Alexander
***
After Alexander's email Mark called Tory tothank her for it. She burst into tears and Mark damn near startedto cry himself.
“I feel awful. When Sandy called all I couldsay was thank God Alexander is safe. God, I'm horrible.”Shesobbed.
“No it's normal. I did the same thing withPatrick,” Mark said, clearing his throat. “Still feels like shit,”he agreed.
They didn't talk long. When he hung up he satdown on the couch. Kenneth and Sandy were on their way back fromSan Antonio again. Mark had gotten Katie to pack a small bag. Theywere all heading back that way first thing in the morning.
Kenneth had pulled every string he had to getPhillip transferred to The Intrepid Center at Brooke Army MedicalCenter. He was being brought in tomorrow. Everyone was gettingready to leave and head that way. Patrick knew that Mark would bethere. Hopefully he could leave voice mails or text if he gotin.
***
The hospital was cold; sterile; it smelled bad.And Mark had a hard time breathing. Sandy was holding his handtightly when they entered the family waiting room of ICU.
Phillip's parents and siblings were alreadythere.
“Sandy.” Gerry greeted her, pulling the youngwoman into his arms. Katie came over and he slipped an arm aroundher too.
Meghan was pale and went straight to Mark. Shehugged him tightly. “Glad you’re here.”
“Thanks,” Mark whispered.
A nurse came out and frowned at Mark andKenneth.
“I'm sorry, only family can be here.”
Sharon cleared her throat. “Can't you see?That's Mark and Kenneth. Phillip's cousins. They have been bestfriends since grade school,” she lied.
Mark blinked and nodded at Sharon, thankful forthe woman.
“Can we? Is he?”
Kenneth was trembling. Mark knew what he wantedbecause Mark wanted to go back there in the worst way.
“Two at a time.” Sharon nodded.
Kenneth looked at Mark and Sandy. “You bothshould go on in,” he said, willing to wait his turn.
Mark felt like kissing the guy. Both he andSandy walked into the ICU arm in arm. Mark wasn't sure who washolding who up. All he knew was his legs were shaking and if hestopped at any time they would hear his knees knockingtogether.
The room was shut off from the outside and thecurtain was drawn. He pushed it back looking at the floor. Hewasn't ready to look at his friend yet. Taking a deep breath helooked up.
Sandy drew in a sharp breath, and it came out asa sob.
Mark's breath caught in his throat. He felt bilerising and wanted to vomit.
The man lying on the bed wasn't his friend.
It wasn't Phillip who was always the picture ofgood health.
Phil,” Sandy whimpered.
This Phillip had tubes poking from everywhere. Aventilator was hooked up to keep him breathing. IVs hung all overthe place. Plasma, fluids medicines were all being pumped into histoo still body. Machines beeped and growled behind him.
But what made Mark die a little more was hisfriend. Phillip was too white. They had him lying on his stomach sothe burns on his back would heal but his face was visible.Phillip's face was paler than pale. It was sunken and gaunt.
