AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She rubs her nose, a habit of discomfort, before she finally blurts, “Is everything okay with Ava?”
“I thought you FaceTime her all day?”
“Notallday.”
“Every couple of hours for a few hours?”
“Why do you have to be so mean?”
“I’m not mean. I’m busy. If that’s all…”
“Wait.” She clears her throat. “Is there anything wrong concerning…you know.”
“You can name it, Cecily. Her condition has a diagnosis and it’s called psychosis. Shying away from putting a name on it or treating it like it’s taboo won’t do anyone any good, least of all her. And she is fine, considering she picked up the cello of her own accord and is enjoying the spotlight again.”
“I know. She sends me updates and footage of her performances.”
“There you have it. I hope you told her you’re proud of her courage.”
“I don’t need you to tell me that. I’ve been there for her our entire lives and that will stay the same, even if we live continents apart.” She pauses and watches me peculiarly. “You’ve changed.”
“All human beings do.”
“I’m still not sure whether it’s for the better or the worse.”
“I’ll leave you to ponder that.”
“Hold on.” She steps in my way before I can move. “I’m thinking about going back to the UK for a couple of months until I’m sure she’s okay.”
“I strongly advise against that, and by strongly advise, I mean don’t do it.”
“Why not?”
“Because you treat her with kid gloves. You baby her and cater to her every demand. You spoil her worse than her parents, and that is the exact opposite of what she needs.”
“Well, I’m sorry I care for her mental well-being.”
“Not with methods that help.”
“And yours do?” she whisper-yells as she searches our empty surroundings. “Like that falling-down-the-stairsaccident?”
“Itwasan accident.”
“Yeah, right. No need to put on an act, Eli. Both of us know she becomes unpredictable during her episodes, which is why you should’ve gone with the more intense therapy option.”
“And kill her spirit? Murder her creativity? Stifle her entire being?”
“Only temporarily. She would get better.”
“The last time we did somethingtemporarily, she almost vanished.”
“We just need to keep an eye on her. Your vain, false hope will make things worse. Her current medication only dulls her symptoms and doesn’t target the root of the problem.”
“You treating her like a delicate flower is what made things worse and caused her to spiral down that addiction path.”
“But—”
“Enough,” I grind out. “I’m her legal guardian and will not tolerate any interference in my decisions. Not even from you.”
