TWENTY-EIGHT
Shelly – The Setback
The men left three hours ago. Anna was shoving Barbara and me out of the room. She yearned to be with Steve by herself. I told Brit, "Steve remains strapped to the bed. Perhaps tomorrow he will show improvement."
"Does Anna need anything?"
"Our prayers."
I called Momma and apprized her of the circumstances. She said she would go to Steve's in-laws and explain his situation. The next morning Barbara and I discovered the entire village of adopted relatives were in the waiting room.
They were praying and singing, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." Our church brought fried rice and many sides dishes for the crowd. All joined in cleaning the waiting area to show respect to the hospital.
Anna came in, thanked and hugged everyone for being there, but Steve had not awakened. She experienced a lightness in her arms and legs plus a tingling in her hands as she seemed to float through the air.
There appeared a joy and determination to make everyone feel wonderful spilling from her. She urged her people to return to their fields and that Barbara, Ling Noy and I would inform them of any changes. They joined hands and sang, "Amazing Grace," and happily and quietly departed to their community."
Three weeks passed by with no sign of recovery. The fourth week a glazed glance emerged from his eyes. Only a moaning sound came from him, but no recognition of anyone in the room. Anna took his hand and told him that she and the whole community loved him. She emphasized, "Mommy and Daddy visit daily, and they are taking care of your marvelous tractor."
The fifth week he twisted his head and seemed to realize the room is part of the hospital. Anna said, "I love you and want you to get better."
A sparkle replaced the glaze when he mumbled, "I love you with all my heart. Why can't I move my arms and legs?"
"Your back and leg are hurt, and the doctors wanted you to avert movement. Your x-rays show your spine is bruised by the bullet, and your left leg needs more healing. Shelly has gone to tell the nurses that you are awake. Daddy and Mommy were here. They went to tell your community that you had awakened."
Doctor Puanteedee entered the room and went to Steve. She looked into his eyes and ears with a magnifying light.
"Tell me your name."
"Steven Odell."
"Who is President of the United States?"
"Johnson."
"Who is the most important person in your life?"
"Um, that would be, Um, what's her name, UUUmm. This beautiful young woman. My bride and my reason for living."
He chuckled, grabbed Anna's hand, pulled her to him and planted a kiss on her mouth.
Anna shoved his shoulder lightly. He shouted, "Ouch." She had the look of horror on her face.
Laughing hard, he said, "Just kidding."
The doctor removed the straps and said, "There is not anything wrong with your heart and mind. Refrain from moving too quickly. You will heal but attempt things slowly. Time will tell us how much progress you will make. Just take it easy."
YOU ARE READING
Shadows of Shelly
RomanceHave you ever accused someone of something they did not do? Shelly did it, and it cost her years of agony. Will she be able to overcome her mistake? Will her life be dictated by that one perception where she was wrong? She is a beautiful young woman...
