Yet again Ruth found herself waiting in the corridor near the nurses station and helplessly she tried very hard not to worry but with no one telling her if Lucas was alright, she was failing miserably.
Sitting down now Ruth became lost in her thoughts and stared blankly at the floor and as the minutes passed she failed to notice that someone was now sitting next to her, the other person was looking at her with great concern and awkwardly reached across and took her hand and squeezed it gently.
Suddenly becoming more aware, Ruth smiled before looking up at Harry because she knew his presence was there before casting her eyes upon his face.
"Ruth… have you heard any news…is he alright?" Harry's voice spoke quietly.
Ruth didn't reply but she just shook her head sadly.
"I'm going to see if I can find out what's going on." Harry said as he made to get up, but Ruth held his hand fast and whispered "They won't tell you anything, I've asked a half a dozen times already and I'm still none the wiser."
And so they sat, hand clutching hand waiting and hoping for the good news they so desperately wanted to hear.
Hour by hour the time marched slowly on for the two people who appeared to passers by to be just strangers sitting side by side. But if anybody had cared enough to look closer they actually looked more like uncomfortable teenagers on their first date.
But as Harry and Ruth continued their vigil, they didn't notice a rather tall and stern looking doctor asking them if they were waiting for news on the condition of a Mr Lucas North.
Jumping to his feet and nodding his affirmation, Harry sighed heavily as the doctor told them that Lucas was going to be fine and that the only cause for concern was the deep cut he had suffered to the side of his head and the subsequent concussion he had sustained from both falls that morning.
The doctor carried on and informed them that Mr North was in fact a very lucky man indeed not to have been subject to more serious injuries and with a couple of nights in hospital for observation he would be right as rain.
Both exhaling audibly their relief, Ruth asked when they would be able to see Lucas and the doctor told them they were just making him comfortable and would be able to visit in about half an hour but not to expect too much as Lucas was still sleepy from being sedated earlier.
Harry was the first to enter Lucas' room and was shocked to find his section chief trying to get out of bed. "Lucas… What in gods name do you think you are doing?" cried Harry as he made his way to Lucas' bedside and attempted to stop the patient from leaving.
"Harry…I.. I can't stay here, the room…It's too small…I need to get out." Lucas exclaimed.
Harry understood immediately and said
"Listen Lucas…If I can get you moved to a private hospital with a larger room will you promise me that you will stay put and not do any more reckless Houdini acts?"
Lucas looked at Harry wearily and nodded his agreement. Anything would be better than the room he was currently residing in, he thought.
And so later that day and with all the arrangements in place, Lucas was moved to a private hospital just outside London where his new room was large enough to allay his fears and where the gentle sound of birds singing kept him company while he recovered.