Aaron got a frantic call and the voice asked, “May I speak to Aaron or Patricia Colby please?”
He said, “This is Aaron. Who am I speaking to?”
“My name is Dr. Susanne Kuhl with Tahoma General Hospital and your mother is here. She is very sick and we don’t know how much longer she will live,” The voice responded.
Aaron hopped on the next bus and was at the hospital in 45 minutes. “My name is Aaron Colby and I was told my mother Madiline Colby was here,” Aaron said to the receptionist.
“Rom 412. The elevator is to the left. Fourth floor and make a right out of the elevator,” The receptionist said.
Aaron knocked on the door and was let in by what looked like a 60 or 70 year old lady. Confused, Aaron said, “I’m looking for my mother, Madiline Colby.”
“Aaron, it’s me,” The woman said, “It’s your mother. Please, get Pat here. There’s a lot we need to discuss.” She then started crying. “Please, bring Pat. There’s something I need to say. To both of you. I am on my deathbed and the doctor’s don’t know how much longer I have.”
River rushed Pat over to the hospital in her van and they enter. River introduces herself and politely excuses herself from the room saying, “I think I should take my leave. If you need me, I’ll be in the waiting room.” Aaron thanked River for taking leave.
Madiline explained, “I understand if you don’t accept my apoligy, and I know I don’t deserve it, but please hear me out. The doctors say I won’t be around much longer and it is my dying wish that I leave this world on good terms with both of you.” Understandably, Pat looked on with suspicion since all through her 14 years, her mother abused her more than Aaron.
Their mother continued, “It’s my own fault. I smoked too much Marijuana and that’s why I look like a grandma at 33. It’s my own fault that we were homeless all these years.”
Aaron decided, “Mom, I think I can accept. Pat, it is your choice and your choice alone. I’m going to leave you two alone to discuss things. I will be with River in the waiting room.”
Mom and Pat had a long conversation and about an hour later, she came to the waiting room and said to Aaron, “Mom’s not going to last long. We’re her only children and she wants us to get with a lawyer and work on a will. I want to start right now.”
River said, “I don’t mind transporting you two, but I want nothing to do with the will. She is your mother, not mine.”
Aaron said, “Thank-you River.”
Pat said, “I told Mom that I accepted her apology. She did quit Pot but it’s too late. Let’s head to the Library and start our research now, please.” So, that’s just what they did. They decided to head to Tahoma Central (instead of their home of South Tahoma) since they figured it would have more resources.
