Chapter 45

Over the years, Irene often found heartache, but she had also learned to let go. Changing the subject, she asked, "Weren't you asking to be discharged, Mom?" Sheryl nodded. "Yes. I'm much better now. I'm ready to leave after such a long stay." Irene did not agree to it but spoke to her mother’s attending physician. She was told that while Sheryl could be discharged, but she should ensure that her mother had sufficient rest and keep to her checkup schedules. Still, Irene did not tell Sheryl that, but instead said, "You should wait a couple of days, Mom." After all, Sheryl needed a place to live after she was discharged. Sheryl nodded in agreement. Irene hesitated for a moment before asking her opinion, "Mom, do you want to divorce Lionel?" "I will," Sheryl replied. Irene pursed her lips. She had wanted her mother to divorce Lionel for years, but it never happened. Moreover, Sheryl was saying she would divorce Lionel—and not that she wanted to. Irene respected her decision.