Guilt Parties

Once again my day with Gertrud starts on the phone.
Our call goes somewhat like this. She calls and asks if I am doing anything tomorrow. I think about it and answer that yes, I do have plans for the following day. I get a moment of silence and then she gets to the point. "I have a CAT scan tomorrow you know. I thought you could go with me."
I answer with, " Well, I can't be there, but don't worry about that. It's basically just a fancy x-ray and not going to hurt so there is nothing I can do to help anyhow. Papa will take you and you will be fine." She answers annoyed," Well, what if they decide to do more and it might hurt?"
Again I try to pursuade her that she will be fine and there is nothing to worry about. Now she gets really ticked off at me.
" Well, where are you anyways? There is a lot of noise in the background. I can hear it."
(I am at a coffee shop sipping away at a coffee. She suspects this and wants it confirmed since she hates it that she isn't also there. I don't want her to feel bad so I don't tell her where I am.)
But, now I am totally ticked, so I answer," Not at home," and I try to change the subject." It's a beautiful day out. Have you tried out your scooter today or do you plan to?"
She uses her most pitiful and annoyed voice: " No! I feel way too bad." ( It's her way of trying to guilt me.)
Now I am too upset to answer without a tone of sarcasm, though truthfully," Me too. I don't feel great either."
"Well you have a nice day then." she says in her most sarcastic tone.
"Yes, you too." I answer in my sweetest voice. I seethe for about half an hour and decide not to let it ruin the rest of my day. I do have a right to have a life too.