Chapter 4: Stormy Weather
"Dad?" His weak voice was hoarse and raspy.
"Right here, son." Andy's low and solemn tone came from somewhere close.
"Dad." Ephram murmured again. His waxy eyes felt glued shut. All he saw was darkness.
"It's ok. I'm right here." Andy reassured. He imagined the flow of oxygen passing through the tubes inserted into Ephram's nose as the boy drew deep breathes of air.
"Dad. I - I can hear you?" Ephram's small voice sounded surprised.
"Of course you can, silly goose. I'm right beside you." Andy said with a lighter note trying to conceal the bubbling grief inside him at the sight of seeing his precious son this way. Andy has seen Ephram sick in the past but those were just minor colds and flu bugs that came and went. It was nothing to be too overly concerned about - curable but never fatal. Ephram may be a bit on the scrawny side but he was strong as an ox. Never did he look as breakable as he did now.
"I died." The boy whispered barely audible.
"No. You didn't. Came damn close to it but your number's not up yet." Andy replied through clenched teeth holding in the tears. He distracted himself from crying by busying himself with folding and refolding the corner of Ephram's blanket. Andy's sigh quivered. "Nope. You're not gettin' the easy way out. You're stuck with me." He added trying to smile about it.
"Dad?" He swallowed and exhaled.
"Yea?" Andy replied.
"Where are you? I can't see you." Ephram groaned struggling to open his eyes.
Andy touched the top of his son's right hand carefully. "Here." Gazing worriedly at his battered son's bandaged body. Ephram looked so fragile and delicate that Andy hesitated to touch him in fearing that the boy may shatter to pieces. He saw Ephram's fingers move slightly acknowledging his father's touch.
"I'm alive?" Ephram still couldn't believe it.
"You're alive." Andy rubbed the back of Ephram's hand gently not knowing how to act in this stressful moment.
Instinctively, he wanted to take the boy into his arms and hug him. But clearly, that was not possible. Ephram was so fragile that he reminded Andy of glass. And Andy's secret phobia slammed into his face awakening him like a bolt of lightning. One would look at "The Great Doctor Andrew Brown" and assume that he was fearless and high strung because of his stoic posture and stern face. Nothing could scare him. He was the bravest person anyone could know. He had a strong will and tolerance. Only normal people had silly phobias over spiders, snakes, flying, height, or being in small rooms. People were wrong about Andy. He was human after all and therefore had irrational fears of his own - fears that he kept to himself. Andy had a phobia.
To this day, he avoided stores that sold glassware. It made him sweat profusely to even think about looking at long stemmed thin glass flutes balancing daintily and elegantly on a sheet of knobby glass in the window display. Apparently, looking at it was more nerve racking than brain surgery and heart surgery combined. He often marveled at how the glasses were placed one after the other to catch the glimmer from the spotlights hanging down from the ceiling. It was practically asking for someone clumsy to come and accidentally knock it over. All it took was one person to cause a domino effect and the whole mountain of glasses will crumble to the floor. He shuddered at the thought. The sound of splintering glass hitting the marble tiles reeled through his mind as he stared at Ephram. At the moment, Ephram was very much like one of those brittle crystal glasses that Andy was afraid to touch and break.
"But I can't feel anything." The boy whimpered softly.
"Give it some time. It'll come back." Andy said trying to restore some degree of confidence. "You're still weak and doped up on medication."
"Where - where am I?" He managed to say while turning his head to face the direction his father's voice was coming from.
"In intensive care at Denver General." Andy's voice shook.
"It's too noisy to be a hospital." Ephram moaned uncomfortably referring to the bleep- bleep and ding-ding noises he kept hearing.
"The noise is just coming from machines monitoring you. You'll get used to it." Andy spoke softly. Ephram sucked in another breath. In a way, Andy was glad Ephram had his eyes closed. The intimidating ambiance of an ICU room is a stressful sight for any patient.
"What time is it?" He grunted.
"It's Sunday morning. 4:38 am to be exact. You've been in surgery for almost four hours." Andy answered.
The numbness from the anesthetics was starting to give and he was beginning to feel his body again. His eyebrows hardened as he felt the dull pain in his side and shoulder.
"Ephram. You know, Delia is here too." Andy started trying to refrain from being reduced to a puddle of tears.
Delia was there. She was sitting opposite her father on the other side of Ephram's bed. There were no words to describe the utter torment that spun in her head staring at her brother's helpless condition. Remaining silent was the only way she could cope with such an ordeal. The ghastly image of her brother's face branded her mind. The Ephram she'd known and loved was strong, tall, healthy and always glowing with happiness when he was with her. The person lying on the bed in front of her was not her brother. It couldn't be the same brother who used to pull her and her sled continuously up Walnut Hill last winter or the same brother that gave her piggyback rides around the yard. This person was small, weak, skinny, and mangled. What freaked Delia out the most was Ephram's face - his grotesque complexion looked like something out of a Stephen King horror movie. His skin color was a milky olive color bringing out his pasty purple eyelids, and blackish gray bags under the eyes. The color of his thin lips drained into a deep plum color. Delia's brain processed this image over and over again.
"Delia, you want to say something to Ephram?" Andy nodded to his daughter. Skeptical, Delia gave her father a puzzled look. "It's ok. He can hear you."
"Del?" Ephram croaked.
"Hi Ephram." Delia sounded more sad than glad.
"Where are you?" The boy's chest heaved. Braver than Andy, Delia instantly took hold of Ephram's left hand.
"I'm here. I'm here." Delia was about ready to burst into tears. "Ephram -" She began not know what to say without breaking down.
"Del, you're ok?" He interjected with eyes still shut. It was like he didn't even have the strength to open his own eyes.
"Of course. You saved me." Delia cried with such sincerity. She saw the corners of Ephram's lips attempt to curl up into a weary smile. Delia and her father shot each other a bewildered look.
"Your Ladyship, it is my deepest regret to inform you that my fierce battle against your ruthless enemy has failed. Scale Face lives and I have been defeated." Ephram mumbled slowly drawing a heavy breath every now and then. "Alas, the wretched beast stole the stone of light and absorbed its energy making him too strong for me to overpower him. He showed no mercy when he sank his teeth through my armor and left me for dead." He coughed.
Andy became worried after hearing this little speech. He looked at Delia, who was staring wide-eyed at Ephram. "Delia, he's been traumatized -" Andy began hoping to give an explanation for Ephram's bizarre behavior.
"Relax, dad. He's not delirious. I know what he's talking about." Delia smiled and turned to Ephram. "Oh brave and courageous Knight of the rectangular coffee table, you are much too humble. You did not fail at all. Instead, you've risked your life to save mine and defended my Kingdom with such loyalty. And as a gesture of my gratitude, I shall present to you a reward for your valor and pains."
"I am most honored by your - your generosity, my lady, and will accept." Ephram replied with an ailing voice that seemed to get softer and softer.
"For now, you must rest. Let the wise wizard man cure you with his magic potions. You will get better. The subjects of my kingdom await your return." Delia said caringly. She kissed the back of his hand.
"With - with your sacred touch," He winced and paused for a breath. "I am healed."
"It's a game we used to play a long time ago." Delia said to Andy after catching the confused expression on her father's face.
The tears brewing in Delia's big tired eyes depicted a look of lost and pure despair. Maybe it was from fatigue or maybe it was from the endless worrying, Delia appeared older and surprisingly mature beyond her years. Her eyes had suddenly lost its radiant shine and Andy could see a big chunk of her soul had chipped away from seeing her brother in this dismal circumstance. This is hitting her hard. He always suspected they were close but only because of his mistake of years of negligence. He figured it was only natural for them to look out for each other because they were siblings. It was here that Andy realized the strong brother-sister bond between Ephram and Delia. Something more potent and conquering existed in their blood relation. He hadn't really given it much thought before. After seeing the austere look in her eyes, he understood.
"Wise wizard man?" Andy questioned.
"Yea, it's you." Delia replied not taking her eyes off her dear brother.
"I'M the wise wizard man?" Andy said a bit flabbergasted.
"You know, a wizard. Kinda like Merlin." Ephram grumbled.
"Oh! I thought wizard as in Wizard of Oz. I like Merlin MUCH better." Andy was quite content that his kids included him in their role-play. He wondered who's idea it was to make him the Wise Wizard Man. The more he thought about it, the more he liked the sound of it. He felt powerful.
"Ephram thought of it." Delia read her father's mind.
"Is that so?!" Andy said with amazement.
"He said the name fit you because you're smart and able to cure sick people." Delia explained.
Touched, Andy's eyes became glassy. Beneath all the anger and resentment, his son always had respect for him. It may have not been prominent but somewhere in the most obscure corners of Ephram's heart, he understood Andy's position. Perhaps Andy failed his children as a father for too many years of their lives or maybe he was just too caught up in his own hectic life to notice the changes. It brought tears to his eyes to finally know the truth.
"Well, I wouldn't exactly say, "cure". I help sick people get better, but not necessarily cure them." Andy's modest response made Delia smile. "I didn't know you were so creative Ephram." He said to his son.
"It - it." Lightheaded, Ephram tried to focus on what he wanted to say. "It was when - when you started - " His face flinched and allowed a stifled moan to escape.
"It's ok, Ephram. You don't have to say anything if it hurts too much. We know you're in pain." Andy eased.
"Started growing a beard." Ephram finished his sentence. "You looked -" Inhaled oxygen. "Like a - a younger version of M-Merlin." His speech was slurred.
"Ephram?" Andy's tensed voice came out in a squeak.
"Merlin was - he was very smart and - and underestimated man. Kinda like - like you. He's - he - he's - a -" His tone trailed off. The boy's grasp on consciousness was thinning. Andy and Delia watched Ephram's chest drop like as if the air had been sucked out of him. His facial features softened and he appeared to be peacefully sleeping.
"Sir Knight? Ephram??" Delia shook Ephram's hand. "Daddy? What's happening??" She demanded after getting no response from her brother. "Why is Ephram not answering me?"
Andy checked Ephram's vitals and came to the conclusion that the poor boy had fainted from utter exhaustion. "Sweetheart, he's very tired." He decided to say.
He had never in all his life ever experienced such sadness. His heart was filled with so much grief and guilt. He thought Julia's death had been the most devastating and horrible thing life could hurl at him. His wife's death was something he's never really gotten over no matter how much he convinced everyone that he was moving on with life. Living without his soul mate was supposed to be the ultimate challenge - the mother load. Things couldn't possibly get worse than that. His life had been teetering like a stacked pillar of Popsicle sticks. He was pushing his luck and the leaning tower finally tipped over. Andy learned that losing his wife was only the first extreme. The second was watching his children suffer. Andy knew watching people suffer was part of the job - it came with the territory in being a doctor. But when it was your own flesh and blood lying in that hospital bed before you - things were suddenly different.
Delia didn't quite believe her father's explanation. She knew that no matter how tired Ephram was, he always managed to finish his sentence and gave some warning that he was going to sleep. She thought perhaps her father was lying to her to protect her. But she didn't want anyone to protect her - look what happened the last time someone tried to protect her. Delia took Ephram's hand and place it to her cheek.
"Oh Ephram!! I'm sorry!!" Delia sobbed cradling her brother's limp hand against her face as tears flowed freely from her puffy eyes. "I'm sorry for taking all your candy! I'm sorry for blackmailing you! I'm sorry for leaving you behind! I'm sorry!! It's my fault you're this way. I should've gone back for you. I'm sorry!" She rambled until her words were so caught in her sobs that they were barely understandable.
"Delia, honey, you have nothing to be sorry about. You are not to blame." Andy made his way around the bed upon hearing her outburst.
"Daddy - oh daddy." Delia hollered causing a few worried nurses at the nurse's station to turn their heads to see what the commotion was about. "He won't wake up!!" She blubbered ignoring the stares. Letting go of Ephram's hand, she covered her eyes with her hands and began weeping harder.
"Baby, he's tired. He came out of surgery only two hours ago. He should be very, very tired. It's normal." Andy immediately took Delia into his arms in a firm embrace. "We should be lucky that he even woke to talk to us so soon after his surgery." She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his chest.
"Make him better Daddy. Make him better!!" Delia wailed with shoulders shaking.
Andy picked her up and proceeded to carry her out of the room to calm her down. Taking another glance at her brother in his tranquil slumber, Delia's clung tighter to her father's neck and hid her wet face in his shoulder as they exited the room.
"He doesn't deserve this. He's too good. How could this happen?? Why do these things happen to good people??" Delia cried through blinding tears.
"I know. I know. Shhh. It's alright." Andy whispered rubbing her back to comfort her lament.
Andy walked passed the nurses station with a weeping Delia in his arms. The three nurses that were on the graveyard shift at the time eyed the two grieving visitors sadly.
"Is everything ok, Dr. Brown?" One of them asked softly referring to Delia.
"It was too much for her. Needed to take her out of there for a while." Andy replied in a gentle tone. "I think it's under control. She just needed a good cry."
"You know, I heard about what happened to your son." A nurse with a pink floral cardigan draped over her shoulders voiced to join in the conversation. "He is a very brave boy to fight and outsmart a bear. Most would have lost the battle easily but your boy was cunning and quick-witted enough to get away. Running and searching for shelter while bleeding out the way he had - I have no doubt that he was a survivor. And when I heard he did it all to save his sister's life, I cried and cried. Never in a million years have I heard of such courage and sacrifice and by such a young boy." Her genuine tone started off firm but ended up shaky. A few tears streamed down her face as she continued, "I'm so sorry. And here I am - crying again. I don't mean to breakdown like this. It's just so - so heartwarming." She dabbed her eyes with a tissue.
"It's ok. Thank you for your empathy." Andy said. He hadn't realized that his son's situation had been the talk of the nurse's lounge. But he was touched all the same.
"Little girl, don't worry. We will take good care of your brother. He's a fighter. We know it." A third, slightly older nurse said touching Delia's arm.
"Delia, did you hear that? She said Ephram's a fighter." Andy spoke in his daughter's ear. Delia did not reply. Her chin quivered and allowed her tears to flow through her closed her eyes. She sniffled into her father's shirt.
"The poor dear is exhausted. Maybe some sleep is what she needs right now. We fixed up three cots in the doctor's lounge for you, if you need it." The first nurse offered kindly.
"Thanks. I appreciate it." Andy smiled. He walked away with the three nurses watching on with their disquiet appearance feeling deep sympathy in their sensitive hearts for the family.
In addition to the crying, a low hum of voices and calming clicks of passing heels against the white tiled floor made Delia drowsy. The gentle rocking motion from being carried and fatigue finally rendered Delia asleep. Andy headed towards the waiting area.
The Intensive Care waiting area was a quiet little space tucked into a lonely corner of the East wing. The room was cold and ordinary - it wasn't comforting at all. A lack of décor adorning the room made it appear anything but homey or inviting. White paint was cracking on the naked walls from years of indifference. Not a single decorative fixture hung anywhere. There were no posters, no art, no flyers and no postings of any sort. The only ornament that clung to the wall was an industrial white clock. The plainness encouraged traffic to filter along. No one was expected to loiter around long enough to get too comfortable. There were no televisions blaring news broadcasts or magazines neatly stacked on end tables or various newspapers bundled up in a newspaper rack. There was nothing. The only strained effort made to spruce up the place up were two half dried and unkempt ferns planted into large red wicker baskets. They were placed beside two large Plexiglass windows overlooking the city. Rows of empty plastic orange chairs stood backed against each other reminding Andy of an airport or bus terminal. He spotted Nina by the row of payphones in the rear of the room. She had just hung up the receiver with a clink when she saw him approaching.
"Hey, how's it going?" Nina said walking towards Andy. "How's Ephram doing?"
"Not that great. He woke up but only briefly. He passed out again before we left." Andy answered. "Delia just broke into tears right then and there."
"I can imagine how hard this is hitting her." Nina smoothed Delia's hair. "She must be so sapped. Let her sleep it off. She'll be better after a few hours of sleep under her belt." She continued. "Gosh, look at her - she still has tears on her cheeks." She wiped the wet salty liquid with her thumb.
"She's been through a lot in the past 24 hours." Andy adjusted his hold of the young girl in his arms. Delia did not budge. "You making a call? You do know that you can use the phone at the front desk? Since you know me. Connections are grand, aren't they?"
"Yea. I was about to call my mom to ask her to pick Sam up tomorrow and bring him over to her place until I can come pick him up. But then ditsy me - that's when I realized that today IS tomorrow and then I realized that it's 5 in the morning. Sooo - I nixed the idea. I obviously can't think too straight since my brain is really fuzzy right now." Nina said in one breath. "And I'm babbling aren't I? The last time someone called her this early, it was to tell her the horrible news that my father died serving his country. I don't want to give her a heart attack by calling her now." She yawned. "I'd better just call her later."
"I'm bringing Delia to the doctor's lounge." Andy replied. "They set up cots for us. You can definitely use some sleep." Without argument, Nina grabbed the backpacks and jackets that were left on the chairs. She followed Andy towards the big silver elevator doors.
The third floor doctor's lounge was conveniently located down the long hall between the pharmacy and laboratory. Stretched out on the far corner of the room were three small collapsible military cots covered with bleached white bed sheets. White pillows and cream-colored thermal blankets were folded neatly into squares and stacked at the foot of each cot. Andy placed Delia down on one of the rickety old cots. Without even opening an eye, Delia extended her arms and arched her back in a long stretch. She sighed tiredly, curled up into a ball, and resumed her slumber. Nina helped pull off Delia's shoes while Andy wedged a pillow between the mattress and Delia's head.
"Now you too." Andy instructed Nina to the next cot after pulling a blanket over Delia's shoulders. He unfolded Nina's blanket with one flick of his wrists.
"Alright, alright. I'm not complaining." Nina mumbled kicking off her hiking boots and climbed onto the cot on all fours. She plopped down on her stomach. "Ahhhh, is it just me or does this pillow feel exceptionally soft." She groaned as her face touched the cotton surface of the pillow with eyelids way too heavy to fight it.
"It's just you. Now go to sleep." Andy whispered as he pulled the blanket over Nina, who was nearly asleep already.
"Andy?" Nina droned.
"Hmm?" Andy replied.
"You should get some sleep too." She conked out before hearing reply from Andy.
"Yea - I will." Andy answered with a smile.
*****
It was four in the afternoon on Sunday. They had awakened two hours earlier to a dark and dreary day. A rare but massive rainstorm swept through the city cleansing the bad remnants of the day before. Rainstorms were few and pretty uncommon in the Denver area. It is often said that out of the 365 days a year, the city got approximately 300 plus days of sunshine. Though surrounded by high mountain range, Denver was ultimately safe from bad climates. They owed it all to the Rockies. Because the mountains were so high, they served as a defense barrier against rain clouds and extremely bad weather conditions. But on occasion, a few of those rebel rain clouds have been known to slip through the cracks causing a storm to brew. And this was a one of those unfavorable storm days.
After a nice hot shower in the hospital's women's locker room and a fresh change of clothes that consisted of an oversized sweatshirt and a pair of jogging pants all bought by Nina from the hospital's gift shop, Delia sat with her legs crossed Indian style on her cot facing the nearest large window. Her long combed hair was still wet from the shower. She watched the thick droplets of rain beat against the surface of the window making long dashes and slide down to the windowpane. A white flash of lightning followed by a loud clash of thunder seemed to leave the whole earth shaking. Yet Delia did not even flinch. On the bed a few inches away from her knee was a piece of foil holding a cheeseburger with just two nibbles taken out of the corner. Soggy steak fries were squeezed into a transparent plastic container untouched. Beside the container was a tiny milk carton pint of chocolate milk - also unopened.
Doctors and other medical personnel entered and exited the room quickly to retrieve their dosages of black coffee, exchange some small talk and hurry on with their busy schedules. No one paid much attention to the little girl in the corner staring out the window. She was transparent to them, which was ok by her because she didn't want the attention anyway. She wanted to be alone.
"Hey sweetheart," A calming voice called from behind. "What'cha doing?"
"Oh nothing. Just thinking." Delia replied nonchalantly without turning her head. She knew it was her father.
"About what?" Andy asked taking a seat next to Delia.
"Nothing." Delia answered still staring out into the rain drenched peaceful city of Denver.
"How could you be thinking about nothing?" Andy tried to provoke conversation. Delia shrugged. "Don't feel like talking much today, huh?" He continued.
Delia shrugged again.
"Where's Nina?" Andy asked.
"Still takin' a shower." Delia kept her responses short.
"Oh." Andy said trying to think of something else to ask. His attention turned to the uneaten food next to Delia. "You've barely touched your food. Something wrong with it?"
"Nah. Not hungry."
"You should be hungry. All you've eaten in the past 24 hours were a couple of granola bars, crackers and water. You gotta eat something, honey."
She shrugged again. Shrugging was her subtle way of saying, "I don't care. Now leave me alone." Delia had her eyes fixed on gazing out the window.
"It's raining dogs and cats today." Andy commented as he looked out the same window. "Pretty unusual, huh?" When in doubt, always start talking about the weather.
"Big deal. It always used to rain in New York." Delia said coldly.
"Oh, yea. How can I forget! We used to get thunderstorms at least once a week." Andy remembered. Another soft flicker of white streaks of electricity flashed across the sky pursued by a booming thunder that sounded almost too close to the establishment. Andy figured now would be the time Delia would jump into his arms frightened by the loud noise. Then he would comfort her, hold her tight, and give her the usual spiel on how it was Mother Nature's way of doing her spring-cleaning by giving the earth a bath to wash away the dirty stuff. Everything was going to be alright - that was the typical thunderstorm drill with little kids. But this girl did not budge. Not even the least bit startled.
"The thunder doesn't scare you?" Andy asked out of curiosity.
"It hasn't since I was four." Delia spoke in a bored tone.
"Really? Since you were four??" Andy sounded surprised and a bit disappointed at the same time.
"Yep."
"I had no idea."
"Ephram told me the story of thunder and lightning and I don't fear it anymore." Delia said turning her head to face her father.
"Really? What did he say?" Andy asked to get his daughter to talk. Delia shook her head in hesitation and turned back to face the window. "Aw, come on - please? Thunderstorms still give me the creeps. If you knew a way to get rid of that feeling, won't you share it with me? So at least I don't have to be afraid of it?" Andy persuaded comically and getting a tiny smile from Delia.
"Fine, but don't laugh." Delia warned.
*****
Four-year-old Delia was scared. She hid her whole body under her Barbie comforter in her big canopy bed. Each bolt of lightning in the blackened sky flashed like giant silver-colored veins and clash of thunder made the ground shake causing a car alarm to go off somewhere in the distant. It was close to midnight and she knew her mother and brother were asleep in their rooms. Her father was no doubt still slaving at work. Delia hated thunderstorms. She often wondered why they always happened to occur during the nighttime when everyone was supposed to be sleeping.
Thunderstorms were a New Yorker's way of life. It was something one got used to without even knowing it. New York weather was a cycle of rainy Springs, dry and humid Summers, windy and wet Autumns, and bitter cold Winters. It was like you had the Bahamas, the North Pole, the Amazon rain forest, and the Mohave Desert all rolled up into one year. It was almost a drill and certain New Yorkers develop an unusual immunity to bad weather - similar to the way a chameleon changes color to adapt to its surroundings. Though oddly enough, Delia was not one of these people.
The Brown's lived on the 12th floor of the Court Manor building on 157th street in the Upper West side. The Court Manor was a ritzy apartment building complex with a doorman in the lobby. The 12th floor consisted of three big separate apartments. The Brown's occupied 12B. It was a spacious seven-room apartment with two baths. The space provided more than enough elbowroom for the family of four. Andy and Julia kept their apartment looking spiffy and orderly by hiring a maid to come in twice a week to do household chores.
Another loud crack of thunder sent Delia deeper into her comforter. When the sound stopped, she poked her head out of a hole she made with the opening of her blanket. The shadows cast by the Strawberry Shortcake nightlight in a socket near her desk made the various furniture and toys in her room suddenly scary and her vivid imagination took over. It sent her flying from her bed and out the door. She stood in the dark hall outside of her room with heart pounding. The nearest room to her was Ephram's room.
Delia found her way into Ephram's room. She nearly tripped over a bunch of toys that were scattered all over Ephram's floor before making it to his bed. Eleven-year-old Ephram was sleeping on his side with his back to Delia. He had his comforter pulled almost over his head - like as if the thundering was too loud and he had to cover his ears.
"Ephram?" Delia whispered while kneading Ephram's shoulder in an attempt to wake him up. "Ephram?"
He mumbled in his sleep.
"Ephram. Ephram. Ephram." Delia repeated and shook him harder. Finally, Ephram opened an eye and groaned. "Ephram? Are you awake?"
"I am now." Ephram grumbled and rubbed his eyes with his fist. "Del, what's wrong?" He added as he looked at his sister with the frazzled hair standing by his bedside.
"I'm scared." Delia said. "Of thunder and lightning. Can I sleep with you?"
"OK. Hop in." Ephram moved over in his bed to make room for Delia. He was in no mood to argue.
"Thanks." Delia smiled and climbed into the bed. She snuggled close to her protector while he tucked the blanket around her. They faced each other.
"You know Del, you shouldn't be afraid of thunder and lightning." Ephram said softly.
"I know. But I'm not brave like you. You're not scared of anything." Delia responded.
"Silly girl, everyone has fears. I'm no different."
"Oh yea, then name one thing you're scared of." Delia challenged.
"Um.I know!" Ephram said after pondering for a few seconds. "Brussel Sprouts." Another roar of thunder outside interrupted their giggling. Delia buried her face in the blanket.
"Del, it's ok." Ephram said trying to comfort her.
"It's very loud and it hurts my ears." Delia whimpered. "Why is God so angry?"
"If you'll come out from under that blanket, I'll tell you why thunder is so loud." He coaxed. Delia slowly pulled her blanket down from her face showing her eyes, then her nose, then her mouth and chin. She stared at the silhouette of Ephram's round boyish face in the limelight.
"There we go." Ephram beamed. "But you have to promise me that you'll go to sleep after I tell you. OK?"
"I promise." She swore.
"You think it thunders because God is angry, right?" Ephram refuted.
"My friend Susie Stewart says so." Delia confirmed with a nod.
"Come on, do YOU really think God is angry? He must be one cross fellow with a serious chip on his shoulder if he's angry so much. You do realize we get thunder almost every week, don't you? It doesn't make sense. God is very patient and peaceful. Why would he get angry with us? He never gets mad for no reason." Ephram said. "Am I making sense here?"
"Yea, I guess so." Delia started thinking.
"Good. I'm glad I got my point across. So, ever think what the big guy is really doin' up there?" Ephram questioned.
"I have no idea." Delia replied.
"If you ask me, I'd say he's bowling." Ephram said as-a-matter-of-factly.
"Bowling?!" Delia exclaimed excitedly.
"Yep. Remember a few months ago when dad took us with him to the hospital's annual fundraiser Bowlfest at the Bowl-A-Rama in Sheepshead Bay? Remember the sound of the bowling balls made when they rolled down the alley and rammed into the bowling pins at the end?" Ephram said.
"Yea!! I remember. I hated that sound."
"Sounds a lot like thunder doesn't it?" Ephram said. "Just listen." He added waiting for another roll of thunder to hit. And it did. "See?"
"Hey - yeah!" Delia said in realization.
"Hmm. I'd say that was a strike. Way to go God!!" Ephram said into the ceiling causing Delia to snicker.
"Then how do you explain lightning?" Delia inquired.
"You know how lightning always comes before thunder - well, did you also know that God has His own cheerleading squad of angels kinda like the LA Laker girls only more innocent." Ephram said.
"Uh-uh." Delia gasped.
"I didn't think so. That flash of light you see before you hear the thunder is the angels doing. It's their way of cheering on God so he could make another strike. See, there really is nothing to be scared of. Its just God on a night out with his buddies at the bowling alley." Ephram concluded leaving an amazed look on Delia's face.
"Wow!!" Delia said upon this breathtaking revelation.
"I'll say. I know it's loud but hey, the guy deserves to have some time off now and then. He's so busy managing everyone's guardian angel that he hardly has time for himself. We gotta allow him that at least."
"You're my guardian angel." Delia said.
"No, but I'm sure God has appointed a worthy angel to look over you. And she's looking down on you right now." He laughed.
"Really!!" Delia became wide-eyed. "But still, you're my first guardian angel." She decided stubbornly.
"OK, you promised me you'd go to sleep after I told you the story. I think I'd like to collect now."
"Wait. I just thought of something."
"What is it?"
"Rain. If the angels are cheering on God, then why are they crying?"
"Who says they were crying?" Ephram shot back.
"Susie said her mom told her that it rains because the angels are sad that people do so many bad things and they have to wash away all the sins with rain."
"Del, why is your playground friend so depressing?? Everything is a negative. Don't listen to such depressing stuff or you're gonna go crazy and then you'll get thrown in the looney bin. And you won't like it one bit in the looney bin. That's where they lock you up in a padded room and cram a bunch of pills down your throat everyday to make you normal again. You don't want that to happen, do you?"
"No!!" Delia cringed.
"Well, neither do I."
"Then why does it rain?"
"It rains because of precipitation."
"Pre - sip a what?" Delia squealed.
"Precipitation. It's when ice crystals in the clouds melt. The air in the clouds is super cold and form ice crystals, you see, and when these ice crystals stick together, they get bigger and bigger. As they get bigger, they get heavier too. Then they fall and as it gets closer to our atmosphere, if the temperature is warmer than freezing point then it causes the crystals to melt into water. And that's the water we call rain." Ephram explained knowledgably.
"Oh!" Delia said not sure whether she understood it all but was nonetheless happy that there were no crying angels up there. She liked Ephram's explanation much better. "Gee Ephram, how did you get so smart?"
"I owe it all to my third grade teacher Ms. Nelson." Ephram answered. "Now go to sleep."
Delia leaned over and gave Ephram a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks Ephram." She pulled herself close to her brother.
"No problem." Ephram said modestly. He closed his eyes. And it was quiet for a few seconds.
"Ephram?"
"Hm?"
"Who do you suppose God is playing bowling with?"
"His buddy Zeus." And satisfied with that answer, Delia went to sleep.
*****
"Bowling." Andy exclaimed and chuckled. "Ephram has an explanation for everything."
"Yea." Delia said.
"That's an interesting concept. I always knew he was a bright kid." Andy sensed the quietness was returning. There was something going on inside Delia's head - something she was bottling up. Andy felt it and he knew nothing he could say or do would make Delia spit it out. He wished Nina were here so she can do her woman-motherly thing and make Delia happy again.
"Daddy?" Delia called softly. Her facial expression hardened.
"Yes, sweetie?" Andy said anxious for conversation.
"Is Ephram going to be ok?"
"Of course he is. Why would you even question that?"
"It's just that from last night - he seemed in a bad way. He just stopped talking in the middle of a sentence. It's not like him. The Ephram I know would never do that. He once said 'One should always finish what he started.' Why would he go against it?" She asked rhetorically. "Daddy - if he's gonna die, I think I have a right to know. Don't hide it from me. I know you know more than you're saying. I want you to be honest with me."
"Well." Andy didn't know what to say to his daughter's demand.
"The truth." Delia pressed. Her eyes were burning holes through Andy's eyes.
"OK then. Ephram is in bad shape. He's lost a tremendous amount of blood and the damage done from the infection in his cuts doesn't help his situation." Andy sighed. "I hate to say it, but from the way things look now, it's 50/50. Just because he made it through surgery doesn't mean he's out of harm's way. Things could go either way." His voice faltered slightly but he managed to compose himself before starting again. "It's really too soon to tell. The medicine is helping but it all depends on how quickly his body can heal. For now, we just have to wait and pray that he gets stronger."
Delia was silent.
"Delia? Are you alright?" Andy finally asked in concern after a long pause.
"He told me he loved me." Delia's eyes began to water. "It was the last thing he said to me in the forest. He said I should always know that he loved me." Her breath quivered.
"Of course he does. You're his sister. He loves you very much."
"I didn't tell him that I loved him too. Now I may not have a chance to tell him." She swept away a few tears that fell from her eyes.
"Aw honey. You don't have to say it for him to know it. He knows." Andy reached for an embrace but surprisingly Delia shoved it away. Maybe Delia didn't need a hug, but Andy sure did though he was too proud to admit it.
"No. I'm fine. I have to be strong." With that she quit crying. "Daddy, I want to see him."
"Sure, I'll bring you to his room. First, you should eat. I know you're not hungry but you need to get some nourishment in your system. I know Ephram would want you to eat."
Delia hesitated before grabbing the foil with the cold burger and jammed the food into her mouth refusing to have it warmed up in the microwave. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until she started eating. Andy watched her devour the burger and chug down the chocolate milk.
Nina came back to the lounge shortly after and they went to see Ephram together. It wasn't a very productive or progressive visit since the boy was still unconscious. They only sat and stared at him or at the assorted machines he was hooked up to. Speaking to him was highly encouraged because it was believed that an unconscious person does have the ability to hear. They took turns speaking to him - telling him cheerful things and saying how much they loved him. They did this more for their own peace of mind than for his sake. It helped to reassure them that the outcome of this tragedy would be favorable. It kept them from being too quiet. Silence allowed their brains to string along terrible thoughts, which would eventually lead to panic and breakdown.
Andy tried to persuade Nina to go home since it was unfair for her to stick around when she had a family of her own to care for. But she refused to budge from the current crisis. She felt a need to stay with Andy just a while longer. Nina had spoken to her mother and everything was settled. Sam will be picked up and will spend the night with grandma. Besides, her mother loved having Sam around. Andy was secretly happy that Nina was there for him and her support was very much appreciated. Nina was strong and Andy needed that right now as they anxiously wait for Ephram to wake.
It didn't happen until late in the afternoon. The passing thunderstorm stopped and Nina had taken Delia outside for some fresh air as well as a trip to the candy store around the corner. Andy stuck loyally to Ephram's bedside. Most of the time, he sat in the chair and kept quiet - not saying a word to his son. He closed his eyes and used the silence to pray. His hands were knotted together tightly in deep prayer with the tips of his thumbs touching his forehead and his elbows planted firmly on Ephram's bedside.
*Oh please let him live. Oh please, oh please. Take anything away from me but do not take away my children.* Andy recited these words over and over in his mind.
A soft moan caused Andy to open his eyes. He looked at his son. Ephram took in a few deep drags of air through the oxygen tubes in his nose. His chest expanded as he breathed.
"Ephram?" Andy called anxiously.
The air was unusually thin. Something was plugged up his nostrils making it feel like he had straws stuck up his nose. There was a hiss of air coming from it and he finally figured out its purpose. It took him a few seconds to adjust to his breathing aid. He can feel the length of the narrow plastic tube running from under his nose to across his cheeks and tucked behind his ears. He had a hunch on his whereabouts. Ephram's pasty eyes blinked opened. The first thing he saw was his father's blurry face. There was a bitter taste in his mouth. Bacteria. He tried to get rid of the taste by swallowing but that only put a strain on his raw throat.
"Dad?" The boy finally said.
"Hey - son." Andy whispered.
Suddenly, he felt incredibly itchy all over his chest and arms. Ephram brought his chin down to see what was the source of this tickle. To his horror, he found not one but a whole tangle of foreign tube-like wires attached to his chest and arms - all the way up to his fingertips. Each had a different color tab. The room was a dizzying maze of machinery creating medley of noises. Every direction had a device of some sort that showed blinking green numbers and displayed multicolored squiggles. He was constrained. Caught like a rat in a trap. Disoriented and filled with a sudden wave of panic, Ephram clutched at the wad of wires on his torso without warning.
"Dad!! Help!! Get it off me!!" Ephram cried hysterically. "Get it off!! Oh my God! Oh my God! Get it off."
"Ephram. Don't touch that. Ephram - listen to me. It's ok." Andy got up and fumbled with his attempt to get a hold of Ephram's hands before he disconnected something vital.
"Dad!! Get these things off of me." Ephram squealed desperately and getting worked up.
"Ephram. Son. Listen to me." Andy raised his voice while grabbing both of Ephram's bony wrists - one in each hand. "I know you're scared. Hey - listen to me. Ephram. You're scared - I know that, but it's important that you don't touch these things." He reasoned. Ephram whimpered weakly but continued to struggle to get free.
"Ephram. Listen. Stop it. It's ok. You're gonna be ok." Andy convinced.
It wasn't hard to pin Ephram's wrists down on the bed since he was obviously the weaker one of the two. When the burst of energy passed, the taxing activity in addition to the pain in his shoulder and side made Ephram soften up. With labored breaths, the boy started to give in. Andy, however, noted the still frightened look in his son's eyes.
"Answer me this, are you experiencing any pain because of these wires?" Andy asked. Ephram thought about it and came to the conclusion that the only pain he had was from his injury wounds. He replied by shaking his head "no".
"See. They don't hurt. So you gotta stop fighting me ok? Or we're going to have to put soft restraints on you to strap you down. You don't want that. You're going to be fine."
"Daddy. Daddy." Ephram squeaked softly growing more and more fragile by the second.
"Shhh, I know baby. I know. You gotta trust me on this ok?" Andy lulled.
"Dad. You're hurting me." The boy muttered. Andy hadn't realized he'd been squeezing Ephram's wrists that tight. *The thing with the glass again* Andy cursed himself for being so rough with the injured child.
"Oh. Sorry." Andy said sheepishly and loosened his grip. "I'm going to let go now. You promise me you won't try to remove anything?"
Ephram gave a short nod.
"Ok then." Andy said letting go of the boy's wrists slowly. Ephram kept his word. He only stared in awe at the miscellaneous tubes and wires attached on his skin that snaked in and out of his hospital gown. He saw the thick padded gauze taped over his wound. It seemed to cover almost his whole left side. The scared and confused boy searched for answers in his father's eyes.
"I can see the fear in your eyes." Andy said while stroking his son's cheek with the back of his hand. "Ephram, it's ok to be scared. Heck, I would too if I suddenly woke up and found myself swathed with so many unidentifiable ligatures that I resembled a US satellite dish."
"More like a pin cushion." Ephram said nervously after clearing his throat. The comment made his father smile.
"But you're on my turf now. I won't let anything happen to you." Andy reached over and gave his son a kiss on the forehead. It surprised Ephram entirely. That was something he wasn't expecting at all. Somehow, it felt good and he felt loved. Oh, how much he wanted to wrap his arms around his father. Touched and emotional, Ephram became teary eyed. He wanted to cry and cry. But he couldn't. There was not enough energy in his body to allow it. Either that or there weren't enough tears left in his tear glands.
"Now Ephram. I know the purpose of each and every tube and wire here. How about I explain to you what these are for so you don't have to be afraid? Would you like that?" Andy said. The boy nodded.
"OK. You see these red clips here on your chest? They're called ECG pads. The ends are attached to that beside monitor. Its purpose is to monitor your heart. You're probably wondering why there are five ECG pads on you. Two to seven is the usual number of pads we need to stick on a person to sufficiently monitor the heart. The blue one over here is to measure your respiratory rate also connected to the bedside monitor. These two orange tab tubes inserted into your neck are called dialysis catheter. These tubes are attached to that dialysis machine over there." Andy talked slowly and pointed to the various wires corresponding with each machine. Ephram watched and listened. "It acts as a filter - kinda like the water purifier we have at home. It takes your blood, removes the toxins, and puts the clean blood back into your body. Pretty cool, huh?"
"Mm-hm."
"You see that colorful monitor there? That's the bedside monitor. Just about everything that is connected to you is connected to it. It displays all the important stuff like your heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. That's your IV, where your medication passes through. Oh! And see that funny looking bag hanging over there. Not the yellow one, but the clear one? That's a blood warmer and -"
"I need a blood warmer?" Ephram grunted curiously.
"Yea. You were hemorrhaging and we had to give you a blood transfusion. You lost nearly two and a half units of blood. That's a lot of blood for someone your size. The blood bank has a whole stash of different blood types saved just for emergencies. And blood is cooled in order to prolong storage. So, when we transfuse the cooled blood, we have to warm it up it to prevent your body temperature from dropping too drastically and cause hypothermia. Well, how do you like that? You just had a nice helping of warmed blood."
"You - you make me sound like - like something out of an Anne Rice novel." He breathed. "Too vampire-esque."
"The body warmer was used when you had the transfusion, but now, it's just for warming up the IV fluids going into your body now since your body temperature is a bit low."
"What's this?" Ephram asked gesturing towards the milk-colored plastic clip attached to his index finger on his right hand.
"That's a pulse oximeter. There's a probe touching your fingertip inside here." Andy pointed. "And what it does is measures the oxygen saturation level in your blood - you know - the amount of oxygen in your blood. It's the - um - blue squiggly line in the monitor there." He said as he squinted at the bedside monitor screen.
Andy decided to keep talking. Talking was his distraction from breaking down. He remembered back in med school, he discovered a technique for overcoming nervousness on any occasion - whether it was for an interview with very high-up faculty members on hospital residency placement or spending holidays with Julia's parents. He used to beat anxiety by reciting to himself the different parts of the brain and the functions of each lobe. So by naming all the things in an ICU room, it not only made Ephram more relaxed, it also calmed Andy down tremendously.
"The yellow bag hanging over there next to the blood warmer is a liquid tube feeding container. You can't eat anything right now so we have to feed you this way for a while. It's the liquid form of proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients. The other end of that tube is inserted into your abdomen and the feedings go directly into your stomach. Don't freak out. It's not as horrible as it sounds. You won't feel it but if you feel any nausea or pain, you say something, ok?"
"Mmm." Ephram nodded.
"This here is very important. It's your chest tube. It drains out blood and air that may have accumulated in the space between your lung and wall of your chest. Do not remove it. Understand?"
"What if I have to pee?" Ephram drawled.
"Oh - you don't have to worry about that." Andy grinned. "The urinary catheter takes care of that. It's a tube that is placed into your bladder to drain urine so you won't feel the need to urinate. All your secretions are stored in a suction canister on the floor. You can't see it but it's at the foot of your bed. Convenient, huh?"
"Dad?" Ephram mumbled.
"Yea?" Andy played with Ephram's hair.
"Sorry."
"Sorry?"
"For many things. Causing so much trouble and breaking your rules." Ephram blinked. "I brought my cell phone and MP3. I wasn't supposed to."
"Ephram. Honey. Let's not talk about that now. Right now, I want you to get well. Can you just concentrate on that for me?" He spoke ever so softly.
"I know it was wrong to disobey you and will take whatever punishment you want." Ephram breathed and licked his dry lips.
Punishment? Andy couldn't believe after all this time the boy was worried about being punished for bringing something that ultimately saved his life. Here was a young boy critically lying in intensive care with a thousand tubes and wires attached to his body, not to mention being clawed to ribbons by a ferocious wild animal twice, and all he wanted to know was whether or not he was grounded. It was heart wrenching, almost painful, to hear those words come out of his son's mouth. He's been through so much already.
"Don't worry about it. I think we can work something out later."
"OK. You can ground me for as long as you like." Ephram winced from the dull pain from his shoulder when his father tried to hold his right hand. "But it'll have to be when I'm better - a lot better. I feel like crap right now."
"Like I said, we'll discuss it again after you recover." Andy replied. "Delia's been worried sick about you. She and Nina went out for some fresh air. They'll be happy to know you woke up."
Ephram kept quiet but attempted a smile.
"You know, it's a really brave thing you did back there for Delia. You saved her life. She considers you her hero." Andy pointed out.
"It's no big deal. She's my baby sister. I'm supposed to protect her." Ephram's voice was hoarse.
"You're all about modesty. Take the credit, why don't you!" Andy marveled.
"Dad, you remember Leo?" Ephram asked after a pause.
"Leo?!" Andy exclaimed.
"Yea. Leo. You know, hotdog stand on the corner of 59th and Fifth Avenue. Our Saturday ritual. Leo - you know - with - with the bushy gray beard, always used to call me Tiger." The boy rambled while drawing another breath through his oxygen tube.
"Yes, yes - I know that Leo." Andy cut in. "You mean you actually remember Leo?"
"Yea. You sound surprised."
"Well - of course I am! I didn't think you'd remember him. It was ages ago. You were what - five?"
"Four." Ephram interjected. "Dad, you may think I forgot those good times we had, but I haven't. I really haven't."
Ephram's statement left Andy in a stupor. But it forced a smile on his face. His son hasn't forgotten. Andy had been evaluating and reevaluating his life over and over with a fine-tooth-comb to find a way to rekindle his relationship with his son, but little did he know that the very thing he was searching for had always been right in front of him. He didn't need to look so far because what he was looking for was in his son's heart all along. There was a flicker of hope.
"So, what about Leo?" Andy questioned.
"Nothing. Just wondering how he is these days." Ephram glanced at his chest. "I'd be nice to see him. I wonder if he remembers me. It's been so long. Probably not."
"Wow, come to think of it, I've lost touch with old Leo over the years. He was a great friend. Got me through all those endless hours of waiting for your mother. I'm sure he's doing fine. Tell me Ephram, what made you suddenly think of him?"
"I don't know why really. I sorta had a funny dream about him when I was in the cave and it got me thinking."
"Tell ya what, we'll take a trip back to New York as soon as you recover and we'll go see how Leo's doing. What do you say?"
Ephram nodded.
"But you have to promise me that you'll get stronger, ok? Is it a deal?"
Ephram nodded again.
"Ok then squeeze my hand. We shake on it." Andy pitied his son's debilitating attempt to squeeze his father's hand. It wasn't even close to being a firm clasp. Andy brought his son's hand up to his lips, nonetheless, and kissed it.
Ephram's attention went back to the tangle of tubes attached to his body. Looking at them made him nervous. None of the inserted tubes or probes seemed to hurt but he looked like a freaky science experiment.
"What'cha thinking?" Andy inquired.
"That I feel like Frankenstein."
"Really? Throw open the switches on the sonic oscillator. Step up the reactor power input three more points!! Behold. My creation has come alive. Alive!!" Andy joked with a wild dramatic air. He humorously added a cackling evil mad scientist laugh. Ephram choked on a giggle before wincing.
"God. Dad, don't make me laugh. It hurts when I laugh." He said through clenched teeth. He closed his eyes to hold back the pain.
"Oh, sorry. Sorry. Are - are you ok? I didn't think I was that funny. You usually hate my jokes. That was my Frank N Furter impersonation in case you hadn't guessed. You know, the sweet transvestite from Rocky Horror Picture Show."
"You sounded more like Quasimodo." Ephram replied with a grin when he got some of his strength back.
"Now look who's the comedian." Andy shot back.
Ephram remained quiet after that. He only stared at the brown bearded man he called 'Dad' sitting by his side and holding his hand. Ephram thought about everything that happened in the past year and a half - with the passing of his mother, then moving to Crapville USA, having to adjust to a new way of life, and getting to know his father again. He realized how difficult he's made things for Andy. It wasn't fair how badly he treated someone who made such an effort to understand and take part in his family again. After all the screaming and rejection, this man was still by his side. He truly cared and loved him. Filled by guilt and remorse, something in Ephram finally snapped and he felt the hot tears coming.
"Oh hey. What's with the waterworks now?" Andy said.
Ephram couldn't bring himself to saying it. He was too ashamed and embarrassed to admit it after all this time. Perhaps it was too late to tell his father that he, too, loved him dearly. His lips quivered and more tears fell.
"It's ok. I know you are trying to be brave about all this and act like it's no big deal. But it IS a big deal and you don't have to pretend anymore. I understand what you're going through. I know you're scared. I'm scared too. I haven't had a good three minutes of sleep in the past 24 hours worrying about you so much." Andy mistook his son's crying for fear. Seemed like each tear Andy wiped off the boy's cheek, another appeared to replenish the one that was lost.
"Don't cry. You know, it breaks my heart when you cry. Please stop. I beg you. Buddy?" Andy spoke softly.
Ephram inhaled a breath. "I'm sorry." The boy sobbed quietly. *I'm sorry for being such a nuisance all these years. I'm sorry for not listening to you. I'm sorry for rebelling against your love when the truth is - I needed and wanted it most of all. The more you tried to be part of my life, the more I kept pushing you away. You had your heart and arms open but I was blinded by my grief for mom that I automatically turned you into the bad guy. I'm sorry, dad. I'm sorry for pulling you down with me. I'm sorry for this mess. I'm sorry.* Ephram thought. These were the words he wanted to say. Somehow, he just couldn't.
"Why are you apologizing? I won't have you apologizing anymore. Especially since you didn't do anything wrong. Is that clear?" Andy asked rhetorically. "Now if only you could stop crying. Is there anything I can say or do to make the tears stop? Wanna hear a joke? Or maybe another impersonation?" He added with sarcasm.
"No - that's alright dad." Ephram sighed. The final couple of tears rolled off the corner of his eyes and got caught between the breathing tube and his cheek. Andy absorbed the droplets with a tissue.
Suddenly, fatigue got the better of him making him insanely tired.
"Sleepy?" Andy asked.
"Exhausted." Ephram drawled.
"Then sleep. Get some rest. You'll have more energy when you wake."
"Tell Delia I said hi." The statement came out of Ephram sounded more like a question.
"Sure."
"Tell her not to worry about me. I'm cool." Ephram already had his tired eyes closed. His speech was slurred but he knew what he wanted to say. "And that I'll talk to her later."
"Alright. I'll give her the message." Andy brushed his fingers gently through Ephram's hair. "Shhh. Sleep now."
Ephram let out a low "Mmmm."
"Dad?" Ephram murmured softly.
"Yep?"
"You better get some sleep. You look horrible." Ephram grunted.
"What?! Look who's talking! And you think I look horrible?!" Andy grinned at the semi-conscious boy.
"I love you." Ephram moaned. Andy's eyes widened as those three words echoed in his brain.
"I love you too." Andy stammered hoping Ephram would hear him but it was too late, the boy had already drifted off into sleep. "I love you too, Ephram." Andy repeated letting a few tears run down his face.
*Ephram's pulled through - not exactly with flying colors but he's conscious and talking. Ephram's a fighter and he will continue to hang on. The worst is over.* Andy thought.
Andy had no idea how wrong he was. No parent - no matter how mentally strong they were - could ever be prepared for what happened next.
* end of chapter 4 *
Author's Note: What horrors lie in the path ahead for the Brown's? Will Ephram finally get to hear his father say, "I love you"? Or will he never get the chance to hear it? Who would like to know what complications are to happen next? Stay tuned..
"Dad?" His weak voice was hoarse and raspy.
"Right here, son." Andy's low and solemn tone came from somewhere close.
"Dad." Ephram murmured again. His waxy eyes felt glued shut. All he saw was darkness.
"It's ok. I'm right here." Andy reassured. He imagined the flow of oxygen passing through the tubes inserted into Ephram's nose as the boy drew deep breathes of air.
"Dad. I - I can hear you?" Ephram's small voice sounded surprised.
"Of course you can, silly goose. I'm right beside you." Andy said with a lighter note trying to conceal the bubbling grief inside him at the sight of seeing his precious son this way. Andy has seen Ephram sick in the past but those were just minor colds and flu bugs that came and went. It was nothing to be too overly concerned about - curable but never fatal. Ephram may be a bit on the scrawny side but he was strong as an ox. Never did he look as breakable as he did now.
"I died." The boy whispered barely audible.
"No. You didn't. Came damn close to it but your number's not up yet." Andy replied through clenched teeth holding in the tears. He distracted himself from crying by busying himself with folding and refolding the corner of Ephram's blanket. Andy's sigh quivered. "Nope. You're not gettin' the easy way out. You're stuck with me." He added trying to smile about it.
"Dad?" He swallowed and exhaled.
"Yea?" Andy replied.
"Where are you? I can't see you." Ephram groaned struggling to open his eyes.
Andy touched the top of his son's right hand carefully. "Here." Gazing worriedly at his battered son's bandaged body. Ephram looked so fragile and delicate that Andy hesitated to touch him in fearing that the boy may shatter to pieces. He saw Ephram's fingers move slightly acknowledging his father's touch.
"I'm alive?" Ephram still couldn't believe it.
"You're alive." Andy rubbed the back of Ephram's hand gently not knowing how to act in this stressful moment.
Instinctively, he wanted to take the boy into his arms and hug him. But clearly, that was not possible. Ephram was so fragile that he reminded Andy of glass. And Andy's secret phobia slammed into his face awakening him like a bolt of lightning. One would look at "The Great Doctor Andrew Brown" and assume that he was fearless and high strung because of his stoic posture and stern face. Nothing could scare him. He was the bravest person anyone could know. He had a strong will and tolerance. Only normal people had silly phobias over spiders, snakes, flying, height, or being in small rooms. People were wrong about Andy. He was human after all and therefore had irrational fears of his own - fears that he kept to himself. Andy had a phobia.
To this day, he avoided stores that sold glassware. It made him sweat profusely to even think about looking at long stemmed thin glass flutes balancing daintily and elegantly on a sheet of knobby glass in the window display. Apparently, looking at it was more nerve racking than brain surgery and heart surgery combined. He often marveled at how the glasses were placed one after the other to catch the glimmer from the spotlights hanging down from the ceiling. It was practically asking for someone clumsy to come and accidentally knock it over. All it took was one person to cause a domino effect and the whole mountain of glasses will crumble to the floor. He shuddered at the thought. The sound of splintering glass hitting the marble tiles reeled through his mind as he stared at Ephram. At the moment, Ephram was very much like one of those brittle crystal glasses that Andy was afraid to touch and break.
"But I can't feel anything." The boy whimpered softly.
"Give it some time. It'll come back." Andy said trying to restore some degree of confidence. "You're still weak and doped up on medication."
"Where - where am I?" He managed to say while turning his head to face the direction his father's voice was coming from.
"In intensive care at Denver General." Andy's voice shook.
"It's too noisy to be a hospital." Ephram moaned uncomfortably referring to the bleep- bleep and ding-ding noises he kept hearing.
"The noise is just coming from machines monitoring you. You'll get used to it." Andy spoke softly. Ephram sucked in another breath. In a way, Andy was glad Ephram had his eyes closed. The intimidating ambiance of an ICU room is a stressful sight for any patient.
"What time is it?" He grunted.
"It's Sunday morning. 4:38 am to be exact. You've been in surgery for almost four hours." Andy answered.
The numbness from the anesthetics was starting to give and he was beginning to feel his body again. His eyebrows hardened as he felt the dull pain in his side and shoulder.
"Ephram. You know, Delia is here too." Andy started trying to refrain from being reduced to a puddle of tears.
Delia was there. She was sitting opposite her father on the other side of Ephram's bed. There were no words to describe the utter torment that spun in her head staring at her brother's helpless condition. Remaining silent was the only way she could cope with such an ordeal. The ghastly image of her brother's face branded her mind. The Ephram she'd known and loved was strong, tall, healthy and always glowing with happiness when he was with her. The person lying on the bed in front of her was not her brother. It couldn't be the same brother who used to pull her and her sled continuously up Walnut Hill last winter or the same brother that gave her piggyback rides around the yard. This person was small, weak, skinny, and mangled. What freaked Delia out the most was Ephram's face - his grotesque complexion looked like something out of a Stephen King horror movie. His skin color was a milky olive color bringing out his pasty purple eyelids, and blackish gray bags under the eyes. The color of his thin lips drained into a deep plum color. Delia's brain processed this image over and over again.
"Delia, you want to say something to Ephram?" Andy nodded to his daughter. Skeptical, Delia gave her father a puzzled look. "It's ok. He can hear you."
"Del?" Ephram croaked.
"Hi Ephram." Delia sounded more sad than glad.
"Where are you?" The boy's chest heaved. Braver than Andy, Delia instantly took hold of Ephram's left hand.
"I'm here. I'm here." Delia was about ready to burst into tears. "Ephram -" She began not know what to say without breaking down.
"Del, you're ok?" He interjected with eyes still shut. It was like he didn't even have the strength to open his own eyes.
"Of course. You saved me." Delia cried with such sincerity. She saw the corners of Ephram's lips attempt to curl up into a weary smile. Delia and her father shot each other a bewildered look.
"Your Ladyship, it is my deepest regret to inform you that my fierce battle against your ruthless enemy has failed. Scale Face lives and I have been defeated." Ephram mumbled slowly drawing a heavy breath every now and then. "Alas, the wretched beast stole the stone of light and absorbed its energy making him too strong for me to overpower him. He showed no mercy when he sank his teeth through my armor and left me for dead." He coughed.
Andy became worried after hearing this little speech. He looked at Delia, who was staring wide-eyed at Ephram. "Delia, he's been traumatized -" Andy began hoping to give an explanation for Ephram's bizarre behavior.
"Relax, dad. He's not delirious. I know what he's talking about." Delia smiled and turned to Ephram. "Oh brave and courageous Knight of the rectangular coffee table, you are much too humble. You did not fail at all. Instead, you've risked your life to save mine and defended my Kingdom with such loyalty. And as a gesture of my gratitude, I shall present to you a reward for your valor and pains."
"I am most honored by your - your generosity, my lady, and will accept." Ephram replied with an ailing voice that seemed to get softer and softer.
"For now, you must rest. Let the wise wizard man cure you with his magic potions. You will get better. The subjects of my kingdom await your return." Delia said caringly. She kissed the back of his hand.
"With - with your sacred touch," He winced and paused for a breath. "I am healed."
"It's a game we used to play a long time ago." Delia said to Andy after catching the confused expression on her father's face.
The tears brewing in Delia's big tired eyes depicted a look of lost and pure despair. Maybe it was from fatigue or maybe it was from the endless worrying, Delia appeared older and surprisingly mature beyond her years. Her eyes had suddenly lost its radiant shine and Andy could see a big chunk of her soul had chipped away from seeing her brother in this dismal circumstance. This is hitting her hard. He always suspected they were close but only because of his mistake of years of negligence. He figured it was only natural for them to look out for each other because they were siblings. It was here that Andy realized the strong brother-sister bond between Ephram and Delia. Something more potent and conquering existed in their blood relation. He hadn't really given it much thought before. After seeing the austere look in her eyes, he understood.
"Wise wizard man?" Andy questioned.
"Yea, it's you." Delia replied not taking her eyes off her dear brother.
"I'M the wise wizard man?" Andy said a bit flabbergasted.
"You know, a wizard. Kinda like Merlin." Ephram grumbled.
"Oh! I thought wizard as in Wizard of Oz. I like Merlin MUCH better." Andy was quite content that his kids included him in their role-play. He wondered who's idea it was to make him the Wise Wizard Man. The more he thought about it, the more he liked the sound of it. He felt powerful.
"Ephram thought of it." Delia read her father's mind.
"Is that so?!" Andy said with amazement.
"He said the name fit you because you're smart and able to cure sick people." Delia explained.
Touched, Andy's eyes became glassy. Beneath all the anger and resentment, his son always had respect for him. It may have not been prominent but somewhere in the most obscure corners of Ephram's heart, he understood Andy's position. Perhaps Andy failed his children as a father for too many years of their lives or maybe he was just too caught up in his own hectic life to notice the changes. It brought tears to his eyes to finally know the truth.
"Well, I wouldn't exactly say, "cure". I help sick people get better, but not necessarily cure them." Andy's modest response made Delia smile. "I didn't know you were so creative Ephram." He said to his son.
"It - it." Lightheaded, Ephram tried to focus on what he wanted to say. "It was when - when you started - " His face flinched and allowed a stifled moan to escape.
"It's ok, Ephram. You don't have to say anything if it hurts too much. We know you're in pain." Andy eased.
"Started growing a beard." Ephram finished his sentence. "You looked -" Inhaled oxygen. "Like a - a younger version of M-Merlin." His speech was slurred.
"Ephram?" Andy's tensed voice came out in a squeak.
"Merlin was - he was very smart and - and underestimated man. Kinda like - like you. He's - he - he's - a -" His tone trailed off. The boy's grasp on consciousness was thinning. Andy and Delia watched Ephram's chest drop like as if the air had been sucked out of him. His facial features softened and he appeared to be peacefully sleeping.
"Sir Knight? Ephram??" Delia shook Ephram's hand. "Daddy? What's happening??" She demanded after getting no response from her brother. "Why is Ephram not answering me?"
Andy checked Ephram's vitals and came to the conclusion that the poor boy had fainted from utter exhaustion. "Sweetheart, he's very tired." He decided to say.
He had never in all his life ever experienced such sadness. His heart was filled with so much grief and guilt. He thought Julia's death had been the most devastating and horrible thing life could hurl at him. His wife's death was something he's never really gotten over no matter how much he convinced everyone that he was moving on with life. Living without his soul mate was supposed to be the ultimate challenge - the mother load. Things couldn't possibly get worse than that. His life had been teetering like a stacked pillar of Popsicle sticks. He was pushing his luck and the leaning tower finally tipped over. Andy learned that losing his wife was only the first extreme. The second was watching his children suffer. Andy knew watching people suffer was part of the job - it came with the territory in being a doctor. But when it was your own flesh and blood lying in that hospital bed before you - things were suddenly different.
Delia didn't quite believe her father's explanation. She knew that no matter how tired Ephram was, he always managed to finish his sentence and gave some warning that he was going to sleep. She thought perhaps her father was lying to her to protect her. But she didn't want anyone to protect her - look what happened the last time someone tried to protect her. Delia took Ephram's hand and place it to her cheek.
"Oh Ephram!! I'm sorry!!" Delia sobbed cradling her brother's limp hand against her face as tears flowed freely from her puffy eyes. "I'm sorry for taking all your candy! I'm sorry for blackmailing you! I'm sorry for leaving you behind! I'm sorry!! It's my fault you're this way. I should've gone back for you. I'm sorry!" She rambled until her words were so caught in her sobs that they were barely understandable.
"Delia, honey, you have nothing to be sorry about. You are not to blame." Andy made his way around the bed upon hearing her outburst.
"Daddy - oh daddy." Delia hollered causing a few worried nurses at the nurse's station to turn their heads to see what the commotion was about. "He won't wake up!!" She blubbered ignoring the stares. Letting go of Ephram's hand, she covered her eyes with her hands and began weeping harder.
"Baby, he's tired. He came out of surgery only two hours ago. He should be very, very tired. It's normal." Andy immediately took Delia into his arms in a firm embrace. "We should be lucky that he even woke to talk to us so soon after his surgery." She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his chest.
"Make him better Daddy. Make him better!!" Delia wailed with shoulders shaking.
Andy picked her up and proceeded to carry her out of the room to calm her down. Taking another glance at her brother in his tranquil slumber, Delia's clung tighter to her father's neck and hid her wet face in his shoulder as they exited the room.
"He doesn't deserve this. He's too good. How could this happen?? Why do these things happen to good people??" Delia cried through blinding tears.
"I know. I know. Shhh. It's alright." Andy whispered rubbing her back to comfort her lament.
Andy walked passed the nurses station with a weeping Delia in his arms. The three nurses that were on the graveyard shift at the time eyed the two grieving visitors sadly.
"Is everything ok, Dr. Brown?" One of them asked softly referring to Delia.
"It was too much for her. Needed to take her out of there for a while." Andy replied in a gentle tone. "I think it's under control. She just needed a good cry."
"You know, I heard about what happened to your son." A nurse with a pink floral cardigan draped over her shoulders voiced to join in the conversation. "He is a very brave boy to fight and outsmart a bear. Most would have lost the battle easily but your boy was cunning and quick-witted enough to get away. Running and searching for shelter while bleeding out the way he had - I have no doubt that he was a survivor. And when I heard he did it all to save his sister's life, I cried and cried. Never in a million years have I heard of such courage and sacrifice and by such a young boy." Her genuine tone started off firm but ended up shaky. A few tears streamed down her face as she continued, "I'm so sorry. And here I am - crying again. I don't mean to breakdown like this. It's just so - so heartwarming." She dabbed her eyes with a tissue.
"It's ok. Thank you for your empathy." Andy said. He hadn't realized that his son's situation had been the talk of the nurse's lounge. But he was touched all the same.
"Little girl, don't worry. We will take good care of your brother. He's a fighter. We know it." A third, slightly older nurse said touching Delia's arm.
"Delia, did you hear that? She said Ephram's a fighter." Andy spoke in his daughter's ear. Delia did not reply. Her chin quivered and allowed her tears to flow through her closed her eyes. She sniffled into her father's shirt.
"The poor dear is exhausted. Maybe some sleep is what she needs right now. We fixed up three cots in the doctor's lounge for you, if you need it." The first nurse offered kindly.
"Thanks. I appreciate it." Andy smiled. He walked away with the three nurses watching on with their disquiet appearance feeling deep sympathy in their sensitive hearts for the family.
In addition to the crying, a low hum of voices and calming clicks of passing heels against the white tiled floor made Delia drowsy. The gentle rocking motion from being carried and fatigue finally rendered Delia asleep. Andy headed towards the waiting area.
The Intensive Care waiting area was a quiet little space tucked into a lonely corner of the East wing. The room was cold and ordinary - it wasn't comforting at all. A lack of décor adorning the room made it appear anything but homey or inviting. White paint was cracking on the naked walls from years of indifference. Not a single decorative fixture hung anywhere. There were no posters, no art, no flyers and no postings of any sort. The only ornament that clung to the wall was an industrial white clock. The plainness encouraged traffic to filter along. No one was expected to loiter around long enough to get too comfortable. There were no televisions blaring news broadcasts or magazines neatly stacked on end tables or various newspapers bundled up in a newspaper rack. There was nothing. The only strained effort made to spruce up the place up were two half dried and unkempt ferns planted into large red wicker baskets. They were placed beside two large Plexiglass windows overlooking the city. Rows of empty plastic orange chairs stood backed against each other reminding Andy of an airport or bus terminal. He spotted Nina by the row of payphones in the rear of the room. She had just hung up the receiver with a clink when she saw him approaching.
"Hey, how's it going?" Nina said walking towards Andy. "How's Ephram doing?"
"Not that great. He woke up but only briefly. He passed out again before we left." Andy answered. "Delia just broke into tears right then and there."
"I can imagine how hard this is hitting her." Nina smoothed Delia's hair. "She must be so sapped. Let her sleep it off. She'll be better after a few hours of sleep under her belt." She continued. "Gosh, look at her - she still has tears on her cheeks." She wiped the wet salty liquid with her thumb.
"She's been through a lot in the past 24 hours." Andy adjusted his hold of the young girl in his arms. Delia did not budge. "You making a call? You do know that you can use the phone at the front desk? Since you know me. Connections are grand, aren't they?"
"Yea. I was about to call my mom to ask her to pick Sam up tomorrow and bring him over to her place until I can come pick him up. But then ditsy me - that's when I realized that today IS tomorrow and then I realized that it's 5 in the morning. Sooo - I nixed the idea. I obviously can't think too straight since my brain is really fuzzy right now." Nina said in one breath. "And I'm babbling aren't I? The last time someone called her this early, it was to tell her the horrible news that my father died serving his country. I don't want to give her a heart attack by calling her now." She yawned. "I'd better just call her later."
"I'm bringing Delia to the doctor's lounge." Andy replied. "They set up cots for us. You can definitely use some sleep." Without argument, Nina grabbed the backpacks and jackets that were left on the chairs. She followed Andy towards the big silver elevator doors.
The third floor doctor's lounge was conveniently located down the long hall between the pharmacy and laboratory. Stretched out on the far corner of the room were three small collapsible military cots covered with bleached white bed sheets. White pillows and cream-colored thermal blankets were folded neatly into squares and stacked at the foot of each cot. Andy placed Delia down on one of the rickety old cots. Without even opening an eye, Delia extended her arms and arched her back in a long stretch. She sighed tiredly, curled up into a ball, and resumed her slumber. Nina helped pull off Delia's shoes while Andy wedged a pillow between the mattress and Delia's head.
"Now you too." Andy instructed Nina to the next cot after pulling a blanket over Delia's shoulders. He unfolded Nina's blanket with one flick of his wrists.
"Alright, alright. I'm not complaining." Nina mumbled kicking off her hiking boots and climbed onto the cot on all fours. She plopped down on her stomach. "Ahhhh, is it just me or does this pillow feel exceptionally soft." She groaned as her face touched the cotton surface of the pillow with eyelids way too heavy to fight it.
"It's just you. Now go to sleep." Andy whispered as he pulled the blanket over Nina, who was nearly asleep already.
"Andy?" Nina droned.
"Hmm?" Andy replied.
"You should get some sleep too." She conked out before hearing reply from Andy.
"Yea - I will." Andy answered with a smile.
*****
It was four in the afternoon on Sunday. They had awakened two hours earlier to a dark and dreary day. A rare but massive rainstorm swept through the city cleansing the bad remnants of the day before. Rainstorms were few and pretty uncommon in the Denver area. It is often said that out of the 365 days a year, the city got approximately 300 plus days of sunshine. Though surrounded by high mountain range, Denver was ultimately safe from bad climates. They owed it all to the Rockies. Because the mountains were so high, they served as a defense barrier against rain clouds and extremely bad weather conditions. But on occasion, a few of those rebel rain clouds have been known to slip through the cracks causing a storm to brew. And this was a one of those unfavorable storm days.
After a nice hot shower in the hospital's women's locker room and a fresh change of clothes that consisted of an oversized sweatshirt and a pair of jogging pants all bought by Nina from the hospital's gift shop, Delia sat with her legs crossed Indian style on her cot facing the nearest large window. Her long combed hair was still wet from the shower. She watched the thick droplets of rain beat against the surface of the window making long dashes and slide down to the windowpane. A white flash of lightning followed by a loud clash of thunder seemed to leave the whole earth shaking. Yet Delia did not even flinch. On the bed a few inches away from her knee was a piece of foil holding a cheeseburger with just two nibbles taken out of the corner. Soggy steak fries were squeezed into a transparent plastic container untouched. Beside the container was a tiny milk carton pint of chocolate milk - also unopened.
Doctors and other medical personnel entered and exited the room quickly to retrieve their dosages of black coffee, exchange some small talk and hurry on with their busy schedules. No one paid much attention to the little girl in the corner staring out the window. She was transparent to them, which was ok by her because she didn't want the attention anyway. She wanted to be alone.
"Hey sweetheart," A calming voice called from behind. "What'cha doing?"
"Oh nothing. Just thinking." Delia replied nonchalantly without turning her head. She knew it was her father.
"About what?" Andy asked taking a seat next to Delia.
"Nothing." Delia answered still staring out into the rain drenched peaceful city of Denver.
"How could you be thinking about nothing?" Andy tried to provoke conversation. Delia shrugged. "Don't feel like talking much today, huh?" He continued.
Delia shrugged again.
"Where's Nina?" Andy asked.
"Still takin' a shower." Delia kept her responses short.
"Oh." Andy said trying to think of something else to ask. His attention turned to the uneaten food next to Delia. "You've barely touched your food. Something wrong with it?"
"Nah. Not hungry."
"You should be hungry. All you've eaten in the past 24 hours were a couple of granola bars, crackers and water. You gotta eat something, honey."
She shrugged again. Shrugging was her subtle way of saying, "I don't care. Now leave me alone." Delia had her eyes fixed on gazing out the window.
"It's raining dogs and cats today." Andy commented as he looked out the same window. "Pretty unusual, huh?" When in doubt, always start talking about the weather.
"Big deal. It always used to rain in New York." Delia said coldly.
"Oh, yea. How can I forget! We used to get thunderstorms at least once a week." Andy remembered. Another soft flicker of white streaks of electricity flashed across the sky pursued by a booming thunder that sounded almost too close to the establishment. Andy figured now would be the time Delia would jump into his arms frightened by the loud noise. Then he would comfort her, hold her tight, and give her the usual spiel on how it was Mother Nature's way of doing her spring-cleaning by giving the earth a bath to wash away the dirty stuff. Everything was going to be alright - that was the typical thunderstorm drill with little kids. But this girl did not budge. Not even the least bit startled.
"The thunder doesn't scare you?" Andy asked out of curiosity.
"It hasn't since I was four." Delia spoke in a bored tone.
"Really? Since you were four??" Andy sounded surprised and a bit disappointed at the same time.
"Yep."
"I had no idea."
"Ephram told me the story of thunder and lightning and I don't fear it anymore." Delia said turning her head to face her father.
"Really? What did he say?" Andy asked to get his daughter to talk. Delia shook her head in hesitation and turned back to face the window. "Aw, come on - please? Thunderstorms still give me the creeps. If you knew a way to get rid of that feeling, won't you share it with me? So at least I don't have to be afraid of it?" Andy persuaded comically and getting a tiny smile from Delia.
"Fine, but don't laugh." Delia warned.
*****
Four-year-old Delia was scared. She hid her whole body under her Barbie comforter in her big canopy bed. Each bolt of lightning in the blackened sky flashed like giant silver-colored veins and clash of thunder made the ground shake causing a car alarm to go off somewhere in the distant. It was close to midnight and she knew her mother and brother were asleep in their rooms. Her father was no doubt still slaving at work. Delia hated thunderstorms. She often wondered why they always happened to occur during the nighttime when everyone was supposed to be sleeping.
Thunderstorms were a New Yorker's way of life. It was something one got used to without even knowing it. New York weather was a cycle of rainy Springs, dry and humid Summers, windy and wet Autumns, and bitter cold Winters. It was like you had the Bahamas, the North Pole, the Amazon rain forest, and the Mohave Desert all rolled up into one year. It was almost a drill and certain New Yorkers develop an unusual immunity to bad weather - similar to the way a chameleon changes color to adapt to its surroundings. Though oddly enough, Delia was not one of these people.
The Brown's lived on the 12th floor of the Court Manor building on 157th street in the Upper West side. The Court Manor was a ritzy apartment building complex with a doorman in the lobby. The 12th floor consisted of three big separate apartments. The Brown's occupied 12B. It was a spacious seven-room apartment with two baths. The space provided more than enough elbowroom for the family of four. Andy and Julia kept their apartment looking spiffy and orderly by hiring a maid to come in twice a week to do household chores.
Another loud crack of thunder sent Delia deeper into her comforter. When the sound stopped, she poked her head out of a hole she made with the opening of her blanket. The shadows cast by the Strawberry Shortcake nightlight in a socket near her desk made the various furniture and toys in her room suddenly scary and her vivid imagination took over. It sent her flying from her bed and out the door. She stood in the dark hall outside of her room with heart pounding. The nearest room to her was Ephram's room.
Delia found her way into Ephram's room. She nearly tripped over a bunch of toys that were scattered all over Ephram's floor before making it to his bed. Eleven-year-old Ephram was sleeping on his side with his back to Delia. He had his comforter pulled almost over his head - like as if the thundering was too loud and he had to cover his ears.
"Ephram?" Delia whispered while kneading Ephram's shoulder in an attempt to wake him up. "Ephram?"
He mumbled in his sleep.
"Ephram. Ephram. Ephram." Delia repeated and shook him harder. Finally, Ephram opened an eye and groaned. "Ephram? Are you awake?"
"I am now." Ephram grumbled and rubbed his eyes with his fist. "Del, what's wrong?" He added as he looked at his sister with the frazzled hair standing by his bedside.
"I'm scared." Delia said. "Of thunder and lightning. Can I sleep with you?"
"OK. Hop in." Ephram moved over in his bed to make room for Delia. He was in no mood to argue.
"Thanks." Delia smiled and climbed into the bed. She snuggled close to her protector while he tucked the blanket around her. They faced each other.
"You know Del, you shouldn't be afraid of thunder and lightning." Ephram said softly.
"I know. But I'm not brave like you. You're not scared of anything." Delia responded.
"Silly girl, everyone has fears. I'm no different."
"Oh yea, then name one thing you're scared of." Delia challenged.
"Um.I know!" Ephram said after pondering for a few seconds. "Brussel Sprouts." Another roar of thunder outside interrupted their giggling. Delia buried her face in the blanket.
"Del, it's ok." Ephram said trying to comfort her.
"It's very loud and it hurts my ears." Delia whimpered. "Why is God so angry?"
"If you'll come out from under that blanket, I'll tell you why thunder is so loud." He coaxed. Delia slowly pulled her blanket down from her face showing her eyes, then her nose, then her mouth and chin. She stared at the silhouette of Ephram's round boyish face in the limelight.
"There we go." Ephram beamed. "But you have to promise me that you'll go to sleep after I tell you. OK?"
"I promise." She swore.
"You think it thunders because God is angry, right?" Ephram refuted.
"My friend Susie Stewart says so." Delia confirmed with a nod.
"Come on, do YOU really think God is angry? He must be one cross fellow with a serious chip on his shoulder if he's angry so much. You do realize we get thunder almost every week, don't you? It doesn't make sense. God is very patient and peaceful. Why would he get angry with us? He never gets mad for no reason." Ephram said. "Am I making sense here?"
"Yea, I guess so." Delia started thinking.
"Good. I'm glad I got my point across. So, ever think what the big guy is really doin' up there?" Ephram questioned.
"I have no idea." Delia replied.
"If you ask me, I'd say he's bowling." Ephram said as-a-matter-of-factly.
"Bowling?!" Delia exclaimed excitedly.
"Yep. Remember a few months ago when dad took us with him to the hospital's annual fundraiser Bowlfest at the Bowl-A-Rama in Sheepshead Bay? Remember the sound of the bowling balls made when they rolled down the alley and rammed into the bowling pins at the end?" Ephram said.
"Yea!! I remember. I hated that sound."
"Sounds a lot like thunder doesn't it?" Ephram said. "Just listen." He added waiting for another roll of thunder to hit. And it did. "See?"
"Hey - yeah!" Delia said in realization.
"Hmm. I'd say that was a strike. Way to go God!!" Ephram said into the ceiling causing Delia to snicker.
"Then how do you explain lightning?" Delia inquired.
"You know how lightning always comes before thunder - well, did you also know that God has His own cheerleading squad of angels kinda like the LA Laker girls only more innocent." Ephram said.
"Uh-uh." Delia gasped.
"I didn't think so. That flash of light you see before you hear the thunder is the angels doing. It's their way of cheering on God so he could make another strike. See, there really is nothing to be scared of. Its just God on a night out with his buddies at the bowling alley." Ephram concluded leaving an amazed look on Delia's face.
"Wow!!" Delia said upon this breathtaking revelation.
"I'll say. I know it's loud but hey, the guy deserves to have some time off now and then. He's so busy managing everyone's guardian angel that he hardly has time for himself. We gotta allow him that at least."
"You're my guardian angel." Delia said.
"No, but I'm sure God has appointed a worthy angel to look over you. And she's looking down on you right now." He laughed.
"Really!!" Delia became wide-eyed. "But still, you're my first guardian angel." She decided stubbornly.
"OK, you promised me you'd go to sleep after I told you the story. I think I'd like to collect now."
"Wait. I just thought of something."
"What is it?"
"Rain. If the angels are cheering on God, then why are they crying?"
"Who says they were crying?" Ephram shot back.
"Susie said her mom told her that it rains because the angels are sad that people do so many bad things and they have to wash away all the sins with rain."
"Del, why is your playground friend so depressing?? Everything is a negative. Don't listen to such depressing stuff or you're gonna go crazy and then you'll get thrown in the looney bin. And you won't like it one bit in the looney bin. That's where they lock you up in a padded room and cram a bunch of pills down your throat everyday to make you normal again. You don't want that to happen, do you?"
"No!!" Delia cringed.
"Well, neither do I."
"Then why does it rain?"
"It rains because of precipitation."
"Pre - sip a what?" Delia squealed.
"Precipitation. It's when ice crystals in the clouds melt. The air in the clouds is super cold and form ice crystals, you see, and when these ice crystals stick together, they get bigger and bigger. As they get bigger, they get heavier too. Then they fall and as it gets closer to our atmosphere, if the temperature is warmer than freezing point then it causes the crystals to melt into water. And that's the water we call rain." Ephram explained knowledgably.
"Oh!" Delia said not sure whether she understood it all but was nonetheless happy that there were no crying angels up there. She liked Ephram's explanation much better. "Gee Ephram, how did you get so smart?"
"I owe it all to my third grade teacher Ms. Nelson." Ephram answered. "Now go to sleep."
Delia leaned over and gave Ephram a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks Ephram." She pulled herself close to her brother.
"No problem." Ephram said modestly. He closed his eyes. And it was quiet for a few seconds.
"Ephram?"
"Hm?"
"Who do you suppose God is playing bowling with?"
"His buddy Zeus." And satisfied with that answer, Delia went to sleep.
*****
"Bowling." Andy exclaimed and chuckled. "Ephram has an explanation for everything."
"Yea." Delia said.
"That's an interesting concept. I always knew he was a bright kid." Andy sensed the quietness was returning. There was something going on inside Delia's head - something she was bottling up. Andy felt it and he knew nothing he could say or do would make Delia spit it out. He wished Nina were here so she can do her woman-motherly thing and make Delia happy again.
"Daddy?" Delia called softly. Her facial expression hardened.
"Yes, sweetie?" Andy said anxious for conversation.
"Is Ephram going to be ok?"
"Of course he is. Why would you even question that?"
"It's just that from last night - he seemed in a bad way. He just stopped talking in the middle of a sentence. It's not like him. The Ephram I know would never do that. He once said 'One should always finish what he started.' Why would he go against it?" She asked rhetorically. "Daddy - if he's gonna die, I think I have a right to know. Don't hide it from me. I know you know more than you're saying. I want you to be honest with me."
"Well." Andy didn't know what to say to his daughter's demand.
"The truth." Delia pressed. Her eyes were burning holes through Andy's eyes.
"OK then. Ephram is in bad shape. He's lost a tremendous amount of blood and the damage done from the infection in his cuts doesn't help his situation." Andy sighed. "I hate to say it, but from the way things look now, it's 50/50. Just because he made it through surgery doesn't mean he's out of harm's way. Things could go either way." His voice faltered slightly but he managed to compose himself before starting again. "It's really too soon to tell. The medicine is helping but it all depends on how quickly his body can heal. For now, we just have to wait and pray that he gets stronger."
Delia was silent.
"Delia? Are you alright?" Andy finally asked in concern after a long pause.
"He told me he loved me." Delia's eyes began to water. "It was the last thing he said to me in the forest. He said I should always know that he loved me." Her breath quivered.
"Of course he does. You're his sister. He loves you very much."
"I didn't tell him that I loved him too. Now I may not have a chance to tell him." She swept away a few tears that fell from her eyes.
"Aw honey. You don't have to say it for him to know it. He knows." Andy reached for an embrace but surprisingly Delia shoved it away. Maybe Delia didn't need a hug, but Andy sure did though he was too proud to admit it.
"No. I'm fine. I have to be strong." With that she quit crying. "Daddy, I want to see him."
"Sure, I'll bring you to his room. First, you should eat. I know you're not hungry but you need to get some nourishment in your system. I know Ephram would want you to eat."
Delia hesitated before grabbing the foil with the cold burger and jammed the food into her mouth refusing to have it warmed up in the microwave. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until she started eating. Andy watched her devour the burger and chug down the chocolate milk.
Nina came back to the lounge shortly after and they went to see Ephram together. It wasn't a very productive or progressive visit since the boy was still unconscious. They only sat and stared at him or at the assorted machines he was hooked up to. Speaking to him was highly encouraged because it was believed that an unconscious person does have the ability to hear. They took turns speaking to him - telling him cheerful things and saying how much they loved him. They did this more for their own peace of mind than for his sake. It helped to reassure them that the outcome of this tragedy would be favorable. It kept them from being too quiet. Silence allowed their brains to string along terrible thoughts, which would eventually lead to panic and breakdown.
Andy tried to persuade Nina to go home since it was unfair for her to stick around when she had a family of her own to care for. But she refused to budge from the current crisis. She felt a need to stay with Andy just a while longer. Nina had spoken to her mother and everything was settled. Sam will be picked up and will spend the night with grandma. Besides, her mother loved having Sam around. Andy was secretly happy that Nina was there for him and her support was very much appreciated. Nina was strong and Andy needed that right now as they anxiously wait for Ephram to wake.
It didn't happen until late in the afternoon. The passing thunderstorm stopped and Nina had taken Delia outside for some fresh air as well as a trip to the candy store around the corner. Andy stuck loyally to Ephram's bedside. Most of the time, he sat in the chair and kept quiet - not saying a word to his son. He closed his eyes and used the silence to pray. His hands were knotted together tightly in deep prayer with the tips of his thumbs touching his forehead and his elbows planted firmly on Ephram's bedside.
*Oh please let him live. Oh please, oh please. Take anything away from me but do not take away my children.* Andy recited these words over and over in his mind.
A soft moan caused Andy to open his eyes. He looked at his son. Ephram took in a few deep drags of air through the oxygen tubes in his nose. His chest expanded as he breathed.
"Ephram?" Andy called anxiously.
The air was unusually thin. Something was plugged up his nostrils making it feel like he had straws stuck up his nose. There was a hiss of air coming from it and he finally figured out its purpose. It took him a few seconds to adjust to his breathing aid. He can feel the length of the narrow plastic tube running from under his nose to across his cheeks and tucked behind his ears. He had a hunch on his whereabouts. Ephram's pasty eyes blinked opened. The first thing he saw was his father's blurry face. There was a bitter taste in his mouth. Bacteria. He tried to get rid of the taste by swallowing but that only put a strain on his raw throat.
"Dad?" The boy finally said.
"Hey - son." Andy whispered.
Suddenly, he felt incredibly itchy all over his chest and arms. Ephram brought his chin down to see what was the source of this tickle. To his horror, he found not one but a whole tangle of foreign tube-like wires attached to his chest and arms - all the way up to his fingertips. Each had a different color tab. The room was a dizzying maze of machinery creating medley of noises. Every direction had a device of some sort that showed blinking green numbers and displayed multicolored squiggles. He was constrained. Caught like a rat in a trap. Disoriented and filled with a sudden wave of panic, Ephram clutched at the wad of wires on his torso without warning.
"Dad!! Help!! Get it off me!!" Ephram cried hysterically. "Get it off!! Oh my God! Oh my God! Get it off."
"Ephram. Don't touch that. Ephram - listen to me. It's ok." Andy got up and fumbled with his attempt to get a hold of Ephram's hands before he disconnected something vital.
"Dad!! Get these things off of me." Ephram squealed desperately and getting worked up.
"Ephram. Son. Listen to me." Andy raised his voice while grabbing both of Ephram's bony wrists - one in each hand. "I know you're scared. Hey - listen to me. Ephram. You're scared - I know that, but it's important that you don't touch these things." He reasoned. Ephram whimpered weakly but continued to struggle to get free.
"Ephram. Listen. Stop it. It's ok. You're gonna be ok." Andy convinced.
It wasn't hard to pin Ephram's wrists down on the bed since he was obviously the weaker one of the two. When the burst of energy passed, the taxing activity in addition to the pain in his shoulder and side made Ephram soften up. With labored breaths, the boy started to give in. Andy, however, noted the still frightened look in his son's eyes.
"Answer me this, are you experiencing any pain because of these wires?" Andy asked. Ephram thought about it and came to the conclusion that the only pain he had was from his injury wounds. He replied by shaking his head "no".
"See. They don't hurt. So you gotta stop fighting me ok? Or we're going to have to put soft restraints on you to strap you down. You don't want that. You're going to be fine."
"Daddy. Daddy." Ephram squeaked softly growing more and more fragile by the second.
"Shhh, I know baby. I know. You gotta trust me on this ok?" Andy lulled.
"Dad. You're hurting me." The boy muttered. Andy hadn't realized he'd been squeezing Ephram's wrists that tight. *The thing with the glass again* Andy cursed himself for being so rough with the injured child.
"Oh. Sorry." Andy said sheepishly and loosened his grip. "I'm going to let go now. You promise me you won't try to remove anything?"
Ephram gave a short nod.
"Ok then." Andy said letting go of the boy's wrists slowly. Ephram kept his word. He only stared in awe at the miscellaneous tubes and wires attached on his skin that snaked in and out of his hospital gown. He saw the thick padded gauze taped over his wound. It seemed to cover almost his whole left side. The scared and confused boy searched for answers in his father's eyes.
"I can see the fear in your eyes." Andy said while stroking his son's cheek with the back of his hand. "Ephram, it's ok to be scared. Heck, I would too if I suddenly woke up and found myself swathed with so many unidentifiable ligatures that I resembled a US satellite dish."
"More like a pin cushion." Ephram said nervously after clearing his throat. The comment made his father smile.
"But you're on my turf now. I won't let anything happen to you." Andy reached over and gave his son a kiss on the forehead. It surprised Ephram entirely. That was something he wasn't expecting at all. Somehow, it felt good and he felt loved. Oh, how much he wanted to wrap his arms around his father. Touched and emotional, Ephram became teary eyed. He wanted to cry and cry. But he couldn't. There was not enough energy in his body to allow it. Either that or there weren't enough tears left in his tear glands.
"Now Ephram. I know the purpose of each and every tube and wire here. How about I explain to you what these are for so you don't have to be afraid? Would you like that?" Andy said. The boy nodded.
"OK. You see these red clips here on your chest? They're called ECG pads. The ends are attached to that beside monitor. Its purpose is to monitor your heart. You're probably wondering why there are five ECG pads on you. Two to seven is the usual number of pads we need to stick on a person to sufficiently monitor the heart. The blue one over here is to measure your respiratory rate also connected to the bedside monitor. These two orange tab tubes inserted into your neck are called dialysis catheter. These tubes are attached to that dialysis machine over there." Andy talked slowly and pointed to the various wires corresponding with each machine. Ephram watched and listened. "It acts as a filter - kinda like the water purifier we have at home. It takes your blood, removes the toxins, and puts the clean blood back into your body. Pretty cool, huh?"
"Mm-hm."
"You see that colorful monitor there? That's the bedside monitor. Just about everything that is connected to you is connected to it. It displays all the important stuff like your heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. That's your IV, where your medication passes through. Oh! And see that funny looking bag hanging over there. Not the yellow one, but the clear one? That's a blood warmer and -"
"I need a blood warmer?" Ephram grunted curiously.
"Yea. You were hemorrhaging and we had to give you a blood transfusion. You lost nearly two and a half units of blood. That's a lot of blood for someone your size. The blood bank has a whole stash of different blood types saved just for emergencies. And blood is cooled in order to prolong storage. So, when we transfuse the cooled blood, we have to warm it up it to prevent your body temperature from dropping too drastically and cause hypothermia. Well, how do you like that? You just had a nice helping of warmed blood."
"You - you make me sound like - like something out of an Anne Rice novel." He breathed. "Too vampire-esque."
"The body warmer was used when you had the transfusion, but now, it's just for warming up the IV fluids going into your body now since your body temperature is a bit low."
"What's this?" Ephram asked gesturing towards the milk-colored plastic clip attached to his index finger on his right hand.
"That's a pulse oximeter. There's a probe touching your fingertip inside here." Andy pointed. "And what it does is measures the oxygen saturation level in your blood - you know - the amount of oxygen in your blood. It's the - um - blue squiggly line in the monitor there." He said as he squinted at the bedside monitor screen.
Andy decided to keep talking. Talking was his distraction from breaking down. He remembered back in med school, he discovered a technique for overcoming nervousness on any occasion - whether it was for an interview with very high-up faculty members on hospital residency placement or spending holidays with Julia's parents. He used to beat anxiety by reciting to himself the different parts of the brain and the functions of each lobe. So by naming all the things in an ICU room, it not only made Ephram more relaxed, it also calmed Andy down tremendously.
"The yellow bag hanging over there next to the blood warmer is a liquid tube feeding container. You can't eat anything right now so we have to feed you this way for a while. It's the liquid form of proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients. The other end of that tube is inserted into your abdomen and the feedings go directly into your stomach. Don't freak out. It's not as horrible as it sounds. You won't feel it but if you feel any nausea or pain, you say something, ok?"
"Mmm." Ephram nodded.
"This here is very important. It's your chest tube. It drains out blood and air that may have accumulated in the space between your lung and wall of your chest. Do not remove it. Understand?"
"What if I have to pee?" Ephram drawled.
"Oh - you don't have to worry about that." Andy grinned. "The urinary catheter takes care of that. It's a tube that is placed into your bladder to drain urine so you won't feel the need to urinate. All your secretions are stored in a suction canister on the floor. You can't see it but it's at the foot of your bed. Convenient, huh?"
"Dad?" Ephram mumbled.
"Yea?" Andy played with Ephram's hair.
"Sorry."
"Sorry?"
"For many things. Causing so much trouble and breaking your rules." Ephram blinked. "I brought my cell phone and MP3. I wasn't supposed to."
"Ephram. Honey. Let's not talk about that now. Right now, I want you to get well. Can you just concentrate on that for me?" He spoke ever so softly.
"I know it was wrong to disobey you and will take whatever punishment you want." Ephram breathed and licked his dry lips.
Punishment? Andy couldn't believe after all this time the boy was worried about being punished for bringing something that ultimately saved his life. Here was a young boy critically lying in intensive care with a thousand tubes and wires attached to his body, not to mention being clawed to ribbons by a ferocious wild animal twice, and all he wanted to know was whether or not he was grounded. It was heart wrenching, almost painful, to hear those words come out of his son's mouth. He's been through so much already.
"Don't worry about it. I think we can work something out later."
"OK. You can ground me for as long as you like." Ephram winced from the dull pain from his shoulder when his father tried to hold his right hand. "But it'll have to be when I'm better - a lot better. I feel like crap right now."
"Like I said, we'll discuss it again after you recover." Andy replied. "Delia's been worried sick about you. She and Nina went out for some fresh air. They'll be happy to know you woke up."
Ephram kept quiet but attempted a smile.
"You know, it's a really brave thing you did back there for Delia. You saved her life. She considers you her hero." Andy pointed out.
"It's no big deal. She's my baby sister. I'm supposed to protect her." Ephram's voice was hoarse.
"You're all about modesty. Take the credit, why don't you!" Andy marveled.
"Dad, you remember Leo?" Ephram asked after a pause.
"Leo?!" Andy exclaimed.
"Yea. Leo. You know, hotdog stand on the corner of 59th and Fifth Avenue. Our Saturday ritual. Leo - you know - with - with the bushy gray beard, always used to call me Tiger." The boy rambled while drawing another breath through his oxygen tube.
"Yes, yes - I know that Leo." Andy cut in. "You mean you actually remember Leo?"
"Yea. You sound surprised."
"Well - of course I am! I didn't think you'd remember him. It was ages ago. You were what - five?"
"Four." Ephram interjected. "Dad, you may think I forgot those good times we had, but I haven't. I really haven't."
Ephram's statement left Andy in a stupor. But it forced a smile on his face. His son hasn't forgotten. Andy had been evaluating and reevaluating his life over and over with a fine-tooth-comb to find a way to rekindle his relationship with his son, but little did he know that the very thing he was searching for had always been right in front of him. He didn't need to look so far because what he was looking for was in his son's heart all along. There was a flicker of hope.
"So, what about Leo?" Andy questioned.
"Nothing. Just wondering how he is these days." Ephram glanced at his chest. "I'd be nice to see him. I wonder if he remembers me. It's been so long. Probably not."
"Wow, come to think of it, I've lost touch with old Leo over the years. He was a great friend. Got me through all those endless hours of waiting for your mother. I'm sure he's doing fine. Tell me Ephram, what made you suddenly think of him?"
"I don't know why really. I sorta had a funny dream about him when I was in the cave and it got me thinking."
"Tell ya what, we'll take a trip back to New York as soon as you recover and we'll go see how Leo's doing. What do you say?"
Ephram nodded.
"But you have to promise me that you'll get stronger, ok? Is it a deal?"
Ephram nodded again.
"Ok then squeeze my hand. We shake on it." Andy pitied his son's debilitating attempt to squeeze his father's hand. It wasn't even close to being a firm clasp. Andy brought his son's hand up to his lips, nonetheless, and kissed it.
Ephram's attention went back to the tangle of tubes attached to his body. Looking at them made him nervous. None of the inserted tubes or probes seemed to hurt but he looked like a freaky science experiment.
"What'cha thinking?" Andy inquired.
"That I feel like Frankenstein."
"Really? Throw open the switches on the sonic oscillator. Step up the reactor power input three more points!! Behold. My creation has come alive. Alive!!" Andy joked with a wild dramatic air. He humorously added a cackling evil mad scientist laugh. Ephram choked on a giggle before wincing.
"God. Dad, don't make me laugh. It hurts when I laugh." He said through clenched teeth. He closed his eyes to hold back the pain.
"Oh, sorry. Sorry. Are - are you ok? I didn't think I was that funny. You usually hate my jokes. That was my Frank N Furter impersonation in case you hadn't guessed. You know, the sweet transvestite from Rocky Horror Picture Show."
"You sounded more like Quasimodo." Ephram replied with a grin when he got some of his strength back.
"Now look who's the comedian." Andy shot back.
Ephram remained quiet after that. He only stared at the brown bearded man he called 'Dad' sitting by his side and holding his hand. Ephram thought about everything that happened in the past year and a half - with the passing of his mother, then moving to Crapville USA, having to adjust to a new way of life, and getting to know his father again. He realized how difficult he's made things for Andy. It wasn't fair how badly he treated someone who made such an effort to understand and take part in his family again. After all the screaming and rejection, this man was still by his side. He truly cared and loved him. Filled by guilt and remorse, something in Ephram finally snapped and he felt the hot tears coming.
"Oh hey. What's with the waterworks now?" Andy said.
Ephram couldn't bring himself to saying it. He was too ashamed and embarrassed to admit it after all this time. Perhaps it was too late to tell his father that he, too, loved him dearly. His lips quivered and more tears fell.
"It's ok. I know you are trying to be brave about all this and act like it's no big deal. But it IS a big deal and you don't have to pretend anymore. I understand what you're going through. I know you're scared. I'm scared too. I haven't had a good three minutes of sleep in the past 24 hours worrying about you so much." Andy mistook his son's crying for fear. Seemed like each tear Andy wiped off the boy's cheek, another appeared to replenish the one that was lost.
"Don't cry. You know, it breaks my heart when you cry. Please stop. I beg you. Buddy?" Andy spoke softly.
Ephram inhaled a breath. "I'm sorry." The boy sobbed quietly. *I'm sorry for being such a nuisance all these years. I'm sorry for not listening to you. I'm sorry for rebelling against your love when the truth is - I needed and wanted it most of all. The more you tried to be part of my life, the more I kept pushing you away. You had your heart and arms open but I was blinded by my grief for mom that I automatically turned you into the bad guy. I'm sorry, dad. I'm sorry for pulling you down with me. I'm sorry for this mess. I'm sorry.* Ephram thought. These were the words he wanted to say. Somehow, he just couldn't.
"Why are you apologizing? I won't have you apologizing anymore. Especially since you didn't do anything wrong. Is that clear?" Andy asked rhetorically. "Now if only you could stop crying. Is there anything I can say or do to make the tears stop? Wanna hear a joke? Or maybe another impersonation?" He added with sarcasm.
"No - that's alright dad." Ephram sighed. The final couple of tears rolled off the corner of his eyes and got caught between the breathing tube and his cheek. Andy absorbed the droplets with a tissue.
Suddenly, fatigue got the better of him making him insanely tired.
"Sleepy?" Andy asked.
"Exhausted." Ephram drawled.
"Then sleep. Get some rest. You'll have more energy when you wake."
"Tell Delia I said hi." The statement came out of Ephram sounded more like a question.
"Sure."
"Tell her not to worry about me. I'm cool." Ephram already had his tired eyes closed. His speech was slurred but he knew what he wanted to say. "And that I'll talk to her later."
"Alright. I'll give her the message." Andy brushed his fingers gently through Ephram's hair. "Shhh. Sleep now."
Ephram let out a low "Mmmm."
"Dad?" Ephram murmured softly.
"Yep?"
"You better get some sleep. You look horrible." Ephram grunted.
"What?! Look who's talking! And you think I look horrible?!" Andy grinned at the semi-conscious boy.
"I love you." Ephram moaned. Andy's eyes widened as those three words echoed in his brain.
"I love you too." Andy stammered hoping Ephram would hear him but it was too late, the boy had already drifted off into sleep. "I love you too, Ephram." Andy repeated letting a few tears run down his face.
*Ephram's pulled through - not exactly with flying colors but he's conscious and talking. Ephram's a fighter and he will continue to hang on. The worst is over.* Andy thought.
Andy had no idea how wrong he was. No parent - no matter how mentally strong they were - could ever be prepared for what happened next.
* end of chapter 4 *
Author's Note: What horrors lie in the path ahead for the Brown's? Will Ephram finally get to hear his father say, "I love you"? Or will he never get the chance to hear it? Who would like to know what complications are to happen next? Stay tuned..