“How is she doing?” Maddy’s soft voice made Whitney lift her head.
“Her pulse is better. No fever. But she doesn’t seem to want to wake up.” Whitney patted Ruth’s hand. “I don’t know what else to do.”
“Havyn has an idea.” John entered the room and gave each of them a hug. He walked over to the window and opened it a few inches.
Havyn waved from outside, her smile wide, a beautiful glow about her.
Cold air swept through the room. Cleansing. Fresh. “She suggested you sing to Ruth.” John gripped both of their shoulders.
From outside, Havyn started:
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Whitney and Maddy looked at each other and joined in on the refrain.
It is well, it is well
With my soul, with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul.
The next few verses they sang together, in perfect harmony. Just like at the Roadhouse. Chill bumps raced up and down her arms. This was so right. So perfect. The yearning to fill her life with music again flowed through Whitney. She stood up and wrapped an arm around Maddy.
By the time they reached the final verse, she had tears streaming down her cheeks.
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
They sang the chorus twice at the end, and then Whitney looked at Havyn. “I love you, sis.”
“Love you, too! Both of you!” She blew a kiss and walked away from the window.
“Whit, look!” Maddy squeezed her.
When she looked down, Ruth’s eyes were open.
“Ruth!” She scrambled to her friend’s side. “You’re awake.” She hugged her and gave her a huge smile.
“I am.” Her hoarse whisper was one of the most beautiful things Whitney had ever heard. “I thought I heard angels singing.”
“It was just us. We’ve been worried ... I’m so glad you woke up.”
Ruth nodded. “I was in a battle, that’s for certain.” Her voice was barely audible. “Wasn’t sure I would win, but here I am.” A long swallow was followed by a deep breath. “Did you say my children were coming, or did I dream that?”
Whitney’s heart overflowed, and she grabbed Ruth’s hands. “We’re sending a telegram today.”
Ruth closed her eyes, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. “My babies ... I didn’t think I’d ever see them again. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.”
