We lapse into a pregnant silence. I guess Frankie is done talking, and that maybe his admission of Francisco’s affection is his way of saying he’s sorry. I know he wasn’t thrilled about the wedding. Actually, he was downright pissed. It seems like that’s all in the past now, and I’m grateful. Despite the fact that Francisco thinks I want to go our separate ways, I don’t. I think I love him.
Eventually Frankie leaves, and I settle down to watch over my brother. The doctor comes and goes every few hours, checkingBrandon’s vitals. As the sun dips toward the horizon, Francisco comes in to encourage me to take a break.
“Come walk around the garden with me,” he says, holding out his hand.
I know he means well, so I accept. My legs feel like I’ve been sitting forever, and it feels great to walk around. We descend the stairs and go out the back door. The backyard is extensive and I know Francisco uses it to conduct business sometimes. But this time, we’re just walking around, smelling the roses.
He takes my hand, and we amble like an old married couple. Neither of us speaks, but we enjoy the companionship. I know I’m ignoring him in favor of my brother, and I appreciate his patience. I just don’t think I can fully concentrate on our marriage now while Brandon’s life hangs in the balance.
Francisco doesn’t bring up what we talked about before. I know him well enough by now to understand that he’s waiting for me to take the lead. He won’t pressure me, but the moment I decide I’m ready, he’ll be all ears.
After the sun has fully set, we go back inside.
“Why don’t we eat dinner together?” Francisco asks.
“I think I should go back and check on Brandon,” I say.
“Okay,” he responds, letting me go without a fight.
I tuck myself back into the chair beside Brandon’s bed, checking his saline bag. It looks like the doctor has switched it out, but I can’t find the physician anywhere. Assuming he’s taking a much needed break, I simply wait.
About an hour later, the doctor returns to check on Brandon. Frankie comes back with some more food, and we sit and talk.
“How is college?” I ask, realizing that I haven’t considered his studies in a long time.
“Good,” he says.
“Were you able to find another tutor?” I question.
“No,” he says. “But it’s okay.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” I wonder.
“Actually,” he replies, giving me a sheepish smile. “I could use some help studying for a test if you have a moment.”
“I have nothing but time,” I say. “But can you bring your study materials in here?”
“Of course,” he agrees, going to his suite to fetch some notes.
We spend about an hour going over his course material. I’m pleased to see that he knows most of it. “I think you’ll be well prepared for your test,” I tell him.
“Thanks,” he says.
“I’m okay,” I offer after the silence stretches out to an uncomfortable length.
“Are you sure?” he asks skeptically.
“I’m sure,” I reply.
“You don’t need anything?” he presses.
“No,” I assure him. “I’m fine.”
“Alright,” he says, standing up. “I’m just down the hall if you need me.”
I stay upright until around midnight when I doze off. I’m only partially aware that Francisco has entered the room. He picks me up in spite of my protests and carries me into my bedroom. Setting me down on the bed, he pulls the covers up to my chin.
I don’t remember much after that. I’m sure if I was actually awake, I would have asked him to stay. But the next thing I’m aware of is the morning sun coming in through my window and the sound of birds chirping outside. I get up and check on Brandon before brushing my teeth. His condition hasn’t improved.
