During one of her better days, Lucille told Horace that she wanted to sell her house and come live with Alex and his family in New York. This had always been her exit plan, although her biggest fear was replacing her health insurance. Her Medicare plan did not cover New York, and she didn't know if she could find new insurance at her age.
.....
When Alex arrived at his mom's house he was in shock. The house was dark, hot, and smelled like old people. Both Lucille and Horace were in pajamas, bathrobes, and slippers, and neither had combed their hair in a while.
Alex's mom fell into his arms crying as Horace watched on from his walker, holding some flyers he got in the mail on selling houses. Alex was surprised, as he didn't figure Horace would be so willing to see Lucille sell the house and he have to move. It was too good to be true.
Using very small shaky steps, both Horace and Lucille followed Alex into the kitchen, Lucille holding onto the walls as she proceeded. Alex couldn't help but think that their living situation was an accident waiting to happen.
Up until recently Lucille was caring for Horace, who had numerous serious health issues, and was ignoring doctors orders for surgery. Alex wondered how he could possibly care for Lucille?
As he always did in his mom's house, Alex went for straight for the refrigerator expecting to see all his favorite foods. Mom always made sure to have fresh cold cuts including Alex's favorite liverwurst, diet 7-Up, and potato salad.
But not this time. Instead the refrigerator was empty except for some condiments, and a stack of 10 Stouffer's 320 calorie frozen chicken TV dinners.
It was almost as if Alex had showed up unexpected.
.....
To be continued.
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