WHO COULD RESIST DR. MARTI? (2)

“How’s everything with you?” I asked. “Pretty good.”

“How are things at the house?”

There was an unusual delay in response, so I waited a couple of moments and asked, “Martha?” I didn’t feel her touch on my back any longer.

There was no answer. I got a little concerned, so I rolled over and looked around the room. She was in the far corner of the room with her face buried in her hands.

“Oh my God, Martha–Is everything okay?”

She whimpered a bit and shook her head in response. I was shocked to see her in this state and for a quick moment, I had no idea what to say. I slid off the table and calmly approached her quivering body as she hid her eyes in her hands.

When I got closer, she moved her fingers away from her eyes, still covering her nose. Martha’s beautiful brown eyes were filled with tears.

Instinctively, I grabbed some tissues from the corner counter and offered them to her.

“Thanks very much,” she smiled briefly, sniffling.

“Do you want a hug or something?”

“Sure. I’ll always