He looked confused, “What do you mean?”
“I mean,” Ruth felt turmoil in her heart; she wasn’t ready to give up. She refused to give up. “When you spoke about having faith that Richard would be well or pass away if it is God’s will.”
Daniel watched her curiously and answered honestly. “Yes, I did. I do believe that. We do not know what God knows and we need to trust Him.”
“You will still help Richard, won’t you?” Ruth swallowed and her hands felt clammy. “You won’t give up, will you?”
Daniel came and placed his hands on her shoulders, gazing deeply into her eyes, while Ruth forced herself to hold hers steady.
“I promise you that I will not give up. I will do my best to save Richard’s life.” His eyes held confidence and hope, and his smile was warm and comforting. He removed his hand from her shoulders and returned to Richard’s bedside. His breathing was wheezy and Ruth grimaced when she heard him cough, hearing a gurgle and a rattle in his chest.
She looked fearfully at Daniel and realized he had changed before her eyes and that his faith had experienced a sea change. He showed strength and faith, qualities she valued. She knew within her that should she ever marry, it would have to be to a man of God who was faithful in all things.
Ruth knew this situation was hard on Daniel, too. He and Richard had been friends for many years despite everything, and only moments ago she saw Daniel openly put his faith in God. She felt a strong emotion within her heart and realized that she had come to appreciate him more and her feelings for him had deepened.
She felt deep attraction to him and wondered if she would ever be able to tell him. Even if she did, would he deny her? Would he laugh at her? She flushed at the thought of telling him how she felt and what it would mean. Maybe, she thought, it would be best to keep it to herself and she should somehow put her feelings aside and stop loving Daniel—somehow. But, for now, she needed to put her feelings aside and focus on saving Richard’s life.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Ruth decided to speak to Mary again and Daniel watched her leave with a stronger sense of affection toward her. He noticed she seemed impressed when he spoke to Alistair about his beliefs and when he confessed to her that he believed God was in control. His job was to try and keep Richard alive in the best way he knew. If only Ruth knew how hard he prayed for Richard to be healed and to see his friend’s bright face again and hear his laughter.
Daniel returned to Richard and began to drain his lungs again. He realized they were full of fluid and would be difficult to drain. With infection, Richard’s chances of survival were low. He knew that telling this to Ruth would devastate her. And Mary and Tom—how could he face them? Telling them that their husband and father may never walk out the clinic into the light of day would be one of the hardest things he ever did.
His emotions were a turmoil of agony, determination, and self-blame. He there would always be complications and that intubation had been Richard’s only hope, having saved many other patients’ lives.
He heard Ruth approaching, a serious expression on her face.
“Mary and Tom have asked if they can see Richard inside the ward.” She looked determined. Daniel had a feeling that Ruth was not going takenofor an answer.
“I know they’re upset, but it isn’t a good idea.” Daniel was sympathetic but firm. “You know this, Ruth. The chance to pass on infection is still high.”
“Let them see him, Daniel,” Ruth begged. “Please, just for a moment. If he does pass, they want to say goodbye. I told them he could recover, that I believed he’d recover, but they desperately want to see him.”
Her determination was heartrending, and although he knew it wasn’t the best decision, he found himself agreeing.
“Only for a moment, Ruth,” Daniel looked toward Richard. “Do not allow them to get too close, and they must mask with a cloth over their noses and mouths for protection.”
“Thank you!” Relief washed over her face and her head bobbed vigorously in agreement. “I’ll bring them through now and explain everything you’ve said.”
Ruth moved swiftly and within minutes, Mary and Tom wore cloth masks over their faces and their hands were sterilized with chlorated limewater.
Ruth had to restrain Tom, who wanted to rush to his father. She guided them both to a point where Daniel indicated it would be safest.
He saw how Mary agonized as she watched her husband lying helplessly in bed, his chest wheezing. Periodically both Mary and Tom swiped at tears with the backs of their hands.
“He can hear you,” Daniel said gently. “Talk to him even though he may not respond to you.”
“Richard, darling,” Mary whispered. “We’re praying for you and hope you come home soon. I miss you so much.”
Daniel turned his head as emotion threatened to take over; he struggled to maintain his composure.
“Dad, you can beat it. You’re strong.” Tom urged his father. “I need you, Dad, I need you to teach me how to carve furniture. No one does it as well as you.”
Richard raised an arm and beckoned Daniel closer. He bent over Richard and heard him whisper, “Tell them I love them. Tom can carve … the chair,” Richard smiled weakly, “he’s … so good.”
“Ruth, I think it’s been long enough. They can remain in the clinic as long as they want to,” Daniel said, fighting back his own emotions.
Ruth escorted Richard’s family out of the ward. She took them to a private area where they could remain in private.
