“Still loud.”
The nurse came in a few minutes later and checked his monitor.
She spoke quietly with Lucas near the door.
I couldn’t hear everything.
But I heard enough.
Stable.
Doctor coming.
Rest.
Not today.
Those two words stayed with me.
Not today.
I had entered the hospital believing I might be saying hello and goodbye in the same hour.
Now, for the moment at least, we had been given another day.
Douglas seemed to read it on my face.
“Don’t celebrate yet.”
“I’m celebrating every minute I get.”
He stared at me.
Then nodded.
“So am I.”
***
The doctor arrived shortly after eight.
He asked Douglas several questions, checked his chart and explained that his condition was serious, but the night had gone better than expected.
No miracles.
No promises.
Only time.
Maybe days.
Maybe more.
For once in my life, “maybe” sounded beautiful.
After the doctor left, Lucas went downstairs to call Elena.
