“I didn’t even know what to tell you.”
Silence settled between us.
Finally, I asked the question that had been growing louder in my mind.
“If your mother didn’t leave… what happened?”
Kyle stared into his tea.
“I’ve spent four days asking the same thing.”
The next morning, we visited the assisted living center where Gladys had been staying before she wandered away.
The director greeted us with a tired smile.
“I’m Linda.”
She led us into her office.
“I’m sorry you had to meet under these circumstances.”
Kyle leaned forward.
“I need answers.”
“So do I.”
She opened a thick file.
“Your mother arrived here three years ago.”
Kyle frowned.
“Who admitted her?”
“A man named Robert.”
“My father.”
Linda nodded.
“He visited for the first few months.”
“And then?”
“He stopped.”
She slid several forms across the desk.
“We repeatedly asked him to update her emergency contacts.”
Kyle stared at the paperwork.
“My name isn’t here.”
“No.”
He looked confused.
“Then how did the police call me?”
Linda hesitated.
