Chapter 10
Abbey stopped in the anteroom and put on the required items. Paper booties on her shoes, paper gown tied in the back, a cap, a mask and gloves.
She pushed open the inner door and heard the whoosh as air rushed in from the outside. She walked slowly to Jed's side, keeping her back to the glass window. What little privacy they had she wanted to maintain.
His raspy, shallow breaths startled her. She knew that he wasn't exchanging much air and was just steps away from serious trouble. The low readings on the pulse oximeter on his finger told Abbey as well that he was not getting enough oxygen. The heart monitor showed a rapid but sinus rhythm. A normal rhythm. At least something good to hang her hopes on.
She sat down in the chair by the bedside and took his hand. Even through her gloves she could tell his skin temperature was cool as the body directed the blood flow to the essential central body core which held the vital organs. With her other hand, she swept the unruly hair from his face.
Her touch caused his eyes to flutter open. His eyes were still dull. She longed for those bright blue orbs that had first attracted her. But she also knew that wasn't possible. Not yet anyway.
"Hi," as he struggled with consciousness and breathing.
"Shh. Don't talk. I just wanted to see you for a few minutes before…." She couldn't say the words. "I just wanted to see you. How are you feeling?"
With a weak smile, Jed answered, "Not good."
For the first time, Jed realized he wasn't in the White House.
"Where?"
"Bethesda. You're pretty sick."
"What do I…" words cut short by the need to catch his breath.
"Don't know yet. Please don't try and talk. Just rest."
Jed closed his eyes and rested. Abbey just sat there, waiting for another chance to see her husband's eyes.
"Jed, the doctor is going to put you on the ventilator. You've developed pneumonia and your breathing is getting worse. They're doing it as a precaution. Do you understand me?"
A slight nod indicated that he had.
"You're going to get better." Abbey fought the tears that were trying to form.
"Abbey, I'm scared."
A sob caught in her throat. "I know babe. But you have to fight this. Don't give up. You're stronger than this virus. I know how strong you can be."
His eyes opened again.
"I love you," he struggled to say.
"I love you too, Jed. Now you're going to be fine. You have to believe it." Abbey only wished she could.
Jed, with great effort, raised his hand and touched the side of Abbey's face. "I do."
"I do too." This time Abbey did believe.
With that, his eyes closed again.
Abbey stood and let go of his hand. Her time was over. She had had her chance. She only hoped she would have more.
It was now time for the doctors to take over.