Chapter 3

A few days later, still in the hospital recovering, a nurse told me I had a visitor.

"Brenda Johnson," the nurse said, looking at her clipboard. "She says she's your future mother-in-law."

I sighed. "Ex-future mother-in-law. Send her in, I guess."

Brenda bustled in, a large woman with a determined look and a Tupperware container emitting a truly foul odor.

She was from a more rural part of Texas, and her traditional views often clashed with my Austin life.

"Sarah, darling!" she boomed, her voice too loud for a hospital room. "I came as soon as I heard! Kevin is just beside himself, you know."

I doubted that. Beside himself with rage, maybe.

"Brenda, it's nice of you to come, but I'm really tired."

"Nonsense! I brought you my special healing broth. It'll fix you right up."

She thrust the Tupperware towards me. The smell intensified. It was greenish-brown and murky, with unidentifiable things floating in it.

"Oh, uh, thank you, Brenda, but the hospital is managing my diet."

"Pah! Doctors and their chemicals." She waved a dismissive hand. "This is all-natural. From a wonderful wellness blog. Elderberries, turmeric, and, uh, some special herbs from my garden."

It looked like something dredged from a swamp.

"I really can't, Brenda. I appreciate the thought, but my stomach is very sensitive right now."

Her smile tightened. "Now, Sarah, don't be difficult. Kevin said you were being a bit stubborn. A good wife listens."

"I'm not his wife, Brenda. And I'm not drinking that."

My voice was firm. I wasn't going to be bullied, not even by a well-meaning but overbearing mother.

Brenda's face hardened. "You're rejecting my help? After all I've done for you and Kevin?"

"I'm protecting my health," I said. "And frankly, that broth smells like it could kill a small animal."

Her eyes narrowed. "You ungrateful girl! I drove all the way here, made this special for you!"

She started to get louder, her voice echoing in the quiet ward.

"You're just like Kevin said! Spoiled and unappreciative!"

A nurse hurried in. "Is everything alright in here?"

"No, it's not!" Brenda declared. "This girl is refusing my healing broth! She's insulting my family traditions!"

"Ma'am, please lower your voice," the nurse said, her tone professional but firm.

"I will not be silenced!" Brenda was now practically shouting. "She needs this broth!"

She tried to force the container towards my face. I recoiled.

"Brenda, stop!" I said, pushing her hand away.

The nurse stepped between us. "Ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to leave if you can't remain calm."

"Leave? I'm trying to save her!"

Brenda was causing a scene. Patients in nearby rooms were peering out.

Hospital security arrived, two large men with stern faces.

"Ma'am, you need to come with us," one said.

Brenda looked shocked, then indignant. "How dare you! I am a guest!"

"You're disturbing the patients, ma'am."

She put up a struggle, still clutching the foul broth, sloshing some on the floor.

They had to physically escort her out, Brenda shouting about ungrateful city girls and the power of her herbs.

The police were called to formally trespass her from the hospital grounds.

As they led her away, she shot me a look. Pure venom.

This was far from over.