had changed. Everything split between the four kids. And donations to several charities that Ma supported.

  He heard the screen door open and slam shut from the living room. “Will?”

  He looked up and stuffed the will back into the file. Tori wouldn’t understand his need to make sure things were ready. Just in case the worst happened. Instead, she’d think he’d given up.

  He knew he wasn’t ready for that.

  He followed the sound of her voice to their mom’s bedroom where she had a suitcase open on the bed. Will held up the book bag. “Ma said she was getting bored with television.”

  Tori nodded and opened a dresser drawer. She pulled out several nightgowns, T-shirts and jogging pants. “She told me she misses her own clothes.”

  “Ma’s subtle way of telling us to do stuff without coming out and asking us directly.” He sighed and looked around the room. Ever since he could remember, their mother had kept the house immaculate. Probably because of his father’s insistence that everything had a place and detested clutter. Said it distracted them from what was important. Whatever the reason, his mom had obviously kept it the same. “Do you ever remember the house being messy growing up?”

  Tori frowned and stopped pulling socks from the dresser drawer. “No, I don’t. Why?”

  “If we had grown up with clutter, would that be our normal?”