Chapter 4 - THE APPOINTMENT JESSICA RESENTED
Martha’s test results showed an irregular heartbeat.
It was treatable, but her doctor warned that stress was making the condition worse.
“You need to take the medication exactly as prescribed,” Dr. Patel told her. “And you should not be standing outside in cold rain.”
Martha glanced through the window.
Jessica was parked at the curb, tapping impatiently on the steering wheel.
Brittany was laughing at something on her phone.
“I have a ride,” Martha said quietly.
When Martha entered the pharmacy line, Jessica stormed into the lobby.
“How long is this going to take?”
“They’re preparing my prescription.”
“You said this would be quick.”
“I didn’t know they were going to change my medication.”
Brittany stood behind Jessica, examining Martha’s faded sweater.
“Is that the same sweater you wore to Ava’s school concert?”
Martha looked down.
Thomas had bought it for her on their final Christmas together.
“Yes.”
Brittany smirked.
“You really hold on to things.”
Jessica’s face tightened with embarrassment.
“Mom, just get your pills.”
The pharmacist handed Martha a paper bag and asked her to verify her address.
Jessica rolled her eyes loudly enough for everyone to hear.
Outside, the rain had intensified.
Martha carefully stepped toward the sedan, but Jessica locked the doors.
“Open the door,” Martha said.
Jessica lowered the window.
“Brittany and I have dinner reservations.”
“You promised to take me home.”
“Take the bus.”
Then the tire hit the puddle.
The muddy water struck Martha from her knees to her chest.
Jessica drove away after Martha revealed the registration, but not before the health center’s security system captured every second.
When Martha returned to the lobby, Daniel wrapped a clean emergency blanket around her shoulders.
Then Martha’s phone vibrated.
A notification from her bank appeared.
YOUR HOME EQUITY APPLICATION HAS MOVED TO UNDERWRITING.
Martha stopped breathing.
May you like
She had never applied for a home equity loan.
👉 Someone had not only used Martha’s money to pay for the car—someone was trying to borrow against the home her husband had left her.
