Suspended - Part X

“Suspended” is a fictional story about a New York family — husband, wife and college-aged son — who’ve become disconnected from one another and lost their sense of purpose until a beautiful young woman who claims she’s a hands-on-healer enters their lives and shakes everything up.

THIS IS PART 10 of a FIFTEEN-PART STORY

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15

Rich knew the caller was probably Marcia and that he'd better pick up quickly before Danny got on and started blabbing about Fee. He still hadn't had a chance to talk to Danny about what Fee was doing in the apartment. The boy had scooted out of the kitchen and disappeared into his room as soon as he’d finished his meal earlier, when they’d left for the movies. Now Rich heard his voice yelling: "Daaad! Mom's on the phone!"

"Excuse me," Rich said to Fee.

He took the call in his bedroom, shutting the door. "It's me," Marcia said.

"I know."

"I have a concussion."

“What?”

"I fell off Herbie and hit my head."

"Jesus. What did the doctor say? Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. I have to take it easy for the next few days, that's all."

"Do you need me to come up? I could send Danny."

There was a moment's silence. When Marcia spoke again her voice was cool, almost glacial. "That won't be necessary. I know how to look after myself."

Well, good, Rich thought. Good! He hung up a few minutes later and padded back out into the hall. Disappointment flooded his heart when he saw that Fee's door was closed. A strip of light shone from beneath it, so he knew she was still awake, but he didn't have the nerve to tap on the door and disturb her.

Cover Image: Dima Pechurin

Next: Read Suspended Part 11 >>