Chapter 7
She had caught the first bus to Truro hospital that very morning. Louisa tried not to get into a fluster whilst looking for the ward. Ward 83B- Respiratory, the receptionist had told her; of course nobody was able to give any update or tell her what to expect. She hadn't been able to reach Joan either. Did she even know? She became frustrated as it felt as though she had walked the length of the hospital a thousand times but eventually reached 83B.
'Hi, I'm here to visit Martin Ellingham. I think he arrived during the early hours.'
'Ah yes. Bed 7, down this corridor and then it's on your left.' The ward clerk told her cheerfully.
Louisa took a few deep breaths as she made her way to the room. She couldn't help but think of the last time they had spoken; so broken and rigid. She felt so guilty and terrible. What if that was to be the last? No. She couldn't think that way. She was here to visit him and be a support to him. She got to bed 7. As she approached and peeked through the little window on the door, she really had no idea what state he would be in, and when she saw him that second, her legs almost buckled beneath her. She took a deep in-breath as she looked at him and her hands shook. Her heart pounded in her throat but tried to compose herself and took a few more deep breaths.
There he was. Standing, wearing his suit. Faced towards the window wearing surgical gloves, washing down the surfaces with a bottle of Anti-bac. She couldn't believe it. He was ok!? She'd never been so happy to watch somebody clean a window sill.
'Oh Martin!' she whispered as she entered. Martin swiftly turned.
His face softened 'Louisa. What are you doing here?' he whispered back.
'Martin, I've been so worried' she walked quickly over to him and gave a little kiss on his cheek. She was so glad to see him. And him to see her.
'Louisa, I'm concerned of you being here with all the germs and bacteria that hospitals naturally carry.
'I had to come, Martin. I had to see you!' her voice wobbled again.
They both took some deep breaths and sat in hospital chairs next to each other, facing the window. It wasn't much of a view, just a bit of the car park and the edge of the nearby shopping centre, but it would do. In all honesty, they took very little notice of the view. They couldn't take their eyes off each other; both so grateful to be in each other's company again.
'What happened?' Louisa asked sensitively.
'Eer, I'm not sure. I've not yet spoken to the insurance company; I'd imagine they will investigate further. But I'd say most of the downstairs is destroyed, including the consultation room and my equipment.'
'I was so worried, Martin. Joe said that, err….. never mind'
'What did that idiot say?'
'No, no nothing. What I meant was, erm, Joe was worried. I was worried.' The last thing anybody needed right now was a wound-up Martin, she diverted the conversation away from Joe quickly.
'Well, er, some things can never be replaced but patient documentation has to be stored electronically and I will purchase new equipment in due course, so er, nothing to worry about, really.' He'd got the wrong end of the stick, usual Martin.
'No, I was worried about you. Nobody would tell me anything and, and I'm just so very sorry.'
'Thank you. I objected to being escorted to hospital, absolutely no need for me to be here.' He said sharply. He had protested when the paramedics insisted on taking him in to the hospital but eventually agreed to having a once-over.
'But are you ok, Martin?'
'Yes, I'm fine. My saturation levels are well within range and have been since arriving. All other observations have also been within range. Apart from maybe an elevated heart rate, which is to be expected under the circumstances. They have taken a blood sample, no abnormalities. No headache. No shortness of breath. No confusion or any sign of neurological alteration. Peak flow test was fine as I expected. No drowsiness or nausea. All fine.'
'Right' Louisa laughed to herself as he proceeded through his self-check list 'That's good. So, what are you going to do, Martin?'
'Well. Aunty Joan has been here to bring clothing and toothbrush etcetera. And I have arranged to stay at hers. Not ideal of course.'
Louisa was slightly saddened; he could stay with her. 'What about the surgery?'
'Very little benefit in opening it back up as a surgery now so, ill proceed with the renovations and rent it out before I go to Edinburgh.'
Oh yes. She'd forgotten about that for a while. Edinburgh. That little issue.
'Well. I just wanted to see you and tell you that I'm always here for you, Martin. Just call me' she smiled sweetly at him. This had been a wake-up call for both of them. How an instant, out-of-the-blue occurrence would have and could have changed everything.
Louisa got up to leave, but as she reached the door had an irrational, impulsive moment.
'Why don't you come and stay with me? There's plenty of room and I have the spare room. Not that I'd make you sleep in there of course and I can help you redecorate and organise and you'll be near the surgery and invite your patients if you like and, and…' she was in a nervous fluster again whilst Martin appeared unusually calm.
'Yes. I'd like that' he said with his soft puppy-like eyes.
XXX