Kaleidoscope

Chapter Forty-Six

Danny informed the personnel and the doctors at the center that he would be leaving for a couple of days to be with his family. He hesitated to mention that it was for counseling, but in the end, he felt it best to confide in his therapist. He spoke to Ellie first.

"It sounds to me like this might be a breakthrough for you, Danny. We've talked about your family situation and how it's affected you. Being together with all of them may be difficult, but keep your head, and you may resolve some of your issues. I'm glad you're going. Just remember to be honest, but kind. I think you've learned that here. Good luck. If you want to talk about it when you get back just let me know."

"Thanks, Ellie. I don't know how it's going to turn out. Knowing my family, one session won't do it, but I think we need to give it a try. There's been so much hurt, resentment, and disappointment with all of us."

"Just remember to be honest and let everything else fall where it may."

Danny left Ellie's office and grabbed his things. He was planning to spend the night back at home before the session in the morning. He called Uber for a ride vowing someday to get a car when he had enough money saved. He couldn't ask his parents for anything else. They already had Theresa's expenses and his rehab to deal with.

The afternoon was chilly for June, and he looked around at his surroundings for the first time since his arrival. The center was nestled in a copse of trees surrounded by lush plantings and walkways. The patients were encouraged to spend time outside when possible. It was believed that the beauty of nature would calm the spirit and take away the need for their dependencies. Danny was calmer since he had been out of the fray of things at home and school. He still craved his pills, but not as often as he had before he came. The therapy and the detox were working, and he had hope for the first time in a long time.

The driver left him off in his driveway, and he walked up the back steps like he had so many times in his life. His was a new life now, clean, sober and hopeful. He called out, and all was quiet. He realized that there were no cars in the driveway—neither his mom's nor Theresa's van. He threw down his duffle bag and reached in the fridge for something to drink and eat. He hadn't eaten since lunch, and he was ravenous.

Just as he sat down with some leftover chicken and a Coke, he heard a car pull up. He looked out the back door to see Theresa behind the wheel of her new van. His heart swelled with love at her accomplishments. She lowered the lift and wheeled herself out and up the ramp which the family had installed for her. Before she could get to the door, Danny opened it, a smile creasing his face. His blue eyes, clear and rested, focused on his sister's green ones. Flashback to Kim. But, this was his sister Theresa. And she was smiling.

"Hey, Danny. How's it going?" she said, her voice genuine.

"Not too bad, Sis. Look at you—all spiffy in your new wheels. How do you like driving again?"

"Well, I stick pretty close to home still. I had a panic attack when I first went out on the highway, so Dad told me to forget it for a while. But, I love my independence and being able to see my friends when I want without bothering Mom all the time."

"I'll bet she misses those times with you, though. She really needs to be needed, you know. I understand we're doing the family thing tomorrow. It should be interesting."

"Oh, you have no idea. Dr. Connelly's going to wish he had never suggested it. What do you think of Jen's news?"

"I couldn't be happier for her. She's been my savior, and she deserves everything good that can come her way. I'm sure Mom wasn't thrilled with her leaving for Chicago. That must have been quite a scene." Danny was sure his mom hadn't changed enough to let her kids go without a fight. "Where is Mom anyway?"