When they all turn to leave, Dr. Mullins frowns at me, then slips by without a word. Whatever. He can judge me for getting attached to patients if he wants to. At least I care.
I step closer to Ruth. “Look at you! You look even better than you did yesterday.”
She tugs at the blanket in her lap. “This is Miles, one of my nurses,” she explains to Cora.
Cora smiles weakly.
“And did I hear Ruth correctly? You’re her daughter?”
Cora nods, wringing her hands.
I touch Ruth’s arm, telling her without words just how proud I am that she made that call. It couldn’t have been easy.
She’s sitting taller, like a weight was lifted off her shoulders. Even her hair looks healthier. Cleaner. She must have finally taken a shower.
I lean over to hug her from the side. “I’m glad I saw you before you left. I made something for you.”
I pull the stuffed animal out from under my sweatshirt and offer it to her.
Ruth blinks in surprise before taking it with her wrinkled hands.
“You made this?” she asks, turning it over.
“Mm-hmm. I crochet, remember? I couldn’t resist making you something.”
I’d stayed up until nearly 4 a.m. just to finish it. Jordan kept me company to the very end. It turned out bigger than I imagined, with red, purple, and white markings on an ivory body. I used large black glass beads for the eyes and added a few sequins on the wings for extra pizazz. Ruth seems like someone who loves some sparkle.
When she realizes the feet are bendable, I say, “Oh, I added pipe cleaner, so you can form them. Just for fun.”
She shakes her head, staring at the stitched fabric in her hands. “Why?”
I realize she isn’t asking about the pipe cleaner. “I just thought a night owl like you might need some company when you get out of here.”
Ruth touches every delicate detail. “Thank you, Miles. You’ve been so good to me.”
I hug her again. “Of course. I’ll miss talking to you, so if I don’t see you again, take care of yourself, okay?”
She nods, eyes glistening.
I pat her arm one more time before turning to walk away. My eyes burn, but I force the tears back. At least I got to say goodbye. Too often, I don’t.
When I reach the nurse’s station, I keep my back to Ruth’s room, needing a minute.
Ana looks up from the tablet and gives me a small smile. “Aww, sweetie. Don’t be sad. She’s doing well.”
“I know. I just hate goodbyes.”
Her expression softens. “Yeah, I’ve had some painful ones too. Remember the little boy in Seattle two years ago? I still think about him.”
“Kids are the hardest.”
“They really are.”
After quickly wiping my face, I walk around the desk and sink into the chair, twirling it around to see her. This is the perfect opportunity to ask her about this weekend, since we’re the only ones here.
“So, Ana. My sweet, dearest, most beautiful Ana. I have a question for you.”
She arches a brow. “Imighthave an answer.”
