"We'll be there in a few minutes, John. I'm going to hang up now so that I can bring her to the Maternity Home."
"Right. I'll meet you there."
Quickly Patrick put the phone down. By a marvelous miracle, Patrick hadn't woken Shelagh with his antics, but he couldn't help being suspicious. As he returned to the living room, Patrick couldn't help but sigh at the sight of his wife on the couch. To see Shelagh resting peacefully on the settee was a sight that he had waited weeks to see.
Gingerly, Patrick picked Shelagh up, still wrapped in the blanket they had laid together beneath. The lack of fight and stir was rattling him, but he had to persevere. It was a challenge to open and shut the flat door and open the MG's passenger door with Shelagh in his arms. Although Patrick wanted to break down in tears, take Shelagh's hand, and will that she wake up with the snap of his fingers, his General Practitioner's brain told him otherwise.
Patrick would later recount that night as being more lonely than during their forbidden love and praise the miracle that was John Evans. Still, only one person could know how the night's composition, God, the hidden constant throughout Shelagh's Pain.
It felt like hours later when Patrick pulled up to the door of Maternity Home Luckily; John Evans was able to help Patrick get Shelagh settled into the Maternity Home side room.
"Patrick, will you please wait for me in the office? I'm just going to get your wife started on some fluids and take her vitals."
"Alright John," Patrick answered weakly. As he entered the office, he began feeling as though he couldn't suppress his fears and feelings much longer.
"If you'd like, you're welcome to sit with her. Patrick, what's wrong."
"It's just overwhelming. I'll be fine in a moment."
"Patrick, I hate to contradict what I just told you, but you really should go back to your flat. It looks to me as though you need a break. I know it takes courage, but you can't keep pouring from a teacup that you don't refill."
"John, when did you get so wise?"
"It hides behind my medical knowledge and father like manner. Do you want me to call Sister Julienne? I know that she and your wife are close ."
"Please don't, John? I'm sure she'd rather hear it from me."
"Alright Patrick, but you really should go home. You'd be of no comfort to your wife if she woke up right at this moment."
"I can't, that's our home. If I go home it... It… would break me."
"Go to the children then. Go and let them comfort you, and I'm sure that angel of a daughter wouldn't mind some cuddles from her father."
Suddenly, Patrick broke. Angela. He had given his angel daughter to someone who would care for her and give her attention but had no understanding of what her mother was going through.
Eventually, everything began blurring together. Vaguely, Patrick could recall driving to Granny Parker's home and climbing into bed next to Angela. His angel snuggled right up to him- just like her mum.
Although everything else from the next day was Hazy, Patrick could vividly remember the conversation he had when he finally told Sister Julienne about Shelagh.
"Nonnatus House, Sister Julienne speaking."
"Sister, I'm afraid I have some bad news." Patrick chokes out as tears burned his eyes.
"Doctor Turner, is that you? What's wrong?"
"It's Shelagh-"
"Oh, my dear. What's wrong? What's happened, Patrick?" He could bear Sister's demeanor changing.
"The sanitarium wouldn't release her records. She's having an allergic reaction to the Isonizad."
"Where is Shelagh, Patrick?"
"Doctor Evans had me bring her to the Maternity Home for observation."
"When?"
"Late last night. Sister, it's so blurry- I don't remember much."
"It will be okay, Patrick. Where are you now?"
"I'm at Granny Parker's. Doctor Evans suggested that I go to the children and bring Angela back with me."
"I'll go to Shelagh now, and you join me when you're ready. Nonnatus House will be ready for when you'd like to drop Angela off and when you're ready to rest."
"Thank you, Sister. I appreciate it, and I will be round soon."
"Take your time, Patrick. Breathe for a moment, you'd do Shelagh no good if you don't remember yourself."
"Yes, Sister."
"Goodbye now, Patrick, enjoy the children."
"Yes, Sister. Goodbye."