Annie immediately paged for the doctor to come. Everyone in the room was
numb.
"My baby, why is this happening to my baby?" Annie thought to herself. She wanted to scream, but she couldn't, no not in front of Ruthie.
The doctor walked in.
"How is everything?" He asked, not knowing what had just happened.
"We think our daughter is blind. She can't see anything." Eric replied.
"Oh my, this was a possibility. Well we are going to have to take her for more tests, we need to find out if this is permanent and or if there is any more damage."
"Ruthie," Annie started to cry again. "Ruthie honey, the doctor is going to wheel you away to another room for a little while. He needs to run some tests on you. Okay?"
"Mommy, I'm scared. It's so dark." Ruthie started to shake.
"I know sweetie, but you've got be brave, okay? It will only be a little while. We love you Ruthie. It's going to be okay." Annie coaxed.
The doctor rolled Ruthie out of the room. They stood in the room for a few minutes; no one said a word. Once everyone recollected their thoughts they walked back out to inform the rest of the family of what just happened.
Simon, Claire, the twins, and now Kevin continued sitting in the waiting room. No one dared to get up, in fear that they would miss the update on Ruthie.
"It's taking forever. When do you think they will get back?" Simon asked.
"I don't now Simon. These things can take awhile. Just be patient." Kevin answered. He was having trouble keeping patient too though.
"Hey look, here they come!" Claire pointed down the hall with an anxious tone.
"Mom, Dad how is Ruthie is she okay?" Simon asked as he ran up to his parents.
"Son, everybody, come over here. We need to talk." Eric said waving for everyone to come over near him. "Everybody, Ruthie, well Ruthie is blind. She woke up a little bit ago, and when she went to open her eyes, she couldn't see-at all. The doctor is running more tests on her as we speak."
No one knew what to say. They were in disbelief. Annie then broke the silence.
"I need to go call everyone and let them know what is going on." She walked over to the nearest phone.
Mom is really taking it hard, huh?" Lucy asked her dad.
"Yeah she is. Now everyone I need you all to be strong, not only for Ruthie, but for your mother as well.
The twins started chanting over and over. "Ruthie's blind, Ruthie's blind." The boys had no idea of what was going on; their comprehension on life was too little to understand. They were confused.
The doctor ran the tests and announced that nothing else was wrong with Ruthie. She was just blind. Annie and Eric followed him so they could have a private consultation about Ruthie. They finally arrived in the lounge were they could talk.
"Will Ruthie ever be able to see again?" Eric was desperate for some answers.
The doctor sighed. "Well, we don't know. This could last a few days, a year, forever-we don't know."
"When will she be able to go home?" Annie asked.
"If nothing else happens, I would say as early as tomorrow. She will have to come back for rehab though."
"Rehab?" They both asked in unison.
"Yes, most patients have to go into rehab after a tragic accident, it helps them recuperate."
Eric cut him off. "We know what rehab is. About seven years ago we had our oldest daughter, Mary, in rehab. She was hit by a car and needed to learn how to reuse her leg. Why would Ruthie need rehab though?"
"Well, she is going to have to relearn how to see, like Mary had to relearn how to walk. Ruthie is going to have to learn brail, and learn how to cope with this inflicted disability."
"I thought you said she had a possibility of seeing again?" Annie asked annoyed.
"Possibility. Yes she may regain her vision, but what if she doesn't? Even if she does regain her vision she needs to learn it right away. The sooner she learns the easier things become."
Annie and Eric talked for a little while longer, and then left the room to go talk to Ruthie. Ruthie was awake listening to the TV.
"Ruthie, it's Mom and Dad." Annie said trying to be cheerful.
"Come in." Ruthie answered as if she didn't want to be bothered.
Annie sat down next to her bed. "Hey Ruthie we talked to the doctor."
She sighed, "Let me take a guess, I'm blinded for life."
Annie gulped. "Well, the doctor doesn't know for sure. You could see tomorrow, in a month, or maybe a year, we don't know."
"So basically, I don't have a very good chance of seeing. I have a little chance, but nothing for sure."
"Well Ruthie, it's a fifty- fifty chance."
Ruthie being the realist that she was replied back "Mom, it's better to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. I don't want to be hopeful about something that could never be true. You shouldn't either Mom, you either Dad. If you don't mind, do you think you could leave me alone for a bit; I'm really tired."
"Okay, sweetie. We will be back later." Annie said as she got up.
"Bye Ruthie. I love you." Eric mildly told his daughter on his way out of the hospital room.
The husband and wife slowly walked down the drab, hospital hallway.
"Eric, she doesn't seem to upset by this whole ordeal. That's good."
"Annie, she is upset. You know Ruthie, she wouldn't let you know if something was really bothering her even if money was involved. She is just being strong for us. To tell you the truth that is what tears my heart apart; Ruthie trying to tough it out for us."
Annie broke down. "What are we going to do?"
Eric put his arm around his wife. "I don't know. I just don't know."
They continued to walk down the hall in silence and sobs. It was a long night for everyone.
Finally Ruthie was able to come home! It was a chaotic day for the Camden's. It was bittersweet. They were all exited of Ruthie's homecoming, yet they were sad of her conditions. Ruthie entered the house with her father's help. Everyone cheered in excitement. Ruthie tried to put on a fake smile.
"Why did everyone go to all this trouble for me? I just want to eat some mocha chip ice cream and be left alone. Is that to hard to ask?" She tried shaking off her thoughts. "I guess I'll just grin and bare it."
"Ruthie, would you like me to help you get into the living room? We have something there for you." Lucy asked. She was happy to be of her sister's help.
"Um, sure. That would be great."
Ruthie was lead into the living room, with everyone else right behind her.
"Simon, would you like to do the honors?" Lucy looked at her brother.
"Sure I'd love to." Simon went over to Ruthie. "Now Ruthie have a seat right here." He said as she put her hands on the sofa to make sure she had it. "Okay, Ruthie, since we are so delighted to have you back home we wanted to do something special for you. We all know how much of an animal lover you are so we bought you this."
Ruthie put her hands out and Simon placed a fuzzy, golden-brown dog on her lap. She patted it and tried to figure out what was on her lap. It barked.
"A dog!" Ruthie gasped, with a real smile on her face this time.
"Yes a dog. We know you have always wanted your own, and we think this dog will be good for you." Annie told her daughter.
"Well thanks!" The dog licked Ruthie. She giggled. "Well, what type of dog is it?" "A golden retriever. One of the dog's at the fire station just had puppies, and they needed homes." Kevin's brother, Ben explained.
"Oh, cool. Can I name it?"
"Yes, she is waiting for a name." Lucy said.
"Hmm. Well, you said she was a girl. Let's see what is a good girl's name for a puppy?" She thought about it for a minute and then announced the dog's new name. "How about Bailey? Is that good?"
"Yes! That's a great name." Everyone said in agreement.
The party, or the homecoming continued. All who were present were trying to be strong. They weren't going to ruin for Ruthie, or would they?
Ruthie hadn't heard Mary yet, and she wondered if her big sister was there.
"Hey Mom, is Mary here?"
"Oh, no honey she couldn't come. She had to work this weekend, but she promised to come visit as soon as she gets a break."
"Oh, okay. Thanks Mom." Ruthie was sad. She really wanted her sister to be there for her, especially during this hard time.
Ruthie preferred Mary to Lucy; oh she loved them both, but she could relate more to Mary. Plus, Mary had gone through a similar experience awhile back so she could have had some good advice for her little sister.
All had gone home and Annie and Lucy were washing the dishes from the party. Ruthie was fumbling her way down the steps to see if she could help, when she heard her mother and sister talking.
"Hey Luc, do you think you would mind spending a few nights in the attic with Ruthie. Just until we get the hang of things around here?"
"Mom do I have to? I was really looking forward to spending some quality time Kevin. I barely see him anymore."
"Please Lucy," Annie begged as she tried scrapping the pan out with the sponge. "it would b a big help. Just until Mary arrives."
"Fine I guess so. I really hope Ruthie will be able to see soon."
"I know it's a pain. I don't blame you."
Ruthie's heart sank. She didn't want to be a burden on her family. It also hurt her that her sister didn't seem to care. Ruthie slowly went back up the stairs to find her dog.
"You stupid dog! Get out now!" A voice shouted.
"Uh oh. This could be trouble.'' Ruthie thought as she crouched down on the stairs so no one could see her.
Eric went to see what all the noise was all about.
Simon stormed out of his room with a pair of pants in hand. "Dad, Dad! Ruthie's dog just ripped a hole in my new pants."
"I'm sorry son. Now you know how I felt when we first got Happy." Eric chuckled.
"Dad it's not funny. These pants cost forty dollars, forty dollars!"
"I know. I am sorry Simon. We have to keep this dog for Ruthie though."
I know I am sounding selfish, but why does everything revolve around Ruthie now? These past few days have been, 'Ruthie, Ruthie, Ruthie.' I understand she is blind and all, but I have problems too."
"Calm down Simon. It is hard I know. Your sister needs your help right now though. How would you feel if you were blind?"
For a second Ruthie felt happy that her father understood.
Eric continued. "But Simon, I do know how you are feeling trust me. This is difficult for me too. Sometimes I wish Ruthie just would disappear. It is so hard."
"It's only been one day since she has been home, but it feels like it's been months. What is it going to be like for the rest of our lives? If this keeps up it is going to be a long life."
"Yeah. Just keep up the good work son." Eric left to go back to his room and so did Simon.
Ruthie was on the verge of tears. She scrounged for her dog and managed to get her way up to the attic. The girl held her puppy close to her and started to cry.
"Why is this happening to me God? It's not fair. You already allowed my Dad to get a heart attack, but now this? Why? I just want things to be the way they were. Please. Help me. Help me to see again. I hate burdening my family. I don't know, I just don't' know anymore. Should I continue to trust You?"
She sat in silence thinking about life for a long while. The dog licked Ruthie's tears away.
Lucy eventually came upstairs. Ruthie quickly wiped away her tears. She didn't want her sister to know she was crying.
"Hey Ruthie, look's like I am bunking with you tonight."
"Swell." Ruthie said sarcastically as she went to find he drawer.
"What's the matter?"
Ruthie felt through her drawer with frustration and pulled out an outfit.
"You want to know what's the matter? Everything. I don't even know what I just pulled out of my drawer! How would you like not knowing what you are going to wear?"
"Well I can help you with that."
"Oh can you? Because frankly I've gotten the impression that you don't care about me."
"Ruthie calm down."
Simon, Annie, and Eric came in to say goodnight to Ruthie.
"What' all the commotion?" Simon asked.
"You want to know what all the commotion is? That's surprising. Who knew you would actually care?"
Everyone looked at each other with odd looks.
"Ruthie just started spazing out." Lucy tried to explain.
"Yes I did start spazing out. You know why? None of you care about my adversity that's why. That's right. None of you care. Oh, don't look at me like I am crazy. Lucy, I heard you talking to Mom saying what a burden I was. Simon, I heard you as well. It's gonna be a long life, huh? Well I'm sorry. It's my entire fault Simon. I'll try to make your life fast. So just leave me alone, and your life will fly by. I am willing to give you some sympathy because I actually do care for you Simon, unlike you do care about me. Hey Mom and Dad your not to go without blame either. I heard you empathizing with Lucy, Mom. And Dad, Oh I can't forget you. No, you hurt me most of all. I am surprised you are actually listening to this Dad, or are you listening? Because I don't know, I might have just disappeared in your mind. Who knows? Yeah I heard all of you. I am sorry I am blind. Do you think I wanted to become blind; that I did this on purpose? Think again. I am sorry your lives are rough, but you know what? Mine is rough too. Oh, and just for the record, I am not going to church tomorrow. I am never going to church again. I thought about it for a long time, and I have decided not to believe in God. No, not the same thing you did Dad, because I know you still believed in Him, you just didn't attend church. I truly have given up on faith. Are you shocked? Well get used to it. Life is full of shockers. This is the new Ruthie.
Annie and Eric looked at each other in disbelief. They could not believe what just came out of their daughter's mouth. Not to mention they felt a tremendous amount of guilt put open them.
"My baby, why is this happening to my baby?" Annie thought to herself. She wanted to scream, but she couldn't, no not in front of Ruthie.
The doctor walked in.
"How is everything?" He asked, not knowing what had just happened.
"We think our daughter is blind. She can't see anything." Eric replied.
"Oh my, this was a possibility. Well we are going to have to take her for more tests, we need to find out if this is permanent and or if there is any more damage."
"Ruthie," Annie started to cry again. "Ruthie honey, the doctor is going to wheel you away to another room for a little while. He needs to run some tests on you. Okay?"
"Mommy, I'm scared. It's so dark." Ruthie started to shake.
"I know sweetie, but you've got be brave, okay? It will only be a little while. We love you Ruthie. It's going to be okay." Annie coaxed.
The doctor rolled Ruthie out of the room. They stood in the room for a few minutes; no one said a word. Once everyone recollected their thoughts they walked back out to inform the rest of the family of what just happened.
Simon, Claire, the twins, and now Kevin continued sitting in the waiting room. No one dared to get up, in fear that they would miss the update on Ruthie.
"It's taking forever. When do you think they will get back?" Simon asked.
"I don't now Simon. These things can take awhile. Just be patient." Kevin answered. He was having trouble keeping patient too though.
"Hey look, here they come!" Claire pointed down the hall with an anxious tone.
"Mom, Dad how is Ruthie is she okay?" Simon asked as he ran up to his parents.
"Son, everybody, come over here. We need to talk." Eric said waving for everyone to come over near him. "Everybody, Ruthie, well Ruthie is blind. She woke up a little bit ago, and when she went to open her eyes, she couldn't see-at all. The doctor is running more tests on her as we speak."
No one knew what to say. They were in disbelief. Annie then broke the silence.
"I need to go call everyone and let them know what is going on." She walked over to the nearest phone.
Mom is really taking it hard, huh?" Lucy asked her dad.
"Yeah she is. Now everyone I need you all to be strong, not only for Ruthie, but for your mother as well.
The twins started chanting over and over. "Ruthie's blind, Ruthie's blind." The boys had no idea of what was going on; their comprehension on life was too little to understand. They were confused.
The doctor ran the tests and announced that nothing else was wrong with Ruthie. She was just blind. Annie and Eric followed him so they could have a private consultation about Ruthie. They finally arrived in the lounge were they could talk.
"Will Ruthie ever be able to see again?" Eric was desperate for some answers.
The doctor sighed. "Well, we don't know. This could last a few days, a year, forever-we don't know."
"When will she be able to go home?" Annie asked.
"If nothing else happens, I would say as early as tomorrow. She will have to come back for rehab though."
"Rehab?" They both asked in unison.
"Yes, most patients have to go into rehab after a tragic accident, it helps them recuperate."
Eric cut him off. "We know what rehab is. About seven years ago we had our oldest daughter, Mary, in rehab. She was hit by a car and needed to learn how to reuse her leg. Why would Ruthie need rehab though?"
"Well, she is going to have to relearn how to see, like Mary had to relearn how to walk. Ruthie is going to have to learn brail, and learn how to cope with this inflicted disability."
"I thought you said she had a possibility of seeing again?" Annie asked annoyed.
"Possibility. Yes she may regain her vision, but what if she doesn't? Even if she does regain her vision she needs to learn it right away. The sooner she learns the easier things become."
Annie and Eric talked for a little while longer, and then left the room to go talk to Ruthie. Ruthie was awake listening to the TV.
"Ruthie, it's Mom and Dad." Annie said trying to be cheerful.
"Come in." Ruthie answered as if she didn't want to be bothered.
Annie sat down next to her bed. "Hey Ruthie we talked to the doctor."
She sighed, "Let me take a guess, I'm blinded for life."
Annie gulped. "Well, the doctor doesn't know for sure. You could see tomorrow, in a month, or maybe a year, we don't know."
"So basically, I don't have a very good chance of seeing. I have a little chance, but nothing for sure."
"Well Ruthie, it's a fifty- fifty chance."
Ruthie being the realist that she was replied back "Mom, it's better to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. I don't want to be hopeful about something that could never be true. You shouldn't either Mom, you either Dad. If you don't mind, do you think you could leave me alone for a bit; I'm really tired."
"Okay, sweetie. We will be back later." Annie said as she got up.
"Bye Ruthie. I love you." Eric mildly told his daughter on his way out of the hospital room.
The husband and wife slowly walked down the drab, hospital hallway.
"Eric, she doesn't seem to upset by this whole ordeal. That's good."
"Annie, she is upset. You know Ruthie, she wouldn't let you know if something was really bothering her even if money was involved. She is just being strong for us. To tell you the truth that is what tears my heart apart; Ruthie trying to tough it out for us."
Annie broke down. "What are we going to do?"
Eric put his arm around his wife. "I don't know. I just don't know."
They continued to walk down the hall in silence and sobs. It was a long night for everyone.
Finally Ruthie was able to come home! It was a chaotic day for the Camden's. It was bittersweet. They were all exited of Ruthie's homecoming, yet they were sad of her conditions. Ruthie entered the house with her father's help. Everyone cheered in excitement. Ruthie tried to put on a fake smile.
"Why did everyone go to all this trouble for me? I just want to eat some mocha chip ice cream and be left alone. Is that to hard to ask?" She tried shaking off her thoughts. "I guess I'll just grin and bare it."
"Ruthie, would you like me to help you get into the living room? We have something there for you." Lucy asked. She was happy to be of her sister's help.
"Um, sure. That would be great."
Ruthie was lead into the living room, with everyone else right behind her.
"Simon, would you like to do the honors?" Lucy looked at her brother.
"Sure I'd love to." Simon went over to Ruthie. "Now Ruthie have a seat right here." He said as she put her hands on the sofa to make sure she had it. "Okay, Ruthie, since we are so delighted to have you back home we wanted to do something special for you. We all know how much of an animal lover you are so we bought you this."
Ruthie put her hands out and Simon placed a fuzzy, golden-brown dog on her lap. She patted it and tried to figure out what was on her lap. It barked.
"A dog!" Ruthie gasped, with a real smile on her face this time.
"Yes a dog. We know you have always wanted your own, and we think this dog will be good for you." Annie told her daughter.
"Well thanks!" The dog licked Ruthie. She giggled. "Well, what type of dog is it?" "A golden retriever. One of the dog's at the fire station just had puppies, and they needed homes." Kevin's brother, Ben explained.
"Oh, cool. Can I name it?"
"Yes, she is waiting for a name." Lucy said.
"Hmm. Well, you said she was a girl. Let's see what is a good girl's name for a puppy?" She thought about it for a minute and then announced the dog's new name. "How about Bailey? Is that good?"
"Yes! That's a great name." Everyone said in agreement.
The party, or the homecoming continued. All who were present were trying to be strong. They weren't going to ruin for Ruthie, or would they?
Ruthie hadn't heard Mary yet, and she wondered if her big sister was there.
"Hey Mom, is Mary here?"
"Oh, no honey she couldn't come. She had to work this weekend, but she promised to come visit as soon as she gets a break."
"Oh, okay. Thanks Mom." Ruthie was sad. She really wanted her sister to be there for her, especially during this hard time.
Ruthie preferred Mary to Lucy; oh she loved them both, but she could relate more to Mary. Plus, Mary had gone through a similar experience awhile back so she could have had some good advice for her little sister.
All had gone home and Annie and Lucy were washing the dishes from the party. Ruthie was fumbling her way down the steps to see if she could help, when she heard her mother and sister talking.
"Hey Luc, do you think you would mind spending a few nights in the attic with Ruthie. Just until we get the hang of things around here?"
"Mom do I have to? I was really looking forward to spending some quality time Kevin. I barely see him anymore."
"Please Lucy," Annie begged as she tried scrapping the pan out with the sponge. "it would b a big help. Just until Mary arrives."
"Fine I guess so. I really hope Ruthie will be able to see soon."
"I know it's a pain. I don't blame you."
Ruthie's heart sank. She didn't want to be a burden on her family. It also hurt her that her sister didn't seem to care. Ruthie slowly went back up the stairs to find her dog.
"You stupid dog! Get out now!" A voice shouted.
"Uh oh. This could be trouble.'' Ruthie thought as she crouched down on the stairs so no one could see her.
Eric went to see what all the noise was all about.
Simon stormed out of his room with a pair of pants in hand. "Dad, Dad! Ruthie's dog just ripped a hole in my new pants."
"I'm sorry son. Now you know how I felt when we first got Happy." Eric chuckled.
"Dad it's not funny. These pants cost forty dollars, forty dollars!"
"I know. I am sorry Simon. We have to keep this dog for Ruthie though."
I know I am sounding selfish, but why does everything revolve around Ruthie now? These past few days have been, 'Ruthie, Ruthie, Ruthie.' I understand she is blind and all, but I have problems too."
"Calm down Simon. It is hard I know. Your sister needs your help right now though. How would you feel if you were blind?"
For a second Ruthie felt happy that her father understood.
Eric continued. "But Simon, I do know how you are feeling trust me. This is difficult for me too. Sometimes I wish Ruthie just would disappear. It is so hard."
"It's only been one day since she has been home, but it feels like it's been months. What is it going to be like for the rest of our lives? If this keeps up it is going to be a long life."
"Yeah. Just keep up the good work son." Eric left to go back to his room and so did Simon.
Ruthie was on the verge of tears. She scrounged for her dog and managed to get her way up to the attic. The girl held her puppy close to her and started to cry.
"Why is this happening to me God? It's not fair. You already allowed my Dad to get a heart attack, but now this? Why? I just want things to be the way they were. Please. Help me. Help me to see again. I hate burdening my family. I don't know, I just don't' know anymore. Should I continue to trust You?"
She sat in silence thinking about life for a long while. The dog licked Ruthie's tears away.
Lucy eventually came upstairs. Ruthie quickly wiped away her tears. She didn't want her sister to know she was crying.
"Hey Ruthie, look's like I am bunking with you tonight."
"Swell." Ruthie said sarcastically as she went to find he drawer.
"What's the matter?"
Ruthie felt through her drawer with frustration and pulled out an outfit.
"You want to know what's the matter? Everything. I don't even know what I just pulled out of my drawer! How would you like not knowing what you are going to wear?"
"Well I can help you with that."
"Oh can you? Because frankly I've gotten the impression that you don't care about me."
"Ruthie calm down."
Simon, Annie, and Eric came in to say goodnight to Ruthie.
"What' all the commotion?" Simon asked.
"You want to know what all the commotion is? That's surprising. Who knew you would actually care?"
Everyone looked at each other with odd looks.
"Ruthie just started spazing out." Lucy tried to explain.
"Yes I did start spazing out. You know why? None of you care about my adversity that's why. That's right. None of you care. Oh, don't look at me like I am crazy. Lucy, I heard you talking to Mom saying what a burden I was. Simon, I heard you as well. It's gonna be a long life, huh? Well I'm sorry. It's my entire fault Simon. I'll try to make your life fast. So just leave me alone, and your life will fly by. I am willing to give you some sympathy because I actually do care for you Simon, unlike you do care about me. Hey Mom and Dad your not to go without blame either. I heard you empathizing with Lucy, Mom. And Dad, Oh I can't forget you. No, you hurt me most of all. I am surprised you are actually listening to this Dad, or are you listening? Because I don't know, I might have just disappeared in your mind. Who knows? Yeah I heard all of you. I am sorry I am blind. Do you think I wanted to become blind; that I did this on purpose? Think again. I am sorry your lives are rough, but you know what? Mine is rough too. Oh, and just for the record, I am not going to church tomorrow. I am never going to church again. I thought about it for a long time, and I have decided not to believe in God. No, not the same thing you did Dad, because I know you still believed in Him, you just didn't attend church. I truly have given up on faith. Are you shocked? Well get used to it. Life is full of shockers. This is the new Ruthie.
Annie and Eric looked at each other in disbelief. They could not believe what just came out of their daughter's mouth. Not to mention they felt a tremendous amount of guilt put open them.