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I looked. The wheelchair sat against the far wall, impossibly distant from the bed. Chester knew his mother couldn\u2019t walk unassisted. He\u2019d positioned it there anyway.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m calling for help,\u201d I said, pulling out my phone.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t be angry with the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t answer that. The dispatcher picked up on the second ring, and I gave our address in the calm voice I\u2019d perfected over forty years of dealing with contractors and clients. My hands stayed steady. The shaking would come later.<\/p>\n
The paramedics arrived in fourteen minutes. I opened the door for two women who moved with practiced efficiency, asking questions while they worked. \u201cHow long has she been without fluids? Does she have any medical conditions? Where\u2019s her caregiver?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy son,\u201d I said, watching them check Helen\u2019s vitals. \u201cHe was supposed to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n