Chapter 12 - An Old Friend Arrives Unexpectedly
The elevator doors on the fourth floor chimed softly, and an elderly woman with silver hair stepped into the waiting area.
It was Mrs. Gable, our old next-door neighbor from Columbus, holding a small plastic casserole dish wrapped in kitchen foil.
“Claire, sweetie... I drove down as soon as your husband called me with the terrible news,” Mrs. Gable said warmly, opening her arms.
I rushed forward, burying my face in her shoulder as all the pent-up grief and guilt broke loose once more.
“Is Abigail going to make it?” Mrs. Gable asked softly, her eyes filled with genuine maternal concern and worry.
“The doctors say she’s stable, but she’s still unconscious from the septic infection,” I replied, wiping my eyes.
“That woman has carried the weight of the world on her shoulders for ten years without asking anyone for a single favor,” Mrs. Gable sighed.
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“Did she tell you about her cancer before she left Columbus?” I asked, desperate to understand how long she had hidden it.
Mrs. Gable shook her head slowly, looking down at the worn carpet tiles beneath her sensible walking shoes.
