Just then, the door to the back swung open, and a young doctor in scrubs stepped into the waiting room. Every head turned, every conversation paused, and a collective breath seemed to be held.
Lila’s heart thudded painfully against her ribs as she stepped forward. “Doctor, how is he? Is Doc Tillman going to be all right?”
The doctor smiled, a warm, reassuring curve of his lips that immediately soothed some of her fears. “He’s going to be all right,” he announced, and a sigh of relief swept through the room like a gust of wind. “It wasn’t a heart attack. We found that he had a severe case of dehydration and low blood sugar, probably didn’t eat enough with all the wedding festivities. We’ve given him fluids, and he’s already making jokes about needing to remember to drink more water and less coffee.”
Laughter, light and relieved, bubbled up among the group, breaking the former tension.
Lila felt her knees go weak with relief. “Can we go in to see him?”
“In a bit,” the doctor replied. “He’s asking for some coffee, but we told him maybe stick to water for now. He wants to see everyone, though. Said something about not scaring you all like that ever again.”
“Typical Doc,” Mr. Jacobs chuckled, shaking his head.
Lila smiled, her heart already warming with the news. Doc Tillman wasn’t just her employer; he was a pillar in their small community, a steadfast presence in every animal crisis. Today had scared her more than she wanted to admit, but knowing he would recover was the best news they could have received.
“Thank you, Doctor,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. The room buzzed with renewed energy as everyone began to share their own stories of Doc’s stubbornness and care, a testament to his indelible mark on their lives.
In that cramped waiting room, under the fluorescent lights, Lila felt the strength of their small community, united in their concern and now their relief. Doc would be okay, and so would they.
As the doctor assured everyone that Doc Tillman’s condition was not critical, the cramped waiting room began to empty, with residents of Thunder Mountain filing out into the cool evening air. Lila stepped outside, the hospital doors swinging shut behind her, and found herself enveloped by the lingering twilight.
Reva and Kellen were the first she spotted, standing by Kellen’s old pickup truck, still decorated with streamers and tin cans that proclaimed ‘Just Married.’
“I suppose we should try to salvage what’s left of the reception,” Reva said, managing a smile as Lila approached.
Kellen nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, though I reckon the mood might be a bit different now.”
Lila chuckled softly. “I think everyone will just be relieved to celebrate something good after tonight’s scare. Doc would want us to enjoy the party, especially after giving us such a fright.”
Reva sighed, her relief evident. “You’re right. Let’s head back and make the best of it. Doc’s health scare reminded us all how quickly things can change.”
Charlie Grace joined them, her car keys jangling in her hand. “I’m ready for a piece of that wedding cake. Nothing like a bit of high-calorie food to lighten the mood.”
“And I’ll make sure the band stays a while longer,” Kellen added, his tone more upbeat.
As they discussed their plans, more townsfolk joined in, sharing rides and arranging to return to the reception venue. Mr. Argyle, leaning on his cane, ambled over to Lila.
“You heading back to the party, Lila?” he asked, his voice low and gravelly.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” Lila replied, smiling softly. “I need to see everyone smiling and laughing again. Plus, I need to tell Doc all about it tomorrow. He’d hate to miss out on the stories.” She paused. “You can ride back with me and Camille if you’d like.”
He nodded. “Sure, I’d appreciate that.”
The three of them slowly walked to Lila’s car, a modest sedan parked under a flickering streetlight. “You know, Lila, that man’s been like a father to you,” Mr. Argyle remarked as he settled into the passenger seat, referring to Doc.
Lila nodded, starting the engine. “He really has. Tonight was a reminder of how much he means to me…to all of us.”
To Lila, Doc was more than just her boss. He was a constant in her life, a gruff mentor under whose shadow she had grown both tough and capable. Even so, their relationship was undoubtedly complex. He could diminish her in one breath and uplift her in another, leaving her to wrestle with feelings of resentment mingled with deep respect.
Losing him would mean not just the loss of her livelihood but the absence of a challenging figure who pushed her limits—both personally and professionally. Despite everything, he was irreplaceable, and the void he would leave behind was unfathomable.
As they drove back to the community center, the streets of Thunder Mountain were quiet, the usual nighttime serenity now tinged with a collective sense of relief and gratitude. The buildings along Main Street seemed to exhale, their aged brick facades relaxing in relief as word spread that Doc was going to be all right.
When they arrived back at the community center, the lights were bright against the dark sky, music filtering out into the parking lot.
“Let’s go make some happy memories, for Doc’s sake,” Lila said, helping Mr. Argyle out of the car. She winked across the top of the car to her daughter, who smiled back.
“That’s the spirit,” he replied with a grin. They joined the others back into the multi-purpose hall, where the music resumed, a little louder this time, and the laughter began to swell.
