23
“Yes, Tara, Mom is okay.” Tara proceeded to climb on the chair next to the bed to hug her mom, with Nicole scrambling up behind her. “Even better now that the two of you are here.
“Hello, Ray, thanks for coming, and thanks for taking care of the girls with so little, or rather no, notice!
“I know Bill would be…” Her voice was weak and started to trail off. The doctor noticed and interrupted his phone conversation with Helen.
“Please hold on a moment!”
The doctor was now holding the phone to his chest.
“Nurse, Kate is experiencing Post-traumatic stress disorder. Girls, your mom desperately needs some rest. I am going to ask your uncle to take you back in the waiting area. I will be out shortly to let you know how she is doing.” The doctor turned to Ray and without introductions, informed him that he had spoken with Kate’s sister. He also requested Ray take the children out of the room.
Ray witnessed the nurse inject something in the intravenous tube attached to Kate’s arm and was quick to oblige the doctor’s request.
The doctor returned to the cell phone.
“Helen, your sister is at Harrisonburg General Hospital in downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia. If you are able to, it might be a good idea to get here soon. It seems to me that Kate could use your help.”
When Kate next awoke, her only sister, Helen, was holding her hand and smiling down at her.