Chapter 10

Highs, Lows, More Surprises

"The world without spirit is a wasteland. People have the notion of saving the world by shifting things around, changing the rules, and who's on top, and so forth. No, no! Any world is a valid world if it's alive. The thing to do is to bring life to it, and the only way to do that is to find in our own case where the life is and become alive yourself." -Joseph Campbell -

ME/LE

I settle Louisa in her bed and take a seat in the chair next to it, "Louisa, we need to discuss your medical needs."

"What medical needs my injury or my pregnancy?"

"Hmm…both during this time…they will be interconnected for some time. An important medical complication, they didn't mention and could be a problem is during labor and delivery, you could injure your coccyx again," I say knowing Louisa will be in pain again and I can't bear the thought.

"I could be injured; what are you saying, Martin? Do you want to abort this pregnancy, our babies, just to keep from reinjuring myself?"

I have learned that Louisa's eyes tell her true emotions, faster than the tone of her voice, I notice her eyes have turned dark green with the tint of gold near the edge, and know I am in trouble. She is upset with my medical explanation and as usual, misinterpreted my medical information so I take a few seconds ensuring I word my response to include my true feelings.

"No that is not what I want. I needed to make sure you have all the medical information necessary and understand your future decisions with this pregnancy. I do not want you to abort our children, but you will be in pain throughout this pregnancy. Your labor will be more difficult and there is a risk of fracturing your coccyx. I don't like seeing you in pain."

She reaches out for me, forcefully pulling me to her, "Martin, my Luv, I want these babies. It could be our last as neither of us is getting any younger. I realize this pregnancy will be harder and nothing like Phillips'. I understand really I do. She places my hand over her belly and covers it with her own, "In here is the mixture of us, made in love and I could never end what we made together." She brings my hand to her lips and kisses it.

I am inebriated with emotions flooding through my body, most are still foreign to me. As with Phillip, she wants my child and understanding how painful it will be to carry the fetuses as they grow. My eyes become moist with tears, and just at that moment, a knock on her door with an announcement from the nurse interrupts our confessions.

"I bought your cold packs, Mrs. Ellingham," she explains.

I stand and move towards the window, shielding my tearful eyes from the intruding nurse. She immediately goes to work placing the cold packs on Louisa's lower back, then writes her notes in the medical binder. "I'll return in twenty minutes to remove them and then maybe you can stroll the corridor for a bit. I can escort you or your husband can help you. I bought the menu for your lunch and dinner choices to fill out as Doctor Chen has extended your medical supervision for another twenty-four hours." She hands Louisa the menu card and departs.

I turn from the window, composed, and return to my seat, "Louisa do not fill out your dinner menu. We will go down to the canteen for a family meal. You need to see Phillip and I know he needs his mum. I can order a meal for all of us to share. Joan will most likely want to see you."

"That would be lovely. You never said you brought Phillip to London and where is he now?"

"Joan and Phillip are at the hotel. We drove here and arrived around three this morning. Phillip enjoyed his ride sleeping the entire trip. I didn't mention they were here as I was concerned with you, your injury was not completely known when we departed. Some of your medical information on your injuries came midway on the road trip. Your friend made our hotel reservations close to the hospital at the Rubens. Phillip woke when we checked in, Joan gave him a bottle and he and I took a long warm shower together. I thought a relaxing shower and his full stomach would put him back to sleep and he slept a few more hours in bed with me." What I didn't tell Louisa is the closeness of Phillips's body to me gave me propinquity to her, substance to her, at the time that I felt weak.

As the case many times this past year, Louisa's astuteness of me, how my emotions unfold across my face and in my eyes, I'm not sure but she knows my need and knows Phillip always helps me.

"Martin, I am sorry I made you worry. I am happy Phillip helped you this morning. He also helped me during my weakness with Danny. He listens well and it seems his eyes give you the answer you're looking for at the time."

"Not knowing your condition and receiving the surprise announcement of your pregnancy while driving across the country in the middle of the night, I imagined unwelcome speculation."

"What kinds of speculation, Martin?"

Again I see anger, "your friend…Mol…no, Holly mentioned another man injured with you. The two of you lying together…I…know I deduced the wrong idea…the man, I mean…he had nothing to do with you," I finally sputter out.

"What happened last night was an implausible accident. I was fed up with Holly and that…that doctor I was required to help; from the time Kevin and he rang the doorbell, he said only one comment to me, and I had to ask a question of his specialty to get that out of him. Believe it or not, if he was taller, I would have said I was on one of our first dates. He grunts just like you…" It is then that the connection with Doctor Shaw becomes apparent in her mind. "Martin, if I didn't know you are an only child, I would have sworn Doctor Shaw is your brother. He's a shorter version of you."

Louisa notices my reluctance to look at her during her statement; I feel an explanation is immediately needed. My hope of first discussing this entire affair out with Joan is not happening. How much can I conceal, until I understand the latitude of the entire verity of Doctor Shaw and myself?

"Louisa, I met Doctor Shaw this morning along with his colleague Doctor Pettyjohn. They are the specialists handling the man injured in the lift. I met with them this morning as a consultant."

"I don't understand, Martin. Why would they want to consult with you?" she asks.

I see the confusion in her eyes, and then suddenly thought of recognition crosses her face, "Martin the man in the lift, there was a familiarity about him."

"Do you remember meeting him before?" I ask.

"No, it was something in his eyes."

"Did you speak to him?"

"Yes, but let's just say we had a run-in when I stepped into the lift."

"What do you mean by 'run-in'," I ask.

"As I said, I needed a break from our table. In the back of my mind, I thought if I stepped away for a bit I would collect myself and return. I noticed the lifts and the door was open for one of them, so I decided I would get in it and ride it to where ever, just as long as I got away. The door started to close and I quickly entered, literally running into the man. He steadied me, holding my waist when I looked him in the eyes, and it was like I've seen those eyes before. I stepped away from him and he asked what floor I wanted. I didn't care and said any floor that I just need some fresh air."

"Why would you need fresh air if you were on the roof of the hotel, outside?" I ask.

"You know that is the exact question he asked. And that's when he offered to take me to his room, to stand on his balcony."

My anger explodes along with my mouth before I could stop either, "My father wanted to take my wife to his room!"

The room grew silent as I realize what I said and see Louisa comprehend who the stranger turned out to be. Imaging my father putting his hands on Louisa, suggesting they go to his room is too much for me. Angrily I get up and storm out of the room, nearly running down the corridor, onto the stairway, by the time I reach the ICU I am out of breath and still angry. I stare at my father's comatose body with monitors beeping and I feel defeated. I can't tell him…not to ever touch my wife again…or ask him what his intentions were with the beautiful woman he offered his balcony to…I could guess it was sexual. I am interrupted from my musing by Doctor Shaw.

"Doctor Ellingham, I was about to have you paged. His latest scan presents the bleed has not stopped and surgery is required. You are welcome to view the procedure from the gallery in thirty minutes. They should be prepping theater three now."

I am caught unprepared for his message, and I am angry with myself for how this old man can engender such a vehement response of emotions out of me. Hesitantly I look at my watch, estimate the length of time this surgery requires and my need to be with Louisa.

"Sorry I can't," I hear myself say, "I need to be with my wife downstairs for the unforeseeable future today, if that changes I can stop in to view the operation."

Now I feel the need to escape, explain myself to Louisa. I push through the doors, taking the stairs by two's and along to her door, pausing to collect myself, reflecting on my actions, and calming myself before I reenter Louisa's room. She looks up as I enter the room, and I see she is upset with me, with my thoughts racing on how to answer for my abrupt departure.

"Louisa, I am sorry for storming out of here the way I did, I mean without a word. I was angry, the thought of him touching you made me…feel inadequate…I couldn't protect you…from that…that…lecherous louse of a human being."

Louisa seems taken aback by my description of my flesh and blood. "Martin, I didn't mean to upset you as I told you what happened last night. I knew Holly would imply the man and I were engaged in some immoral activities together when she saw us lying on the ground of the lift together. As for your father, I thought his suggestion disgusting and couldn't wait for the doors to open and for him to depart, alone to his room. Martin, all I wanted to do was find a quiet place, call you, and hear your voice, and tell you how much I miss you and Phillip."

My eyes brighten with happiness. Louisa saw through my father's slimy innuendo and wasn't' interested. Happiness floods through me with the realization of my thoughts these last few hours; I didn't trust Louisa. My thoughts could only hear him always belittling me; 'you'll have to drug her to keep her'. When I heard she was with another man, I thought the worse.

"I am sorry Louisa; I let others, their actions work against you in my mind. Rationally I didn't let myself believe 'I am good enough for you' and trust the words you express to me. Louisa, I will need Doctor Hayes to continue to work with me on my jealousy and my deep defective feelings of self-worth. Louisa will you hold me. I just need your touch right now," I state.

"Come here my Luv. Anytime you need a hug, I'm here for you."

I reach around her, pulling her tight to my chest, as all my negative thoughts, images begin to evaporate. I hold onto her tightly, inhaling her scent, tranquil with my passion for her.

In the distance, outside Louisa's door, I hear the squeaking wheel of a trolley coming closer. I pull away from her, as the sound comes to a stop just outside her door.

"Louisa, I believe the trolley carrying your lunch has arrived."

A sequence of three raps sounds on the door, "Come in," I announce, knowing my private time with Louisa is over for now.

The orderly holding a tray walks in and places it on the table and leaves without a word.

"While you were gone I ordered a sandwich and salad, and thought we could share." She reaches out her hand placing it on my arm, "But first I would like to take a stroll around my room with your help. Now help me up husband."

We transfer her position and I lower her bed so her feet touch the floor. She stands up slowly and I notice the pain radiate across her face, I take hold of her, removing some weight off her lower back. I make a mental note of which movements are causing her pain.

"Martin let me stand a bit on my own."

I release her slowly, staying close by. I can see her face relax as her body adjusts. I take her IV stand and place it next to her, "Use this for balance and I can help from the other side."

She takes a tentative step and then another, we walk slowly around the room. She steps a few meters and she pauses, catching her breath as the pain eases. For the next ten minutes, stepping and stopping until Louisa says she needs to rest. I help her back to her bed, laying her on her side, and place an extra pillow between her knees before I press the call button.

When the nurse opens the door and looks over to him, he says, "Please bring my wife a heating pad." I politely request, recalling the warning I received from Chris.

A few minutes pass and the nurse returns with the chemical heating pad and places it gently across Louisa's lower back. After a few minutes, Louisa's face relaxes and she starts to fall asleep. I kiss the top of her head and whisper,

"I'll be back later with Joan and Phillip. Rest… and eat your lunch…I love you."

I walk out of her room and walk to the nurse's station, "My wife is sleeping, please make sure she eats when she wakes. I will return in a couple of hours. You have my mobile number if there is a problem."

I look at my watch and walk down the corridor to the lifts, taking one to the surgery floor, and easily locate theater three and the staircase for the gallery. As per my calculations, Doctor Shaw is just starting the coiling procedure. I watch like an enthusiastic medical student watching my first surgery, I read about it in BMJ a year or so ago. The ease Doctor Shaw works reminds me of myself and I wish him better success for his future, especially with his personality matching mine and what could lead to possible problems. What little blood I see does not affect me today, the return of the haemophobia was short-lived this past winter, and I make a mental note to speak to Doctor Hayes on its regression. As I watch Doctor Shaw coil the blockage closed I wonder if he has any idea of our relationship. The rules of the hospital would prevent him from performing this life-saving surgery on a family member. Maybe he is a distant relative of my mothers' for the genetic association. Another thought, I realize, if neither my father nor Doctor William Shaw knows of each other's existence how many women did my father spend time with over the last forty years, how many other potential offspring are out there? Doctor Shaw looks up at the gallery, he catches sight of me, says something to the nurse, and she switches on the audio system, "Doctor Ellingham the coiling plugged the leak, he should be in ICU soon and we can talk," he says.

"I will return later tonight to check on my wife, I will come by the ICU then to check on his progress."

I rise and leave the gallery with no further interaction with Doctor Shaw. I take the lift down to the main floor and walk out the door of the hospital. I feel the need to clear my head and elect to walk back to the hotel. Today has had highs, lows, some surprises, anger, and love, all in less than twenty-four hours. A walk in the park would be better if Louisa was with me, explaining all my emotions rushing through me right now. I remember my years at St. Marys' and I can't recall ever taking the time to walk through the park; there was never time but I need the solace of nature to quell my thoughts.

My mind is clearing slowly and I ponder everything; another child, no two children on the way, a wife, and three children all in eighteen months, a year ago I was in therapy to rid myself of my phobia so I could return to surgery, leaving Portwenn far behind. A year ago I learned Louisa was pregnant and I would become a father, oh how my life has changed since Louisa allowed me to be involved in the last months of her pregnancy and now I will become a father again in thirty weeks. I realize I will be involved with the entire pregnancy this time with the woman I love. I notice before long I have walked through a large part of the park, as I stand at the intersection of the park and Park Lane I feel the pull of emotion, I am tired and need to see Phillip; I hail a taxi for the rest of the trip to the hotel.

I scan my key card for the door, after another attempt the lock light turns green; I open the door to the squealing of Phillip chasing his Gran across the lounge. They stop in their tracks when they hear the door open and see me walk in; Phillip crawls as fast as he can up to my feet. I look down and he looks up at me as he locks his chubby fingers onto my trousers and pulls himself up, smiling, "Dadda" he says. He turns to look at his Gran and points to me, "Dadda."

"Yes, Phillip, your daddy is here. Can you show him what you did all by yourself today?"

Joan sat down and faces Phillip, holding out her arms urging Phillip to come to her, "Come here Phillip, show your daddy, Phillip walk to me."

Phillip laughs giving me one last look and takes wobbly steps towards Joan; one step at a time on his own, he walks into Joan's open arms. Louisa has missed her son's first independent steps; my heart bursts with pride, my son is walking, "Phillip, well done."

Phillip collapses in Joan's lap and claps, "ell don," he repeats and giggles.

ME/LE

Joan ordered our lunch with delivery shortly arriving after my return. We settle at the table, Phillip enjoying the last of his peaches as we enjoy our lunch.

"That was a good vegetable soup, Joan. Good choice."

I wipe Phillip's hands and mouth with a warm flannel, removing and folding his dirty bib, and Joan removes Phillip from the chair placing him on the ground. He pulls himself up by the table and walks along over to the sofa. Joan sat down, picking up his dinosaur making it dance in front of his face. Phillip giggles and grabs onto it and has one of his conversations of babbling and giggles for a few moments. The noise soon ends and I look over to see Phillip sleeping, standing bent over holding his purple dinosaur on the sofa. I pick him up and place him in his cot in my bedroom, partially closing the door before sitting down next to Joan on the sofa.

"Joan, we need to talk." I start, "First Louisa is good, and is pregnant…about ten weeks or so with twins. Her coccyx, tailbone will cause her pain throughout the pregnancy especially during labor and delivery, but she said she wants to continue with the pregnancy. I am worried for her health and the pain she is in," I finish saying. My eyes retreat and I look away afraid to let my aunt see exactly how I feel.

"Marty, you said twins, are you happy with this pregnancy?" she asks as she reaches out toward my arm.

"Yes…umm…good. We talked about other children, just not so soon. Louisa is afraid if we abort this pregnancy she won't be able to get pregnant after her injury heals due to our ages. I can't convince her that her health is more important."

"The other doctors did talk to you so you can help her get through this pregnancy safely; all three of them," she asks.

"Yes, but you know how Louisa is when it comes to taking it easy and following my medical advice."

"We'll work with her; everyone in the village will help. Are you taking Phillip to see her later today?"

"I thought we would order takeout for dinner and eat with her at the hospital. I'm not fond of hospital food and I would like Phillip to spend supervised time with her. The hospital bed might frighten him so I thought Louisa and I would meet you and Phillip in the canteen. I can let Louisa walk a bit and wheel her if the pain is too much. I need to discuss a different patient with you; the man that was injured with Louisa… is a relative of ours," I say.

"A relative, Marty the only relative that is male would be your father." Joan figures out much faster than I would have thought. "Marty, your father was in the lift with Louisa; does she know who it was?"

"Not last night. She did mention his eyes looked familiar. Dad made disgusting advances towards her, trying to get her to his room."

"Did he tell you that?"

"No, he couldn't; he suffered a severe head injury and is unconscious, leading to a bleed in the brain causing a stroke. He underwent surgery last night to relieve the pressure and again late morning to stop the brain bleeding as the medication wasn't working. When I left the hospital the last surgery had just finished and they expected him to be moved back to ICU; you can see him if you wish."

"How do you feel about seeing him? After his last trip to the village, I didn't believe you wanted anything to do with him. For me, I don't want to see him; he made his bed and can just bugger off."

"I have seen him; his consultants requested my help. There is another issue I need to mention. One of the consultants… is…he resembles me…a…a shorter version; face, ears, eyes, about a third of a meter shorter. I wonder if he was a product of dad's dalliances? Doctor Shaw didn't mention knowing the Ellingham name other than it associated with me as a vascular surgeon."

"Martin, you mean the doctor taking care of your father could be your half-brother…how was he able to operate on your father, I thought there were rules against that."

"There is that is why I don't think anyone knows of the connection, other than he looks like me. Unless he is a relative from mum's side of the family?"

"Not likely, your mum was the only spoiled child her parents produced and she didn't have any cousins that I recall. No, more likely he is an accident from one of your dad's frivoling with another woman."

"I will visit my father while you are with Louisa and Phillip, but please make sure Louisa does not pick Phillip up while I'm gone."

I'll let Louisa give him his bottle, he sits quietly during his feed, and when you return she can read the story and you hold him since he is very animated during storytime."

"Marty, did Louisa request anything in particular for dinner?"

"No, but I would like to bring something you would enjoy. Do you have any ideas?"

"I noticed our room service menu has a good selection for dinner."

"No, the restaurant here isn't equipped for take-out. I want the meal delivered and was thinking of Khan's. When I worked here, Chris Parsons and his wife would visit occasionally and we would eat there. They have take-out and can deliver to the hospital. I know Louisa enjoys Indian dishes, but I'm not sure you would enjoy."

"Ruth and I have eaten Indian dishes at a restaurant near her townhouse; I believe the last time I visited. Why don't you pull up their menu on your computer and we can decide what to order."

I do as I am told and soon Joan is browsing the menu. I check on Phillip while she looks. Phillip wore himself out with his walking, but I don't want him to sleep too long or we won't keep to his routine. I feel a little longer won't hurt him and take a quick shower and shave. I am just coming out of en-suite clean and fully redressed as he stirs, sitting up looking around the room. He catches sight of me, smiling, putting his arms up wanting me to pick him up. I walk over to his cot; I stop to grab a clean nappy and a change of clothes, tossing them on the bed, and pick up my son.

"Did you have a good nap, Phillip? Let's get you cleaned up and a snack then we will take a taxi to visit your mum. As soon as Phillip hears 'Mum' he squirms and looks for his mother. "She misses you very much," I say as I change his nappy and clothes.

"Let me take him and you look over the menu and decide on your meals and call. I wrote down what I would like. I'll give Phillip his juice and snack," Joan says as she takes Phillip from my arms. She places him in his seat and opens his juice, pouring it into his sippy cup, then pulls out the sliced banana from this morning and slices a few pieces off for Phillip to feed himself. Joan watches Phillip smash the banana between his fingers and stuff the mush into his mouth, when he has eaten most of the banana she places his bickiepeg on the tray. Phillip squeals with delight as he gnaws on his biscuit and sips his juice, he talks to us.

I call Khan's with our order, setting up the delivery time after our arrival. When I finish on the phone, I look after Phillip as Joan cleans up. I am cleaning Phillip up after his snack when Joan reappears ready to leave. We pack up his diaper bag, car seat, and Phillip, taking the lift to pick up the taxi I requested after I ordered our food. The trip takes longer due to the rush of traffic on a Saturday late afternoon which Phillip as he points out all the cars. We arrive well ahead of our food and are able to find seating. Joan places Phillip in the high chair that I found and cleaned deciding to place a few of his toys on the tray. I leave Joan in the canteen and take the lift to Louisa's floor. If my calculations are correct I will have time to walk Louisa down her corridor, put her in a wheelchair for her ride in the lift, and into the canteen before meeting the delivery person in the main lobby.

I leave the lift on Louisa's floor, acquire a wheelchair and push it to Louisa's door, knocking softly before entering; I find her sitting in the lounge chair on her special cushion dressed in her own pajamas with her dressing gown. She smiles at me, and I melt; it seems Doctor Chen has dropped Louisa's luggage off and she was able to dress in something of her own.

"Are you ready to take a stroll to the lift," I ask?

"Yes, I practiced twice since you left and it is easier and less painful but I tire quickly."

"Good, but first there is something I need to do." I walk up very close to Louisa; wrap her in a hug burying my face in her neck kissing the nape of her neck before moving and kissing her lips. "Joan and Phillip are waiting downstairs for you."

"Then let's go I want to see my son."

I help her up and let her use the wheelchair to steady herself, opening the door as she and I walk slowly down the corridor, by the time we reach the lifts Louisa seems to be in pain so as we wait for the lift to arrive, I help Louisa to sit, giving her time to rest before we meet up with Phillip. When we emerge from the lift I quickly wheel her towards the entrance of the canteen, I slow my pace so Joan can see us and point us out to Phillip. As we get closer I can hear Louisa's sniffles and clearly, a sure sign Phillip has spotted his mother is heard very loudly "Mumm, Mumm". Joan puts a squirming Phillip down off her lap and whispers to him. Phillip tentatively steps towards us, putting a smile on my face and I hear Louisa burst into tears as she sees her son walk by himself towards her. I stop the chair and quickly intercede Phillip's rush to his mother, I pick him up high, holding him just close enough to Louisa for them to hug, keeping Phillip's weight off her. Joan grabs hold of the wheelchair and rolls Louisa to our table as I try to hold Phillip up and off, Louisa. I hand Phillip to Joan and excuse myself, quickly walking out of the canteen towards the entrance to wait on our delivery. Per my usual dealing with Khan their delivery vehicle pulls up on time, I gave the driver an extra tip and carry our bags into the hospital and back to the canteen with the wonderful smell of cooked spices following me.

I spot my lovely family as I enter; talking and laughing as Louisa and Phillip reacquaint themselves with each other; Louisa with teary eyes as she talks to Phillip about how much he's grown; asking Joan when did Phillip start walking and looking sad that she missed it by being away. I walk up to our table and start unloading our food as I do I notice Louisa smiling at me,

"You remember I like Indian cuisine, what did you order?"

"I thought you would like the mixed tandoori; Khan mixes pieces of chicken, mutton, lamb, and prawns on kebabs marinated with yoghurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and other spices. I ordered a side of saag aloo and garlic naan. I hope you aren't disappointed?"

"Oh Martin, that sounds wonderful."

"We can always share from my plate, I ordered salmon fillet dipped in spices with mango extract, garlic, and red chilli served with saffron rice and baby potatoes with a side of baby baingan massala for all of us to share. Phillip is having shredded chicken, peas, and carrots and for dessert a peeled chopped apple. Joan ordered murg balti."

I move Louisa closer to the table as Joan places Phillip in his high chair next to Louisa and herself. I pull Phillip's food from his bag placing them near Louisa; Phillip immediately reaches out in his pincher action trying to pick up his finger food from the container, Louisa places a few items in the extra bowl and places it on his tray, and he immediately places food in his mouth. I place his sippy cup on the tray and begin to sort the cutlery for us to use. I eat silently as Joan and Louisa talk about different things with Phillip jabbering to both of them, once in a while he looks at me asking for his usual, "Mor, eese". I smile and offer him another piece of apple I have cut for him.

I can see Louisa is tiring and needs to return to her room for pain relief since they removed her IV; I hand Joan a wet flannel we packed to wash Phillip and I start to repack Phillips items. I clear our empty plates and empty them into a nearby trash bin. Joan folds Phillip's bib and used flannel into the bag and hands them to me to place in his diaper bag. Joan relieves me of the bag swinging it over her shoulder and grabs Phillip as I unlock Louisa's wheelchair and grab his car seat. We walk to the lift, waiting for its return when Louisa says,

"I would like to walk back to my room like earlier Martin." Looking up at me I see this is a plea. "I want to walk with Phillip for a bit," she continues to say.

What can I say, I know Louisa is in pain but she wants to enjoy Phillip on her own. "Mmm…if you wish, but you can't pick him up if he falls. I'll let Joan wheel your chair and I will walk closely by your side in case you feel too weak to continue," I say as I give her a stern look.

We ride the lift to her floor and when we depart it, I help Louisa to stand and Joan places Phillip down; Joan and I watch as mother and son slowly walk down the corridor together. It doesn't last long as Phillip's legs soon tire and I pick him up; holding him with my left arm, I take Louisa's hand in mine and we finish her last exercise of the day together as a family to her room. Once we get Louisa settled in bed and the nurse brings in the cold packs, I place Phillip in bed alongside her and Joan hands her his book. Joan excuses herself, saying she needs the loo and I pull a chair close to the bed ensuring Phillip doesn't hurt Louisa with any sudden movements. I have missed this time with my family these last few weeks, physically sitting together. Louisa finishes the book and Phillip yawns and I know my time tonight is ending with Louisa; she also looks tired. I pack his book in his bag and now start to wonder where Joan has disappeared. Just as I started to pick up a half-asleep Phillip the door opens and Joan enters. She apologizes by saying something about getting lost; she seems upset and I notice she is agitated in her movements and wants to leave. I call for a taxi from my mobile and am told the taxi will be at the entrance in thirty minutes. Joan gives Louisa a hug and kiss, promising to be back tomorrow, and picks Phillip up,

"I'll take him down and wait for you in the lobby, Martin. I know you want some private time with Louisa." She turns and leaves; I stare at her back for a moment before it finally dawns on me where she disappeared to earlier.

"Louisa is there anything you need before I leave for the night," I ask. I take her hands in mine and look into the beautiful eyes only to feel a crushing wave hit me as I will not see her again for twelve hours. She pulls me towards her and asks for a hug and a kiss; that is the easy part for me, as I would stay in her arms forever if I could. We cuddle for some time before I realize she has fallen asleep so I carefully extract myself without waking her, give her one final kiss and pick up Phillip's car seat and bag as I quietly walk out the door. I take the lift to ICU to check on my father and notice Doctor Shaw examining him. I leave my items near the desk and walk over to his bed; I take his medical notes and quickly read through them; my father seems to be improving over the last hour.

"I am happy with his progress, hopeful he will regain consciousness soon," Doctor Shaw says.

"Has he had any visitors other than me," I ask.

"Yes, an older woman just left. She asked some medical questions and left. She didn't stay long. I believe the nurse said something about his sister."

"Mmm… I see the coiling is continuing to hold and the fluid on his brain is receding; he should wake soon unless there is brain damage. A man his age, that could be an issue," I say as I try to keep emotions buried. "I will come back in the morning before I pick up my wife for our return to Portwenn, if anything develops overnight please call me," I say as I return the medical notes to the holder turn walking out with Phillip's seat to meet Joan downstairs.

End of chapter

BTW: Some of you have PMs disabled, so if you don't get a reply to your review, you are either logged in as a guest or you need to check your settings. :)

The medical information used in this chapter was found on websites like WebMD. I am not a doctor and try to explain the medical procedures used in layman terms.

Endovascular coiling also called endovascular embolization is used to block blood flow for an aneurysm. An aneurysm is a weakened area in the wall of an artery. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause life-threatening bleeding and brain damage. Preventing blood flow into an aneurysm helps to keep it from rupturing. For endovascular coiling, healthcare providers use a catheter, a long, thin tube inserted into a groin artery. The catheter is advanced into the affected brain artery where the coil is deployed. X-rays help guide the catheter into the artery. The coils are made of soft platinum metal and are shaped like a spring. These coils are very small and thin, ranging in size from about twice the width of a human hair to less than one hair's width.