Denise was finishing her guard, it was 5 o'clock in the morning. She heard Claudia Joy crying and went into her room to console her. Claudia Joy blamed the blow, she had already overcome her illness and live with it normally. But it was too much for her. Although she was well surrounded by loving people, who gave her strength and courage, it was too hard to accept. Despite everything, Denise managed to reassure her, not by hiding things but by explaining that even if dialysis was a constraint, once she was used to it, she could have a normal life next door. Denise reluctantly left Claudia, but she could not bring herself to leave her friend that way. Just out of the room, she phoned Michael. The latter was still sleeping, as well as Emmalin. When the phone rang, he thought directly of the worst.
M: Hello?
D: Michael, I'm sorry to wake you up ...
M: Denise! What is going on ? Is Claudia okay?
D: Do not worry about anything serious about her health, just she's not doing well morally. Normally I do not have the right to do it but I can not leave it like that.
M: How so?
D: I was going to finish my guard and I was ironed by the service before leaving, Claudia was in tears. Michael, I think you should come quickly.
M: I'm coming right away.
D: I'll wait for you at the entrance, because at this time visits are forbidden you know it. We'll be quick to take you to his room.
M: Ok, thank you Denise.
Michael hung up quickly and rejoined the hospital. The bell did not wake up Emmalin and it was better not to tell him anything. Michael arrived at the hospital, Denise was waiting for him. They went immediately to Claudia's room. In the corridor Michael tried to relax the atmosphere.
M: Fortunately there is no one at this time, it is the first time of my life that I go out in tracksuit. Not very classy for a General.
D: Do not worry, you will not meet anyone, Denise answered with a slight laugh.
They arrived in front of Claudia's door and Denise saw Michael's eyes settle down in fear and anguish. It meant a lot of love for Claudia and Denise felt it every time. She admired the love that bound her best friend to this man, they had built such a beautiful life. She did not want it to stop and promised to do anything to help her best friend get better. When Michael opened the door, he saw that Claudia's eyes were still shining.
C: Michael?
M: Hey ...
C: But ...
M: Denise phoned me.
C: Denise? But why ? Where is she ?
M: She's waiting for me in the hallway. She does not want me to be in trouble.
He sat on Claudia's bed, facing her. He took her hand.
M: Claudia, what's going on?
C: You worried about nothing, just a small morale drop.
M: Denise told me you were sobbing.
Claudia shrugged.
M: Honey, given the difficulty you had in accepting and managing your diabetes, and seeing the announcement of the nephrologist this morning ... it is normal to let go.
Fine tears ran down Claudia's cheeks. Michael sighed, sad, but also fond of his wife.
C: I do not understand how that could have happened Michael. I blame myself so much if you knew.
M: Honey, you've heard the doctor, diabetes may have accentuated the problem, but nothing is your fault. Only for a while your obligations towards me and my rank oblige you to have a rhythm of life supported, you have to face a lot of thing and even if you do not show it I know that at certain moments you are very anxious , tired, angry.
C: No Michael, you know that managing these obligations is part of my duty as a military woman and I have to be by your side. I do not regret doing it.
M: I know ... but I can see things even if you do not tell me. We know each other by heart.
Claudia turned her gaze. Michael was right.
M: And we do not know how long you had diabetes before you started treating him. This kidney failure is due to many factors, but surely not because of you.
C: I'm sorry to train you there.
M: Claudia we had this conversation yesterday. Health plays tricks, but we must be there for each other at every moment. And I'll be here ... okay?
Claudia nodded.
M: I know it's a lot to cash in and accept. But Emmalin told me that you had discussed dialysis, food, new habits; you are well surrounded here and you will slowly tame this and as for the rest you will accept it and live with it. You're not all alone dear, know it.
Claudia closed her eyes so she would not cry anymore. Michael took her in his arms. He stroked her back.
M: I promise you everything will be fine. We will adapt and we will resume our life as before.
C: I love you so much.
Michael pulled away from her and looked into her eyes.
M: I love you too honey. Now rest, and do not worry anymore, everything will be fine.
He kissed her tenderly. After one last hug, Michael came out of the room and Claudia lay down. Michael thanked Denise and they went out of the hospital together. Michael returned quickly so that Emmalin did not guess his absence. He was able to go back to bed and sleep two hours before getting up. He joined Emmalin in the kitchen. For her part, Claudia managed to go back to sleep and woke up in the middle of the morning. Emmalin and Michael arrived shortly after. Emmalin wishes to give one of his kidneys to his mother.