Paradox

By Lexington Justice

Devastated by a significant loss, Molly James leaves the frenzied city life and seeks serenity in an out-of-the-way location on the northern Eastern Shore of Maryland. A registered nurse, Molly lands a staff position in the Memory-Challenged Ward of a small, secluded nursing home. At the outset, she follows the lead of her coworkers by concentrating on making her patients comfortable until the inevitable occurs. Molly accepts the reality that her patients are beyond interaction and affection until a miraculous experience changes everything. With the support and advice from unlikely sources, Molly learns that modern medicine and universally accepted opinions can't explain everything and, most of all, matters of the heart. Through this discovery, Molly realizes, even in the weakest and loneliest of times, love endures as long as one is willing to see it and grasp it. It is this love that not only fills the heart...but heals the soul.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781639858125

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Paradox

Lexington Justice

Copyright © 2022 Gregg Thomas

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2022

ISBN 978-1-63985-813-2 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-63985-812-5 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

About the Author

Inspired by and dedicated to the loving memory of

Edith Leona Miller

and

Ellen Idella Thomas

Grandmas never run out of hugs or cookies.

—Unknown

par·a·dox

/'perə, däks/

noun

A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that, when investigated or explained, may prove to be well-founded or true.

Chapter 1

Molly beats the steering wheel with her palm as she frantically makes her way through traffic. The posted 35 MPH speed limit signs mean very little to her as she takes advantage of an opening between cars and floors the accelerator. Quickly the transmission shifts into passing gear, and her speed increases. Persistently she weaves in and out of traffic, slowing only to avoid hitting cars that delay her.

Come on! Move!

She quickly glances over at her cell phone on the passenger seat. Not a single response to the dozen text messages she sent as she ran to her car from the hospital. Finally, she makes the last turn onto Hollow Lane and whips into the parking lot of the Woodstown apartment complex. She slams her car into park, jumps out, and races to a parked black Honda Accord. She rests her palms on the hood, and her head drops in relief.

Thank God you're here.

In no time, she then bolts up the steps of a large high-rise building. Pushing her way through the main door, she catches and tears the pocket of her nursing scrubs on the door handle. She sprints quickly down a long hallway and up a flight of stairs.

Mark…please…please…

Finally, she reaches apartment 226. Quickly she flips through her keys and slides the correct one into the lock. In no time, she is inside the apartment.

Mark!

Hastily, Molly races through the living room into the kitchen, gasping as she calls out, Mark! Where are you?

She continues her search. She checks the bedrooms and bathrooms.

Mark!

She stops and stands frozen as she runs through every possible location Mark could be.

Mark, where are you? Please, God, let me find him.

She shakes her head then glances down at the torn pocket of her scrubs. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. As she opens her eyes, she notices Mark's cell phone resting on the coffee table. Again, she races through the apartment.

Mark! Please answer me!

Swiftly she walks over, reaches out, and picks up the cell phone which is lying facedown. As she turns it over, Molly finds the screen on the iPhone is shattered. Again, she slowly walks through the apartment, making one more pass, hoping Mark is okay. As she returns to the living room, she drops her head and stares at the broken iPhone. Suddenly, a cold chill runs up her spine as she stands frozen. Slowly she turns her head toward the sliding glass doors leading to a small balcony. The vertical blinds mounted in front of the glass door are damaged, and a silhouette of a person sitting on the balcony and leaning back against the glass panel at the base of the door is easily recognized. Molly takes a deep breath then mumbles, Oh, God, please…

Cautiously, she walks to the sliding door and gently opens it. She steps out and finds Mark sitting on the concrete floor with a framed photo resting in his lap. He is staring off into the distance with no expression on his face.

Mark…honey, are you okay?

Mark exhales slowly.

He's gone, Molly.

Molly slowly drops to her knees then sits back on her heels, placing her palms on her thighs. It's then she notices the pistol in Mark's hand resting on the floor partially hidden by his hip. Tears begin to run down Molly's face.

I know, Mark, and I'm so, so sorry. Mark, let me help you. I want to help you.

Mark continues to gaze off into the distance.

Everyone is gone… They're all gone. Kyle was the last who truly understood. I'm the only one left.

Mark, you're not alone… Everyone is here for you. I'm here for you. I love you.

Kyle needed me, and I wasn't there for him… I wasn't there. We both made a promise, no matter what, we would always be there for each other. I let him down, Molly, I let him down.

Mark, you have always been there for Kyle, and he knew that. Kyle loved you, and it would crush him to see you like this.

Molly, only Kyle and I understood the pain…no one else but Kyle and me.

Mark glances down at the photo. In the picture are two men dressed in Army fatigues with their arms over each other's shoulders and their thumbs up. Mark runs his fingertips across the glass. He then stares back into the distance.

It's over…it's all over.

Molly begins to weep harder.

Mark, it's not over. You have so much, and you mean so much to so many. I need you. Mark, I need you!

He places the gun in his lap still firmly in his grip.

Molly, it's okay. It's going to be okay…trust me.

That's right…it's going to be okay. I'm always here for you. I love you, Mark.

Mark turns and looks Molly in the eyes. A small tear trickles down his cheek as he forces a weak smile.

It's okay, Molly, it's okay. My pain is over.

That's right, Mark, and I'm going to continue to help you.

Mark slowly reaches out with his left hand and gently slides his index finger across Molly's face.

I love you, Molly. I will always love you.

Molly begins to cry uncontrollably.

I know you do.

Mark forces a weak smile and then turns back to looking off into the distance. Suddenly, Mark lifts the gun and places the barrel into his mouth.

Mark!

Eighteen months later.

Dogwood trees border the long sidewalk leading to the entrance of the Woodlands of the Chesapeake, a nursing home located on the Chester River on the outskirts of Chestertown, Maryland. The massive stone building was constructed in the early 1900s and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and orchards. The entire campus was completely renovated in 1971. Charles K. Bricker, a shipping magnate, donated thirty million dollars to the hospital. His mother, an eleven-year resident of the home, succumbed to congestive heart failure the previous year. At his mother's request, Mr. Bricker made absolutely sure the home would always maintain its beauty and security as a facility for long-term care. This was again solidified in 2006 when Mr. Bricker passed away. His last will and testament was detailed and specific regarding the instructions of how the additional sixty million dollars he left the nursing home was to be utilized. He asked for one thing in return, the wing where his mother resided be named after her, now known as the Margret T. Bricker Annex.

As Molly James approaches the front door, she stops and looks at her reflection in the glass. Her black suit accents her long, lean, and fit body and her shoulder-length dark hair. A slight breeze causes her hair to wave, but the seventy-five-degree temperature with low humidity makes it all worth while. Weather on the Eastern Shore is nothing short of a mystery. As they say, If you don't like the weather here, wait fifteen minutes…it will change. She looks down at her watch and sighs as she realizes she is ten minutes early for her interview with Ellen Adams, director of nursing. Recently Molly had been interviewed three times, via Skype, by members of the administration. This last meeting will determine if she will be offered a position on the nursing staff.

Making her way through the doorway, she approaches the receptionist who is sitting behind a large wooden desk. She politely grins as she greets Molly, Good morning, may I help you?

Molly nods. Yes, I'm here to meet with Ellen Adams.

May I have your name?

Molly James.

Is Ms. Adams expecting you?

Yes, she is. I have an eleven o'clock appointment.

The receptionist nods. Please have a seat, and I'll let Ms. Adams know you are here.

Thank you.

Molly turns and sees a wooden bench situated in front of a large bay window overlooking the river. As she sits and rests her handbag on the seat, she slowly turns to admire the stunning view and appreciate the serenity of the home's setting, a landscape very different from what she is accustomed to in Bethesda, Maryland. She finds herself focused on a small sailboat wafting in the distance. The craft reminds her of the fabulous schooner Sultana and the legend of the Chestertown Tea Party of 1774 she read about while spending a restful weekend at a bed-and-breakfast in neighboring Tolchester Beach two years ago. Molly's fascination with the rich history of the area is rivaled only by its captivating beauty. City life has plenty to offer, but there is something to be said of a sunset, on the water, in Kent County, Maryland. Totally consumed in thought, Molly doesn't hear the approaching footsteps.

Molly.

Molly quickly turns and stands. Yes?

Hello, I'm Ellen Adams.

Molly reaches out and shakes Ellen's hand. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry I didn't hear you walk up. I was admiring the view.

It is special, isn't it?

It's beautiful.

Ellen smiles, turns slightly, and slowly swings her arm, motioning toward a long corridor.

Let's go to my office and talk.

That would be great, thank you.

The two make their way down the hallway. Ellen stops and gestures toward her office.

Please go in and have a seat.

The two get situated in their chairs. Ellen puts on a pair of glasses and opens a folder resting neatly on her desk.

I have reviewed your file and résumé, both of which are extraordinary. I see you have all the credentials and the experience we are looking for, but I'd like to ask you one question.

Molly sits up tall and places her hands in her lap.

Please do.

Ellen removes her glasses and gently places them on the desk. She sits back in her chair and puckers her lips.

You possess a bachelor of science degree, in nursing, from Salisbury University. You were recently honorably discharged, after six years of service, from the United States Army, where you specialized in the treatment and care of individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Additionally, you served as a research assistant to two highly respected and well-known physicians, both of whom expressed very high opinions of you in their reference letters.

Molly nods. Yes, that's correct.

Ellen reaches out and gently closes the file. All of this is very impressive.

Thank you.

Molly can feel her entire body beginning to tense, clearly aware the crucial question is not far off.

You, by far, were the most enthusiastic and persistent applicant we interviewed for the open position. I also see you made several inquiries regarding openings at our facility over the past few months. A small collection of letters and multiple copies of your résumé have been added to your file, all of which you submitted.

Molly raises her eyebrows and shrugs her shoulders. I truly want to work here.

Ellen leans forward, crosses her arms, and rests her forearms on the desk. After considering all of this, I have to ask…why a nursing home and why this one?

Molly is taken aback by the question. I'm sorry I don't understand.

Ellen smiles as she interlaces her fingers. Don't get me wrong, I'm not being critical. I'm just curious why someone with your qualifications and experience would want to work in a nursing home, one that is very small in comparison to almost any other facility and located in the middle of nowhere.

Molly looks down at her hands and takes a deep breath. As she makes eye contact with Ellen, she smiles.

Honestly, I'm tired of the city life. When I was a child, my family lived in Annapolis, and we would vacation on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Sometimes in Ocean City, other times in small towns located on various rivers. The smaller towns have always been special to me. This part of the state is beautiful, and I'm looking forward to enjoying this lifestyle. As for my interest and desire to work in a nursing home, I enjoy helping people. I'm also very aware that many of the patients here suffer from psychological disorders and mental illness. Many have forms of dementia, and my experience with PTSD, I'm confident, will be beneficial in this area.

Ellen rests her elbows on the desk and places her fingertips underneath her chin.

What we are looking for is someone to work in what we choose to call our ‘Complex Geriatric Ward.' The individuals residing there have all the physical complications that we see in our mature population but suffer from severe mental conditions as well. These are our dementia and memory-challenged patients. The individuals here are, by far, the most challenging and therefore require the most attention and care.

Molly confidently nods. That's exactly what I'm looking for.

After a brief pause, Ellen light taps the desktop with her fist then stands. She extends her hand to Molly.

Well then…unless you have any questions, I'd like to welcome you to the Woodlands of the Chesapeake and look forward to working with you.

Molly stands and sighs. Thank you for this opportunity.

Ellen smiles. Let's go introduce you to the staff.

The two walk out of Ellen's office and head down a long hallway. As they approach an elevator, Molly quickly runs her hand through her hair as she focuses on her blurred reflection in the stainless-steel door. She takes a deep breath and widens her eyes as she exhales. Ellen grins as she watches Molly's behavior. She then looks up at the illuminated floor number above the elevator door.

Molly, relax. You have the job, remember?

Molly turns to her and smiles, clearly embarrassed. She grins as she shakes her head.

I know…I'm sorry. I guess I'm just excited.

The two enter the elevator, and Ellen taps the button for the second floor.

Everything is going to be great, you'll see.

As the elevator doors open, the two are greeted by a large wooden counter. The nurse's station is centrally located on the second floor, better known as the Complex Geriatric Ward. Molly and Ellen slowly approach the station as one nurse has her back turned watching a wall covered with large monitors displaying vital signs for each patient on the floor. One nurse is adding paper to the OfficeJet printer, while one other is organizing patient files. Molly notices an older nurse sitting at a desk at the far end of the counter. She is obviously focused on the file she is reading. Ellen taps her index finger on the countertop.

Excuse me, people.

Everyone turns and gives Ellen their undivided attention.

After a long and thorough process, we have finally filled the open spot on your team. Please welcome Molly James. She is very qualified, highly experienced, and extremely motivated. The unit is fortunate to have her.

Molly smiles and makes eye contact with every member of the staff. Clearly, she is uncomfortable, feeling as though she's on display as Ellen continues the introduction.

Molly, this is Tammy Timmons, Stacey Jensen, Brittany Collins, and the lady at the end is Meg Anderson.

Ellen looks around for a moment. And I'm guessing Terry Baer is doing her rounds?

Stacey Jensen quickly responds, Yes.

Everyone welcomes her with genuine smiles and hellos. However, it is Meg's response that captures Molly's attention the most. As welcoming as the other three are, it's Meg Anderson's quick glance and insipid expression that grabs Molly. She becomes fixated with the older woman at the desk who is clearly unimpressed, almost irritated with her presence.

Molly, you'll be spending most of your time with Stacey.

Stacey smiles and winks at Molly. Looking forward to it, Molly. We'll have a great time.

Molly smiles. Thank you.

Ellen rests her hand on Molly's shoulder. Be on guard, Molly. Stacey is what we call our staff humorist. She doesn't allow things to get too tense around here. You never know what to expect from this one.

Stacey puckers her lips and turns her head. Molly, don't you believe a word she says.

The women begin to laugh except for Meg. Molly laughs along and smiles but repeatedly cuts her eyes to watch the grim presence seated at the desk. She can feel the older woman's dislike for her. This is great. The woman hates me, and we haven't spoken to each other yet. Terrific!

Ellen scans the group and nods with approval. Ladies, thank you. Molly's first shift will be Tuesday morning. Stacey, please show her the ropes and call me with any questions.

Ellen and Molly turn as everyone emphasizes their welcome, everyone but Meg. They enter the elevator, and as the doors begin to close, Stacey shouts, See you Tuesday, Molly!

Molly smiles and waves. Just before the door closes, she glances at Meg, who continues to ignore her presence. Molly's smile quickly disappears as she is totally consumed by the woman's insolence.

So, what did you think?

Molly quickly jumps to attention. Very impressive! The nursing station is state-of-the-art, and the staff seems to be amazing. I'm really looking forward to working with them and spending time with Stacey.

They are a great group of people. They are totally committed to each and every one of our patients. We truly do have a great organization here.

Molly begins to fidget with her watch. Meg seems to be a very serious and focused individual.

Ellen closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. As she opens her eyes, she looks at the ceiling and exhales through her tightened lips.

Your keen skills of observation are exceptional, although some things are obvious.

Ellen turns slightly toward Molly. She reaches out and softly touches her on the forearm and sighs. Molly, do not let Meg bother you. That's just Meg being Meg. She is a great nurse, and no one follows the book like Meg does, but right now she's a little more than unfriendly.

Why?

"Meg is our senior nurse. By senior, I don't mean highest-ranking."

You mean oldest.

Ellen smirks. Better said by you than me.

So why is she bitter?

Molly, Meg is ‘old-school.' Her eyes see the younger nurses coming in here highly educated in computer technology, up on the latest medications and therapy…and full of arrogance coupled with a sense of entitlement.

Arrogance and entitlement?

Yes, she's highly sensitive and resents the alleged attitude the younger staff members embrace and how they are going to show the rest of the world how things should be done and what they deserve in return. I'm sure all of this is a threat to her. The arrogant or ‘Narcissistic Novices,' as she calls them, she sees as a danger to quality patient care. I don't see or agree with any of this, and she and I have had a number of conversations about this very subject. I wish she didn't perceive it this way. Regardless, she resents it. I know for a fact she believes some of the advancements that have been made in the treatment of patients with memory issues have been…counterproductive.

Counterproductive?

Yes, so don't take this as a personal attack on you. This is just Meg's way of dealing with the whole system.

Well, she shouldn't see me as a young nurse. At twenty-eight, I know I'm not an antique, but I have been around for a little while.

It's not your age, trust me.

So she's bitter because she's older and not up on current therapy.

Well, not totally.

Oh?

Ellen rolls her neck and sighs. The position you filled was vacated by one of the last members of the ‘Meg Generation.'

You're kidding me.

Ellen begins to rub her hands together. No, I'm not kidding you. Like Meg, Sarah Larson was a great nurse and loved her work. The people in this facility were her second family. She treated these patients with the utmost care. She and Meg came onboard the same year and helped make this facility what it is today. When I was hired, these women already had twenty years under their belts. That was nineteen years ago. Slowly, the old staff was replaced by new nurses, and eventually Meg and Sarah were the last of their crew.

So Sarah retired?

Yes, about six months ago.

I can understand Meg being sad that her friend and colleague retired, but why be bitter? She wasn't forced out. She left on her terms.

Ellen slowly drops and tilts her head to one side. As she does, she squints her eyes and grits her teeth, clearly indicating there's more to the story. Yes, she did, but…it wasn't as uncomplicated as it sounds.

What does that mean?

Sarah broke an unofficial rule, nothing that was a violation but more of an understanding.

An understanding?

Both become silent as the elevator reaches the first floor. The doors open, and they walk to the lobby. Ellen motions Molly to move over by the window. The two slowly saunter to a much more private area of the lobby.

I trust this conversation will go no further than here.

You have my word.

I don't want and I will not tolerate any unnecessary tension or drama in my nursing staff. We have a great thing here, and I will not let that be compromised. But in all fairness, I want you to understand Meg and possibly appreciate where her mind is.

Okay.

"A facility like this one, as you well know, caters primarily to the elderly. It's not discussed, but our patients are not going to get better and go home. They're here because they can't take care of themselves and demand too much of their family's time and attention. Our job is to make them comfortable and provide them with an environment as close to normal as possible before the inevitable occurs. Simply stated,