Chapter 7 - The Form With My Name
I called Dr. Patel's office before Linda's SUV had reached the corner.
The receptionist put me through to Marissa, the patient-services coordinator. I introduced myself, gave my date of birth, and asked a question that made my voice shake.
"Has anyone submitted paperwork on my behalf?"
Keys clicked in the background. "There was a visitor-preference packet received yesterday. We haven't completed the review."
"Who submitted it?"
"It came in an envelope with a patient signature."
I sat down on the hallway floor. Daniel stood over me, looking like he already knew where this was going.
"I haven't signed anything," I said.
Marissa's tone became careful. "Please come in tomorrow. We'll preserve the packet and restrict changes to your file until we verify your instructions."
"Can you remove my mother-in-law as a contact?"
"We can take your directions directly. You're the patient."
I thanked her and hung up. My wrist still hurt from the fall. I had forgotten about it until I tried to stand.
"What was submitted?" I asked Daniel.
"Mom made a list. That's all."
"Did it have my signature?"
He stared at the wall.
I took a breath. "Daniel, look at me."
"She asked me to drop off a packet. I thought you were okay with it."
"You knew I wasn't."
"It was just administrative stuff."
"You cannot call something administrative when it's about who gets to make decisions for me."
My phone rang. Nora, my older sister, was calling to ask about the monitoring. I told her what happened. She didn't interrupt. When I finished, she said, "I'm coming over."
"You don't need to drive across town."
"I didn't ask whether I needed to."
I almost smiled.
When I went back into the nursery for my purse, Daniel followed me. He stood in front of the door.
"I should tell you something before Nora gets here," he said.
"What?"
May you like
He dragged his fingers down his face.
"The packet wasn't the only thing Mom asked me to sign."
