"Frank," she said in a hoarse voice. It was evident to everyone around her that Denise was struggling for air more with each breath she took.
Frank turned to look at her and could tell the thought of being alone scared her terribly. He made up his mind that instant; no matter what this doctor said he would not leave Denise alone to fight this battle. He hurried to her bedside, sat down, and took her hand into his listening to her pleas.
"Frank, please don't leave me. I don't want to be alone. Please don't let them take me away from you. I need you," she begged though her voice had no power or strength. "I want to go home to our bed with you. Please."
He held her hands tighter and tried to calm her knowing exactly what she wanted to hear, "I want you to come home too, honey but you need to stay here where the doctors can help you."
Denise started to squirm and shook her head on the pillow. Frank dropped one of her hands and reached out to smooth her hair, "It's okay, baby. You need to stay here, but I'm not leaving you. I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere," he kissed her hand being mindful of the IV that was stuck into her delicate skin.
His words seemed to comfort her and she gave him a weak smile and settled down again.
The doctor spoke up as he listened to Frank constantly promise not to leave Denise's side. "Frank, now be rational," Dr. Miller said trying to reason with the headstrong officer and get him to see the only way Denise was going to get the 'round the clock supervision she needed was in ICU.
Frank stood his ground. There was no way was he leaving her in this shape while there was breath left in his body, at least not without calling the MPs and even then they'd have a fight on their hands.
"No! No way I am not leaving her!" Frank declared. "She is scared and confused and she needs me," he said sternly. "I haven't been there for her before but I am here now and she is not going through this alone. Are you understanding me?"
While he made it clear that he was not happy about it, Dr. Miller gave in and told Frank he could stay here with Denise, but he had to keep an eye on her and make sure to tell someone if she began to get worse.
Frank agreed to do so and the doctor left him alone with Denise and their friends.
Claudia Joy put a hand on Frank's shoulder after the doctor left.
"Frank, why don't you try and get some rest for a few hours? I can stay here with Denise until you get back. You look exhausted," she said trying to get him to realize he needed a break.
Frank just shook his head "No, thank you, Claudia Joy. That's very nice of you but I am not leaving here until she is able to walk out with me."
Claudia Joy looked to Michael for help. The last thing Denise needed was for Frank to get sick too. Michael spoke up with a more practical offer.
"Frank, I have an idea. Why don't you and I go to the cafeteria to get something to eat or some coffee? That way if Denise needs you, you can come back to her quickly," he suggested hoping he would succeed.
Once again Frank declined. "No thank you all. I really need to stay here in case she wakes up and needs me," he said being polite but firm.
Just then they heard coughing coming from Denise's hospital bed. Her entire body was shaking with each cough that escaped her lips, her chest was heaving as she tried to catch her breath to no avail. Frank was at her side like a shot and began rubbing her back in soothing circles hoping to ease the coughing. When it was clear it wasn't working, he changed his tactics.
"Denise, I'm here, baby. I'm here, so try and stay calm, sweetheart," Frank whispered before he reached down and helped her sit up. His field medical training had taught him to elevate a person with a breathing impairment, and that was exactly what Denise had now. Denise clung to him as the spasms ripped through her body, and before long Frank moved all the way onto her bed. He shifted to where she could lean against his chest and he could hold her from behind. Once he had her securely in his arms and her breathing was beginning to regulate, Frank reached over to the table beside her bed and got the water pitcher the nurse had brought in and held the cup to her lips. She took a few small sips and finally the coughing ceased and Denise was able to lean back into Frank's arms and the comfort she loved so much.
Michael and Claudia Joy looked at each other and smiled realizing that Frank was right, what Denise really needed was her husband's tender care. They quietly left the room to give the couple some time alone together.
Back in the room, Frank was sitting on the bed with Denise lying against his chest. He silently played with her hair and kissed her head every once in a while as he talked softly about nothing at all. He remembered other times when Denise had been ill, she had always said the sound of his voice made her feel safe. If there wasn't anything else he could do for her now, at least he could hold her close and make her feel safe.
Aside from the soft tones of Frank's voice everything was silent until Denise moaned softly and shifted in Frank's arms. "My chest hurts," she told him and continued to wiggle and seek relief.
Frank continued to stroke her hair and said "I know sweetheart. It's from coughing and all the infection in your lungs. Do you want another sip of water?"
She shook her head and replied, "No, thanks. I just wish my chest would ease off. It's hard to breathe," she said miserably.
"I know, honey. I wish there was something I could do to take this all away and make you feel better. I hate seeing my girl sick and in pain when there's nothing I can do about it." He squeezed her a little bit and dropped a kiss on her head. "Why don't you try and get some sleep and I will be right here when you wake up."
She looked up at him and smiled, "Okay, but let's both lay down. You should try and get some sleep too. You look exhausted."
Frank didn't reply with words but scooted down into a position that was half lying and half sitting up so he would be able to try and sleep and support Denise's back at the same time. He knew he wouldn't sleep, but if she wanted him to try, he would at least go through the motions. Denise smiled and lay against him with her head against his chest. Frank kissed her cheek once more and much to his surprise they both fell into a peaceful sleep within minutes.