"Especially For You"

“An Irishman's Diary” by KEVIN MYERS, Thu Jul 22, 1999 – 01:00

“I recently found a report I wrote from Germany during the 1988 European soccer championship … '(Irish) Self-hatred back then was rife; the public morals of the country had been debauched by the loathsomely louche Charles Haughey. He did not invent the politics of economic suicide - that honour fell to the Fianna Fail government elected in 1977 – but he did refine it into a low art'.”

Thursday, 16:00 hrs – January 5, 1989

Temperature Mild (48 F – 9 C) Mist and Light Rain

Kensington, London – Taylors’ Five-Story Townhouse

“Charlie!” Laura Gwendolyn Taylor, Nathan’s daughter, broke all rules of refinement. She launched herself into the arms of Charlotte Wells-MacDonald or "Charlie", freshly arrived from Washington, D.C.

Hours earlier, Sir Robert and Lady Evelyn Taylor had insisted on meeting her alone at Heathrow. Nathan had quietly accepted his mother Evelyn’s decision to greet Charlie at the airport without the rest of the family.

His mother’s only explanation was, “We have matters to discuss.”

Nathan Michael Taylor, now an elected member of Parliament, smiled at the memory. Charlie wouldn’t have expected a full Taylor turnout … certainly not their household staff and a marching band. A simple hug from Uncle Tony and Auntie Ev would have been enough.

He wondered what Charlie’s first impression of England would be. There was mounting unrest in the Muslim community about Salman Rushdie’s recently published "The Satanic Verses", and protests in the streets.

She’d be entering an atmosphere of bomb threats, targeted assassinations, security alerts, and general political anxiety. Nathan dealt with such uncertainties daily. His father, Sir Robert, was frequently absent, and dealing with them directly. Although “retired”, his father still had connections and resources to apply his skills … when allowed.

Nathan needn’t have worried, however. Charlie, like the rest of the Wells-MacDonald clan, was laser focused. She’d clarified in her advance correspondence that she was coming to London to work. She made that point without employing her most charming, former-cheerleader tone. When Nathan’s parents laid down rules for her wellbeing over the phone, however, Charlie politely bulldozed right over them … long-distance.

Now, waiting near the back entrance of their townhouse, Nathan heard his father drive into the garage. As his parents emerged from the car, he heard his mother sweetly suggest to the gorgeous passenger, “You can leave your luggage in the car, dear. The staff will transfer it to your taxi … after our lovely, little tea.”

Nathan waited impatiently to hold Amy’s little sister again. As he surrounded Charlie with victory-hug energy (from his football days at Oxford) he felt the maturity of her body. No longer a sinewy, backflipping cheerleader, she felt fuller in his arms. She felt like an inviting, lovable woman as his wife, Caroline, once did.

Then, Nathan, still holding Charlie around her waist, ushered the radiant guest deeper into the Taylor townhouse drawing room. The Taylors had one of the most fashionable townhomes in London.

Apparently, whatever “matters” his mother had intended to discuss with Charlie were not yet resolved. Charlie broke from Nathan’s hold to greet his daughter, Laura.

Lady Evelyn whispered to him, “She has, indeed, booked a suite at the Dorchester.” Overhearing, Laura rose to Charlie’s defense, “It has a reception room for meetings! She’ll live on hotel food, and her clients will handle her transportation. So convenient, don’t you agree, Dad?”

Nathan knew better than to have any opinion on the subject. So, he simply smiled at Charlie with admiration.

Lady Evelyn sniffed and muttered, “I can’t imagine when we’ll see her.”

Caroline was still sitting on one of the drawing room sofas. Since the two sofas faced each other, Caroline welcomed their guest by patting the soft cushion beside her, “Charlie, so good to see you again.” Then, Caroline raised her hand to her forehead, closed her eyes and breathed in a steadying breath.

“What is the matter with you, Caroline!” Lady Evelyn bent down to whisper her irritation loudly enough for Charlie to hear.

“Auntie Ev,” Charlie breezed past her to sit beside Caroline with diplomatic charm, “I’ve been looking forward to spending some time with all of you!”

Nathan watched Charlie chatter, sitting discreetly beside Caroline and studying her face. “That’s why this evening will be so special! You can tell me all your fascinating British news and scandals.” She winked at Lady Evelyn, “I’ll catch you up on my very important mission here in the U.K.”

Nathan smiled, noticing his mother’s annoyance soften.

Lady Evelyn admitted, “It’s just that your uncle and I – and the whole family, of course – we were hoping to spend a great deal of time with you.” She paused. “We have a lovely tea ready...”

“And I’m excited to enjoy it,” Charlie interrupted with practiced brightness. “After tea, I’ll head over to the Dorchester and set up my work area.”

Then, Charlie’s eyes flashed with brilliance, as they did whenever she applied an out-of-the-blue idea to solve a crisis. (She'd learned the art of generating surprising ideas when she was a staff nurse in a Washington D.C. emergency room.)

Nathan remembered his Aunt Maggie complaining to his mother about how dangerous Charlie’s job had been. Back then, she wrangled knife-fight victims away from their attackers, barging through hospital doors.

“Actually, Auntie Ev, Uncle Tony,” Charlie paused to flutter her eyelids sweetly, “while you’re inspecting my rooms at the Dorchester, why don’t you advise me on how to efficiently arrange my consultation space? You’re such experts.”

Nathan nodded at his mother’s smug smile as she pinched Charlie’s cheek. “What a splendid idea, my darling!” Then, turning to his father, she added, “Don’t you think, Tony?”

Sir Robert stifled a sigh. Nathan knew his father’s day of events and meetings had already been long. He’d had yet another day of advising police and security forces on counter maneuvers against the Irish Republican Army.

Before Nathan’s parents left to pick up Charlie at the airport, his father had confided in him, “We’re in the teeth, my son – the danger, the stress our vulnerable forces face in the North, compounds our ability to navigate through spies and respond with solutions!”

“Don’t you think so, Tony,” Evelyn insisted.

“Splendid indeed,” he echoed dutifully. “Mac and Maggie will be so obliged. Wait ‘till her brother, Luke, hears about this.”

Caroline motioned for Laura to join her and Charlie on her sofa. “Evelyn has arranged for a very special tea. Cook prepares such delights as you’ve never enjoyed.”

Nathan noticed his mother taken aback by Caroline’s sudden assumption of the hostess role. Lady Evelyn, however, quickly restored her place by simply ringing her bell.

Exchanging a wary glance with his father, Nathan walked over to stand next to Sir Robert in front of the sofa across from his wife, daughter and Charlie.

Lady Evelyn then elegantly seated herself in her high-backed armchair at the head of the gathering, between the sofas. There, she waited for everyone to realize who was in charge.

Nathan swallowed his amusement. No one would be in charge of Charlie. She laid her arms across the back of the sofa and rested her hands on Caroline and Laura’s shoulders. Then, Charlie gracefully swiveled her head to admire the elegant furnishings, breathing in the welcoming colors of gentle beige and bronze.

Without invitation, Charlie critiqued, “Auntie Ev, you’ve succeeded in pairing modern art with classic furniture. This grand room feels cozy and comfortable … despite its high design.” Having approved of her surroundings, Charlie settled her charm back on Lady Evelyn.

Nathan watched his mother wilt with adoration. Now, back in command, Charlie locked in the new family dynamics by simply stating, “Auntie Ev, this house is truly … a home.”

As Lady Evelyn seemed speechless, Laura rose from the sofa and announced, “I'll save Cook the trouble and roll in our tea cart with all its delights!”

Nathan grinned at his daughter. Her charm could keep pace with Charlie’s.

Once Laura returned with the cart, she distributed tea, finger sandwiches and scones. Then, the family settled into contented sipping and chewing while Laura and Charlie sparked comments from everyone regarding her mission in London.

They all listened thoughtfully as Charlie explained, “I’ll serve in a hybrid function. First, I’ll be wrestling with the stigma of AIDs by updating hospital and clinical staff on medical advancements. NHS brought me here to help medical professionals who are overworked. They need their information updated and are confused over infection-control procedures. One administrator told me medical personnel are having difficulty discussing terminal illness compassionately.”

Charlie pursed her lips and added, “We face this in the U.S. as well.”

Wide-eyed Laura scooted closer to Charlie, munching on her cucumber sandwich. Nathan smiled at his daughter’s unashamed admiration. “What else, Charlie!” Laura demanded. “Will you appear in televised interviews?”

Before Lady Evelyn could return the conversation to a more entertaining flow, Charlie blinked her eyes charmingly and turned back to Laura to answer the question.

“Yes, some, I suppose.” Raising one eyebrow at Lady Evelyn, Charlie tempted her with, “Of course, I am not at all known in the UK. I would need well-known – leaders – to accompany me and lend some credibility to my suggestions.”

Nathan covered his amusement by layering a scone with thick cream and preserves.

“Oh, I’d adore such an opportunity to support your efforts, my dear!” Lady Evelyn focused her complete attention on Charlie’s purpose and sipped more tea.

Nathan watched Charlie search the air for other aspects of her job that might interest his mother. “Of course, since I only know your English family, I would feel exposed attending charity dinners, hospital galas, research fundraisers – without well-known – protectors.”

“Say no more, my dear,” Sir Robert assured Charlie in his commanding baritone. “One or more of us will be reliably at your side – whenever you need us.”

Wondering how he might get Charlie’s praise, Nathan continued to wait for his moment when Charlie shook her head, “So much in medicine is changing rapidly. The need for inter-agency cooperation as well as governmental leadership is critical.” Nathan opened his mouth to offer his support, but Charlie continued. “National institution leaders – beyond those in Parliament need to be updated on new oncology approaches, infection-control modernization, multi-disciplinary treatment …”

“Charlotte,” Nathan interrupted her, “allow me to introduce myself. Nathan Michael Taylor, member of the House of Commons.” Adding a cheeky grin, “And I’m a reasonably persuasive fellow.”

Laughing, Charlie assured him, “Of course, Nate, political connections won’t hurt.”

Laura leaned forward, hoping Charlie would assign a job to her when Caroline quietly stood. “I’m afraid I’ve taken a turn, so I’ll retire early. Please forgive me.”

Charlie’s nurse instincts kicked in, but Caroline paused her from standing, “Don’t worry, I’ll feel better by morning.” Caroline slipped into the hallway and climbed the stairs, her gait unsteady.

Nathan recognized that Charlie was uneasy at having been prevented from helping someone so obvious ill. Charlie nervously gathered cups, plates and started toward the kitchen. He wondered if Charlie might judge him for not showing enough concern.

“Don’t trouble yourself, Charlie,” Laura popped up. “I can take care of all this.”

Charlie sighed. “Very well, then,” Charlie accepted. “I must be getting on. I’ll just run up to say goodnight to Caroline. Later, I’ll come back down for my things.”

Nathan, a skilled strategist, waited for Charlie to get up the stairs. Then, he excused himself and quietly followed to listen outside the bedroom he shared with Caroline .

He left his parents and daughter behind in the drawing room, sitting in confused silence.

Mid-stairs, Nathan heard Charlie knock on the door above. He heard Charlie open the door, but there was no sound of her closing it.

As he reached the top of the stairs, he stopped before he could be seen. His view was clear, however. Caroline was sitting on the edge of their bed, half undressed, tears drying on her cheeks. She stared down at her right breast as if it had betrayed her.

Charlie sat beside Caroline, saying nothing.

Caroline lifted her right breast for Charlie to see darkening skin around the nipple, now inverted. The rash-like patch was spreading into the areola creating crusted, pus-like discharge.

Charlie examined silently. Then softly, she asked, “Have you seen a doctor?”

Caroline nodded.

“When is your next appointment?”

“I don’t know.” Her pause was longer than other members in his family would have permitted.

Nurse Charlie had nerves of steel, expert timing with the power of patience.

“I need to think –” Caroline broke the silence.

“That thinking needs to happen with your doctor.” Nathan watched Charlie’s eyes narrow with concern. He could tell Charlie was tapping into her instincts. “Have you told anyone?”

Caroline’s voice wavered. “No. Not anyone.”

“Not your husband – not even your own mother?” Charlie asked, her tone shifting … less nurse, more family.

Nathan groaned inwardly as Caroline turned, shook her head and swiped away gathering tears with the back of her hand. “I can’t bear for Nathan to know. He’s always loved me for my … ample bosom. He won’t – want me if –“

The deep, sweet comfort in Charlie’s voice resonated with, “Your mother would be completely helpful right now.”

“No,” Caroline whispered. “My mother is only an in-law to the Taylors. She wouldn’t understand … When Nathan married me, I became a key to open doors for my family. I am expected to bear up and carry on.”

Charlie lifted Caroline’s chin gently and met her eyes – one pair of eyes wet with fear, the other bright with purpose.

“Does your doctor have privileges at Wellington Hospital?”

“I don’t know,” Caroline whispered as she looked down again. Fresh tears fell onto her afflicted breast.

“We’re going now,” Charlie said quietly.

“It’s after hours,” Caroline objected.

“Nonsense,” Charlie helped Caroline to her feet, buttoning her blouse with steady hands. Then, she stepped out the door as if to call down the stairs when Nathan caught her glare.

He matched it and called down the stairs, “Pa – please bring the car around.”

Nathan and Charlie continued to scowl at each other as Charlie completed the order, “Caroline needs to go to the Wellington tonight.”

His family members needed two ticks to perceive the urgency, but Nathan heard them respond with rushing feet. He, too, then turned to comply.

Nathan acted according to instructions. When a nurse gives an order, especially a nurse named “Charlie” … she is obeyed.

 

+++++

 

The Wellington Hospital, London – 19:02 hrs

Nathan drove his mother and daughter ahead of his father so that they were waiting outside and ready when Sir Robert pulled up, under the soft, honey-hued lighting of the Wellington Hospital entrance, with Caroline and Charlie.

Charlie looked up at the building with uncertainty. Nathan suspected she was mistaking it for a hotel.

Had they all been sleepwalking? Nathan shook his head and silently scolded himself and his family members. Why hadn't they seen Caroline’s gradual decline? Now, however, they were all ready to help. Now, but not earlier. Now, when it was possibly too late to make a difference.

As if they sensed his unspoken reproach, his family members glanced down at the pavement. Then, they fell in line behind Sir Robert as he escorted Caroline and Charlie through the gleaming front doors.

Muted blues and the scent of polished wood greeted them inside. A marble-topped reception desk anchored the lobby. There were no buzzers, no chaos – just low voices and soft light from sconces glowing behind framed photographs of medical consultants.

A large, classic wall clock showed the time.

Charlie guided Caroline forward, and Nathan supported her on the other side.

“Mrs. Caroline Taylor,” Charlie reported calmly to the orderly, “needs to see a Resident Medical Officer this evening. There’s a concerning change in one breast.”

The dark-haired orderly nodded, then recognized Sir Robert, Lady Evelyn, and Nathan from countless press features. He picked up the internal phone and turned to Caroline.

“We’ll have the RMO down immediately, Mrs. Taylor. Would you prefer to wait here, or be taken directly to an exam room?”

Charlie didn’t answer, but her quiet focus on Caroline clarified the response required.

Caroline nodded at Charlie, “Being ready in an exam room seems more helpful.”

Nathan was pleased there were no questions about insurance or payment. Medical care took priority.

From the side, a porter rolled a wheelchair forward. Caroline started to wave it off, but Charlie gently positioned it behind Caroline’s knees.

Pulling in a deep breath with closed eyes, Caroline sat without protest.

Around them, the staff multiplied … quietly, efficiently. An attending nurse appeared and led the group into a bright consultation room. There was a padded exam table, soft lighting, and clean instruments lined along a counter.

Nathan followed Charlie, rolling Caroline in. Then, he stood quietly in the corner while his mother guided his father and Laura back to the waiting lounge.

Caroline undressed slowly, helped by the nurse. Charlie remained nearby, ready to assist. Nathan stood stiffly, assuming the role of protector, but helpless for now.

His relationship with Caroline had been different twenty years earlier. Although their family had flowed in the same social circles, Caroline had not been on his emotional radar. He’d been too involved in his Oxford life: his football success, academic achievements, conflicts with his father over his future … until, on his own, he’d negotiated a work-study assignment with GCHQ.

The project had been forward-thinking at the time … not for GCHQ, but rather Oxford University.

Everyone, except the supervisors at GCHQ and MI6, believed Nathan’s workload would expect nothing more from him than routine administrative tasks.

Instead, Nathan began training in signals intelligence. Remembering, Nathan’s stomach tightened at the critical, peace-threatening messages he routinely managed. His fear of failure melted him to his work station, and he secretly slept inside the building rather than return to his apartment at night.

At the end of his semester and work study assignment, Nathan was twenty pounds lighter. He couldn’t sleep more than two hours at a stretch, and avoided all conversation related to his time at GCHQ.

His father understood what Nathan had been through. His mother, however, intervened. When Nathan was completely free of his obligations with GCHQ, Lady Evelyn booked rooms at the Hotel Savoy. There, Nathan and his parents were expected to attend a Labour Party meeting that afternoon. In the evening, they would attend Lord Asquith’s soirée in the Savoy Ballroom.

“You remember Miss Caroline Diane Williams,” his mother casually prodded. Of course, Nathan remembered her from their families social interactions. When they entered the Labour party meeting, Caroline was there with her parents.

Still, regaining his energy, Nathan had seemed to see her for the first time. She was a gentle, young professional woman, with shoulder-length, dark-chocolate hair, warm hazel eyes, a huggable figure with an ample bosom. She entered Nathan’s cluster of debaters with a calm, serene presence.

Later that evening, he found her placed at his table (designed by their mothers, he discovered). Nathan and Caroline transitioned through the cocktail hour, mingled among the rich and powerful, and shared a sumptuous dinner.

Nathan found himself guiding Caroline in and out of conversations no one wanted to have. Tiring, Nathan wanted to go to bed but found himself walking the hotel’s hallways with Caroline. Eventually, they wandered into an empty bar where a piano waited for a musician to play it.

Reluctantly, Caroline admitted she played “a little bit”. When he succeeded in having her offer him that little bit, Caroline sat down let her fingers flow into one of England’s most cherished hymns: “Jerusalem”.

He’d found he still had the heart and voice to melt into the song.

They talked through more hallways and somehow into Caroline’s room. There, they’d confessed regrets, hopes … and surrendered to shared desire.

He remembered her lips, the graceful line of her neck, fullness of her breasts. Her body felt so warm and snug around him … he’d tried to restrain his passion.

She hadn’t let him.

He proposed to her that night, and together, they announced their engagement to their parents at breakfast the next morning.

“Here’s another warm blanket, Mrs. Taylor.”

The nurse returned to provide more comfort and evaporated Nathan’s memories. He was back in Caroline’s hospital room, where everyone else had a job. He was simply waiting.

There was a gentle knock, “Good evening, Mrs. Taylor,” the doctor said. “I’m Dr. Wood, Resident Medical Officer. Let’s have a look and get you settled.”

His questions were gentle but specific. He examined Caroline’s breasts with practiced hands.

Nathan studied the doctor’s face and Charlie’s expressions to gauge the level of skill being applied . The smallest wince confirmed for Nathan that Charlie’s concern had been justified.

Dr. Wood stepped back. “Given what I’m seeing, I’d like our on-call surgical consultant to come in tonight. He’s about twenty minutes away.”

As he left to make the call, another nurse arrived with tea, water, and another warm blanket. She addressed Caroline with quiet warmth. “Our team is here to care for you tonight. We’ll guide you through every procedure step by step.”

Dr. Wood returned. “The consultant is on his way. I’d prefer you stay with us tonight, Mrs. Taylor.” He glanced at Nathan, assuming silent agreement, which Nathan gave.

Caroline nodded. She'd stopped resisting. There was relief in others, now sharing the burden she had borne, for months … alone.

When the consultant arrived, he repeated the exam, then leaned close, creating a private space despite the others in the room.

“Mrs. Taylor,” he said gently, “I understand you may feel overwhelmed this evening. Let me explain what we’re seeing and what it may mean.”

He spoke clearly, with the calm of experience. “Tonight, we’ll order an ultrasound and schedule a mammogram for tomorrow morning. The change you’ve noticed – the nipple turning inward – is something we can not ignore. It often indicates inflammation or a condition affecting the ducts beneath the nipple.”

He paused. “One possibility is Paget’s disease of the nipple. It’s rare, but we know how to recognize it. In most cases, it’s associated with a deeper issue in the breast – typically a ductal carcinoma.”

Nathan’s jaw tensed. Charlie placed her calm hand on Caroline’s forearm.

“We are not making a diagnosis tonight,” the consultant clarified. “We’re saying this change is serious enough to investigate promptly and thoroughly.”

As Nathan listened to the doctor list Caroline’s tests scheduled for the next morning: imaging, mammography, he knew he’d need to call his Party Whip before the Parliament's machinery was up and running.

The doctor led Caroline to a key decision. “Tomorrow morning, your tests will help us determine if there’s a mass or ductal change. If needed, we’ll do a small biopsy.”

Nathan saw fear flicker in Caroline’s eyes and was thankful the doctor then gentled his counsel. “If this is Paget’s, early identification is critical – and very often successful. We have a team of excellent breast surgeons. You will be in good hands.”

Both Nathan and Charlie nodded support. Caroline looked from her husband to her comforting “cousin”, Charlie, and drew strength from them.

The consultant stood and folded his hands in the quiet way Wellington’s senior staff members do. “Tonight, rest. You are safe here. We’ll move swiftly. And whatever we find … you will not face it alone.”

Shaking hands with Nathan and Caroline, the consultant walked away with the seeming assurance of a man who had seen too many irreparable truths and still chose to hope.

Immediately, nurses and orderlies filed into Caroline’s room with quiet efficiency. They wheeled Caroline into a private room, inviting her family to follow.

Later, when Caroline was settled in bed, Nathan stepped toward Charlie, his tone tender but firm. “Charlie, you might want to check into the Dorchester after… you’re satisfied with the images tomorrow. And Pa – Mum, please take Laura home. Get some rest. We’ll need to function like a championship team when our challenge starts tomorrow.”

Laura, in full Oxford form, straightened her back. “I’m staying here with you, Dad. We’ll look after Mum together.” Father and daughter exchanged glares of combined determination.

Nathan watched Charlie usher his parents toward the elevator. As they walked away, he and his daughter pulled chairs beside Caroline’s bed. Laura placed a small cassette player near Caroline’s pillow.

“Listen to this, Mum. It’s still on the radio – it’ll help you sleep.”

As Nathan and Laura laid their faces to rest on the bed near Caroline, Nathan saw Charlie peek into Caroline’s room then leave without disturbing the moment.

Time passed without conversation. Nathan watched Caroline, her eyes open watching him and their daughter focus on her. As Caroline drifted nearer to sleep, Laura laid her head gently on her mother’s blanket. Nathan leaned back in his chair, preparing for the long night ahead.

When Charlie left, Laura pressed the cassette’s play button.

Lilting softly through the hospital air came the voices of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, singing their November 1988 hit, “Especially for you…”

Wellington Hospital – The Next Morning

Both Nathan and his daughter were awake when Charlie returned early that morning, never having checked into the Dorchester. She'd returned to the townhouse with his parents. United now, Nathan and his family waited with Caroline, sitting in bed quietly.

The surgical consultant entered the private room and greeted them with the same composed presence as the night before.

“Mrs. Taylor, thank you for your patience this morning,” he said, folding his hands calmly. “We’ve reviewed both the mammogram and the ultrasound carefully.”

Caroline’s hands clenched in her lap. Nathan placed his hand gently over hers.

“The ultrasound confirms a firm, irregular mass behind the nipple. It’s not sharply defined as a benign fibroadenoma. Rather, it casts shadowing – something we often see with malignancy.”

He let the words settle. He did not want to frighten Caroline, merely allow her to adjust to each word’s weight.

“We also noted changes along the underside of the nipple consistent with Paget’s disease. That matters, because Paget’s is frequently associated with an underlying carcinoma – and your images support that concern.”

Nathan drew a sharp breath and steadied himself. He reached out and rested his hand on Laura’s shoulder. Charlie focused her sharp eyes on the doctor.

“What we can not determine from imaging alone,” the consultant continued, “is the exact cellular makeup of the tumor, or the extent of ductal involvement. For that, we need a biopsy.”

Caroline swallowed. “What kind of biopsy?”

“We’ll take a tissue sample from the area behind the nipple today. You’ll receive a local anesthetic for the procedure, and the sample will be sent to the Pathology Lab immediately. We could have preliminary results within 48 to 72 hours.”

The consultant leaned in slightly, providing an anchor of calm and medical confidence. “Finding this, when the nipple first changed, is in your favor.”

Nathan saw Charlie reach over to take his mother’s hand. She held it as an extra daughter might.

The consultant concluded with quiet authority and kindness, earned from years of delivering hard truths with care. “Today’s imaging gives us a strong suspicion. The biopsy will give us facts. Whatever it reveals, we will act swiftly. You’re in the right place, Mrs. Taylor … and we will take excellent care of you.”

Rising with confidence, the consultant waited for approval, “If you’re ready, we can proceed this morning.”

Caroline looked at the faces around her: husband, daughter, her parents-in-law … and Charlie. Then, with a deep breath, she nodded. “I am ready. Please proceed.”

+++++