Chapter 88: Hiking in Tamalpais
“You’re doing just great Theresa said, her voice full with excitement
Ivy groaned already regretting her decision: She adjusted the backpack for the umpteenth time as she followed. Theresa daintily
She should have known hiking was a horrible mistake when Themsa showed in the house with a backpack filled with chunky water bottle, a first aid kit, a pair of hiking poles, and snacks–snacks sheedn’t even been able to eat yet
Ivy panted as she followed Theresa down the rugged trail. Theresa was enjoying the hike a little too much–much to her disdain. She was smiling, talking as though they weren’t clambing a mountain
Hector, their hir quide, paused and glanced at them. How are we doing, ladies?”
“Great” Theresa said
“Terrible,” Ivy replied.
Theresa and Hector laughed
“Don’t worry, it gets easier Hector assured her.
Ivy frowned. Of course it was easy for him.
“When we get to the top, it’ll be worth it. The view is to die for, Hector added.
“You heard that? Hang in there, Theresa said.
Ivy groaned again as she adjusted the backpack. Heat pricked her neck, making her scratch. If there was one lesson to learn here, it was that she detested hiking, and she and Theresa would have to bond over another hobby
She climbed, hearing nothing but dirt and scattered rocks under her feet. She had to give it to Tamalpais—it was gorgeous with huge redwoods kissing the sky. As they climbed higher, the scenery changed–the air grew colder, the mountain steeper
Hector pointed to a distance. “That part over there? The people of Coastal Ridemo used to live up there. Enjoying the cold. thriving as a nation.”
Ivy listened, welcoming a chance to catch her breath.
“That is so humbling and refreshing to know Theresa said.
“They lived there for centuries” Hector added. “Until they even moved.”
Ivy was impressed by Hector’s culture and happy he got to share it with others.
“The trail is getting steeper Time to use your poles, Hector instructed,
Ivy groaned but obeyed. She bit her lip, forcing herself to focus on the path. A step after the other, she planted the poles firmly in the dirt.
When they finally reached the top, Ivy’s legs throbbed. For a moment, her discomfort didn’t allow her to enjoy the sight When she finally did, she gasped,
“Told you,” Hector chuckled.
It was magnificent to see the world from this height. Ivy’s heart fluttered at the sight
“It’s beautiful,” Theresa said, her voice thick with emotions.
“It’s breathtaking” Ivy added.
For a moment, she forgot the pain in her back and the burning in her feet.
“Take your time to appreciate it before we head back down,” Hector said
And Ivy did just that. She closed her eyes, using her other senses to feel the moment. The air smelled like damp earth, untouched by city life.
And the sounds–God, the sounds. Birds called, leaves rustled in the wind—it was just too beautiful.
Finally, they drank some water, ate some snacks before proceeding back down. The path down was easier, and Ivy soon realized just how badly she wanted to be done.
When they reached the state park, Hector show fully an up. Once Ivy was done, she waited for
Theresa under one of the visitor canopies.
Successfully unlocked!
“That was fun, Theresa said as she returned. “We should do that sometime again.”
“Absolutely not, Theresa, Ivy said firmly.
Theresa laughed. “It’s because it’s your first. Don’t worry you’ll get used to it.”
Try doubted
no point arguing
ma treat you to lunch Theresa offered, standing
ina Teika to check up on someone first
Aght could drive you there,” Theresa said kindly
by sighed as regret tightened her chest the felt bad for wanting to see Rita while they were hanging out fut Theresa did
to mand. She drove to Rita’s house, and even stayed in the car, waiting for her
by proceeded to fota’s house and knocked on the door. The door was opened by the young lady Ivy saw on the bicycle yesterday
Hello se smuled
Hey y said 7m here to see Rita”
On Ms Donovan rent around the lady smiled “I only babysit her child. You can call her, or maybe, come back?”
Donovan, Ivy thought. So Rita was not married yet
“Okay. I just come back? Ivy replied
“What’s your name so I can-
Don’t worry about that” Ivy interrupted with a smile, turning to leave. “Bye”
When the returned to the car Theresa asked. “So quick?”
“Yes, the’s not around Ivy replied
“Okay. After lunch, where are you going?” Theresa asked, starting the car.
“Eagleheart hospital. I’m going to see my dad,” Ivy lied, then forced a smile.
Lunch with Theresa was good. They ate and talked. By the time they parted ways at the hospital, Ivy was already missing
her
She made her way to the nurses‘ station and was directed to Dr Collins‘ office. She knocked on the door.
“Come in,” he called.
Ivy stepped inside
“Hello, Ivy,” Dr Collins greeted, gesturing for her to sit. “What can I do for you?”
“Hi, Doctor. I’m here to know about my mother’s condition.”
Dr Collins’s eyebrows lifted. “Thope there’s no problem?”
Ivy’s cheeks burned. “I recently found out that my mom was depressed before she… passed”
“She was,” Dr Collins confirmed with a nod. “She came in almost every week for her medication.”
Ivy’s chest clenched. “Was it that bad?”
“Well, I’ve seen similar cases, but yes–it
t was
severe, Dr Collins admitted. “But I tried my very best to manage it. And she
was very cooperative; always showing up, always taking her medication.”
Ivy’s stomach sank. Her dear mother had been severely depressed. “Do… you know… why it happened?”
Dr Collins’s brow creased as he leaned forward. “She didn’t share much–she was quite secretive. But she hinted that there were problems at home.”
Ivy’s heart plummeted. “Problems at home?”
“Yes. Like in her marriage, Dr Collins clarified.
“No,” Ivy said, shaking her head. “It can’t be. My parents‘ marriage was fine. It had to be something else.”
“Like I said, she hinted at it,” Dr Collins said gently.
Ivy sighed. “When did it start?”
Dr Collins clicked through his records. “Her first medication was issued on August 22nd, 2014.”
Ivy gasped. That was way before Thomas allegedly took her land. Her stomach clenched at the pain, she didn’t know to believe
“She started to see a therapist seven months after, but I doubt they would share anything, you know, patient confidentity” Dr Collins said apologetically
“Thank you, doctor,” Ivy said, standing up slowly.
“I’m sorry for your loss, Ivy. If there’s a way I can help, please give me a call.” He handed her a card.
Ivy nodded, taking it, then left without a word.
Chapter & Hiking
Once she was outside, she exhaled, briefly blinded by pain. Thomas was innocent and her parents had issues in their marriage?
There was only one person who had the answer. She marched to Room 309 and found the room empty
She made her way to the nurses station “Hello nurse. Has Patrick Scott been discharged?”
The nurse checked the computer. “No, he is in a private room.”
hy’s brow furrowed, “What room, please?”
I’m sorry, I can’t share that information. Only authorized visitors can see him–per patient’s request”
Of course
Ivy clenched her fist, her pain had transformed into anger, Patrick had changed his room because of her
There was so much she needed to know
And she wasn’t going to rest until she got to the bottom of it
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