"It's called penicillin," the physician continued. "It was developed from bread mold and was used several years ago to treat victims of the Cocoanut Grove fire in Boston. It cured their infected skin grafts, and I think it might help Paul, too. It's a long shot, but it's our only option at this point."
"But how could anything that could possibly be of any use come from bread mold?" Elizabeth couldn't believe her ears.
"I don't understand it," the physician replied. "It's one of the miracles of modern day science."
The miracle drug arrived and was administered to Paul. For the first several days there seemed to be no improvement in his condition, and Elizabeth despaired of his ever recovering. However, on the fourth day, she entered his hospital room to see him sitting up in bed, smiling and eating lunch.
"Paul! You're better!" She was so happy that she rushed to him and embraced him. He hugged her back.
"Hi, Elizabeth," he greeted her. "I must have given you quite a scare, didn't I?"
"Oh, Paul, I was so afraid I was going to lose you!" she exclaimed.
"I know," he said softly, holding her tight for a moment. "I don't remember much except for the pain. This morning I woke up and felt really hungry, so I called for the nurse. She told me they've just started me on a new medication. I don't remember what she called it, but whatever it is, it's great!"
"It sure is," Elizabeth agreed.
"How's school been?" asked Paul.
"Fine," she told him. "Although lately I've been so worried about you it's been harder to keep my mind on my studies."
"It was really sweet of you to worry about me." Paul smiled.
"Of course I was worried about you! I love you!"
"I love you too, Lizzie." That was his special nickname for her.
Paul continued to improve, and by the end of the week, he was released from the hospital. Friday night he pulled up in front of the Waltons' home and rang the doorbell. Elizabeth hurried to let him in. He stood smiling and holding a red rose out to her.
"Ready to go out for dinner?" he asked.
Elizabeth graduated with Aimee and her other friends on a bright, sunny day in early June. "I'm so proud of you," Olivia said as she adjusted her daughter's cap. "You've done so well!"
"Smart girl," John said approvingly.
"Hard worker," Olivia added.
Finding her place amongst the other graduates, Elizabeth's eyes searched the crowd for Paul. She found him at last, and he smiled brilliantly at her.
One by one the students were called to the front to receive their diplomas. When it was her turn, Elizabeth felt everyone's eyes on her. She knew that one pair of eyes belonged to Paul and felt very happy that he was there to share her special day with her.
When the ceremony was finally over, all Elizabeth's relatives crowded around her to hug and congratulate her. "Congratulations, Elizabeth," Paul said as he embraced her. "You did very well. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you," she replied.
He took her out to their favorite restaurant for lunch to celebrate. "I remember my own high school graduation," he said. "My parents were so proud, and I was so happy. But I didn't really have time to enjoy my freedom because I had to join the army right away."
Elizabeth had a funny feeling in the pit of her stomach, but she had to know. "Have you ever killed anyone?"
"No."
She sighed with relief and he grinned. "What would you have done if I'd said yes?"
She shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Well, it was a war," she said softly. "So I suppose it would have been understandable."
"I don't think I could have lived with myself if I had," he told her.
Elizabeth wondered whether any of her brothers had ever killed an enemy soldier. She knew that it was not the kind of thing she could ever ask any of them.
After lunch he took her to the river and they walked hand in hand along the bank. "So what will you do with your mornings now?" asked Paul.
"I suppose between helping Mom and my sisters and planning our wedding, I'll stay pretty busy," Elizabeth replied.
"Just think," said Paul. "After we're married, we can spend not only the day together, but the night as well."
"I can hardly wait!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
