CHAPTER 4
Nothing had changed a week later. Carter hadn't left the hospital at all. He only left Bailey's room to get some coffee. Even when he did that, he made sure a nurse was with Bailey.
This day was no different. As Carter sat in the doctor's lounge alone, he saw Dr. Benton come in and pour himself a cup of coffee. "Can I join you?" "Sure." "Carter, I know you want me to get to the point. And I know you know why I'm here."
For a second, Carter didn't know what Peter was talking about. Then he was shocked that Peter would ask about turning off the life support. "No." "Carter..." "NO!"
Carter immediately regretted shouting. He took a deep breath and explained, "Peter, I can't sign the papers." "I understand." "No. No, Peter, you don't. This is how my wife died." "Oh." "Peter, I can't do it again, I just can't. I can't sign those papers." "Carter, I have no idea what I'd do in your position. But it can't be easy." "No, it's not." "Carter, I just want you to know, you're in my prayers. You and Bailey."
Carter and Peter had a long talk as Mark went into Bailey's room. Little did he know that the miracle the entire ER staff had been praying for was about to happen.
Mark was checking Bailey's stats when it happened. He barely noticed it, but it happened. Bailey's hand moved. Mark sighed. "Well, that took long enough. Welcome back, honey."
Bailey looked confused. Mark went to the hall and told a nurse to get Carter. In about a whole minute, Carter was racing down the hall. He came into Bailey's room and kissed her on the forehead. He was crying. "Daddy, are you okay?" "Why, honey?" "You're crying." "It's because I'm so happy, honey."
The next night, Bailey was given a clean bill of health. As Carter was helping her put her coat on, Mark asked her, "Well, how does our favorite patient feel about a complimentry ice cream?" "Great!" Bailey said, and then she turned to Carter. "Are we going home now, daddy?" "Yeah, baby, we are."
Carter and Bailey finally headed home.

THE END