The next day, Joan visited Will in the hospital. She kneeled down next to the bed, cringing at the machines that monitored her father as he lay still, oblivious to the world.
"I'm so scared, daddy," she said. "So many things are happening right now and I don't know what to do. I didn't think anything could be harder than the last two years, but it can be. I wish so much that my grades and my social life were my biggest worries, but there's more."
She stopped, unsure of how to continue. Finally, though, Joan decided to go ahead. "I know you probably can't hear me, and that makes this a little easier. I've been talking to God. Heck, maybe He's explaining the whole deal to you right now. For a long time I didn't believe it, but a lot of good things have happened because I listened to Him. And you know one of those things that I'm most proud of? I built that boat, and let you and Kevin patch things up. That was really when I started thinking that maybe this thing was for real."
Joan sensed she had become lost in her thoughts. She quickly scanned her father's body for any movement, but there was none. "And that's why things are so hard now. He hasn't given me anything to do lately, except do something about Ryan Hunter. He talks to God too, but he doesn't listen anymore. That's why I asked you to listen to me about him. I know I may never hear your voice again, but I had to tell you. I may not have accomplished anything here, but if I'm going to have help I need to start somewhere."
The door opened, and Joan was shocked to see Ryan enter the room. She stood up and shot him an angry glare, saying "Get out of here NOW." "Easy," Ryan said. "I'm just seeing how your old man's doing. We did become a bit friendly, after all."
Joan gathered up all her courage. "I'm actually glad you're here, because I don't know when else I'd get a chance to tell you this. You said you thought of me as an adversary. Given our little connection, I assume that means you're going to try to destroy me." Ryan's face was unreadable. "And everyone I love as well." The expression remained the same. "Just know that if you start anything I am going to hit back with everything I have. I am not going to go down easy."
Ryan gave a little chuckle. "You'll understand if that doesn't seem like a very serious threat." "Oh, it is," Joan answered back. He continued, "You really have no idea what you're in the middle of, do you? Well, I wouldn't dream of spoiling things for you, but let's just say you have your work cut out for you." With that he left the room.
"You do too," Joan said to his departing form. The confrontation had unnerved her, but it had also increased her resolve to overcome whatever Ryan was planning, and fulfill the reason God had contacted her.