Book review meetings and playing braille cards became regular activities for Robert and Gini. Debbie knew they both looked forward to the events. Robert was preparing a time frame for Gini’s release and preparing himself for her departure. John was still her primary neurologist, and Robert wanted it to stay that way. He tried to convince himself that she was like all his other patients and he should treat her as such. But he was constantly drawn to the unit. He enjoyed being with both Gini and Debbie.
“Sweetheart, we’re going on an adventure today,” Robert said, taking her hand.
Gini had only been out of the unit to go to the therapy gym, and she was always taken there in her wheelchair.
“Aire… uff… go?”
“You’ll see.”
They walked out of the door and down the ramp. Gini abruptly stopped. “No… uff.”
“It’s okay.” He put her other hand on the handrail. “Just slide your hand on the rail. It will guide you.”
She thrust her tongue, then tentatively took a step and then another. He went at her pace, reassuring her the whole way. They walked down the hall and into the large sitting area. As they passed the nurses station, the staff said hello to her.
Robert pushed the button to automatically open the door into the atrium. It was a nice, sunny, early spring day. Gini immediately felt the warmth from the sun.
When the door closed, all the outside sounds disappeared. Gini opened her mouth in awe. “Bur! Bur… uff… seen.”
“Yes, they are happy birds.”
“Bur!”
The atrium went from the second floor to the fifth floor. It was a closed-in area from the extension of the sitting area’s window wall, providing a view across the street toward the park. The open area was screened, and the birds flew freely. Each floor had its own room that was a part of the atrium. There were two chairs and a bench swing. Flower boxes ringed the room with beautiful plants.
“Can you smell the sweet jasmine?”
“Oh… yes…”
He helped her sit on the bench.
“Bur, fluor.” She smiled her bright smile and opened her blue eyes.
It was April, and the six-month contract was nearly up. It was time to start the evaluation and determine the next step for Gini.
She and Debbie were sitting at the kitchen table one morning when two men in suits came rushing to the door. Tracy was behind them, furiously trying to keep up. Debbie went to the door to see what was happening. When she opened it, one of the men pushed past her, moving Debbie aside. The other man followed.
“You can’t come in here,” Debbie said with authority. “Who are you? You must leave at once.”
“I’m calling security,” Tracy said, her phone in her hand.
“We are Mr. Legotti’s lawyers here to serve Mrs. Legotti divorce papers.” He took a folder out of his bag and slapped it on the table in front of Gini. She was already frightened, and the sound of the folder sent her into an attack.
“She has to sign for them now,” one of the men demanded. “Mr. Legotti wants a received signature.”
“No… uff… vorse,” Gini cried.
“She’s disabled and can’t sign. Leave right now,” Debbie bellowed.
“More like retarded,” the other man said.
Robert was just walking out of another room when he saw the disturbance, and then he saw Gini. He ran into the room and picked her up. “Get out of here,” he said to the men. “Gini, it’s okay.”
Two security guards entered the room.
“We’re not leaving until these papers are signed.”
One guard took out his pistol.
“Okay, okay,” one lawyer said. “Mr. Legotti is not going to be happy, but we’ll leave. I can see why he wants to end this marriage—pathetic.” He looked at Gini crying in Robert’s arms.
“No… uff… vorse.”
“Take deep breaths.” He held her tight. “You need to take deep breaths and relax.”
After a few minutes, she took two deep lungsful of air, thrust her tongue, and fell asleep.
He held her close, rocking her. Debbie pulled the curtain behind the chair so he could have a private moment. Then she started pacing.
“They had no right bursting in here. That Franco… I’m going to report him for neglect and abuse. He’s abusing his helpless wife.” Her pacing quickened.
“What did they want?”
“Franco has served her with divorce papers, and they wanted her signature right now. Her signature! Doesn’t Franco know she can’t sign anything? Yes, I am reporting him to adult social services.”
“Now, Debbie.” Robert took Gini into the bedroom.
Debbie followed him. “No, Robert, he’s not going to treat her like that. One of those goons called her retarded. Franco has no business directing her life if he’s going to treat her like that. I won’t have it.”
Robert put his hand on her shoulder as they walked back to the living area. “Deb, you need to calm down. There must be a miscommunication; he’s never treated her badly.”
“Well, he certainly is neglectful. He should be figuring out a way to be with her if he loves her. She’s his wife, and he should treat her better.”
“I suggest you calm down and think about it before you do anything.”
“I will. It just makes me mad that they stormed in here and scared her.”
“I know. I’ll talk to the staff at the station.”
“Oh, believe me, Robert, there was no stopping them. I should have never opened the door. I won’t again if I don’t know the person; trust me.”
That night before Ric left, Debbie asked him, “How did Gini seem to you tonight?”
“Good. I wish she would concentrate more on her words, but she’s getting better. I think she was telling me about birds in the building somewhere,
