Chapter 17 - The medical bill
Sarah’s surgery happened on schedule.
No cinematic cancellation.
No hospital turning her away because Emily Carter had made a phone call.
She received the knee replacement.
Michael drove her to the hospital.
I did not.
That decision caused another argument.
Then we found a compromise.
Michael could support his mother medically without bringing the children.
He stayed during admission.
Visited next day.
Her rehabilitation copays were paid through the capped arrangement directly to providers.
Our total contribution:
$4,850.
Less than originally planned.
More than zero.
Sarah later admitted she had expected us to cut her off completely.
I said:
“I wanted to.”
She looked at me.
“Why didn’t you?”
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“Because I don’t want Olivia learning that medical care is a reward for obedience.”
Sarah had no answer.
