Chapter 23

Sweat poured out of every pore in Laura Dell’s body as she stood outside that hospital door. She did not know what to expect to be awaiting her on the other side of that door. Would Herbert be back to his old self or would he be covered in IV’s and bandages?
“Laura Dell, are you coming in or are you going to stand at the door the whole time?” Herbert called out to her from his hospital bed. She was so wrapped up in her own worries and thoughts that she did not even notice there was a glass in the door that Herbert could see her through. She was relieved he was awake and looking in good spirits.
“How are you Herbert?” she asked as she quickly kissed him on the cheek. She was so shocked by her own actions that she began to blush a little. Laura Dell decided to take Herbert’s mind off of his own illness by telling him about her last day at work,
“I cannot believe you finally told that ass hole off. Good for you Miss Dell,” Herbert said with a little chuckle and motioned for Laura Dell to come closer. She slid in on the side of the bed near Herbert and grasped his hand.
“You know Herbert, you really scared me the other day. All I could think about is what I would do if I never got to talk to you again or go to the theater. I was worried sick.” Laura Dell was fighting to hold back the tears she felt rushing to her eyes.
“Don’t worry about me. I have live a great and long life. I had a beautiful love and I met you. What more could a man ask for?” Herbert gave Laura Dell that smile that always warmed her heart. She felt at ease for the first time in days.
“Excuse me, Mr. Walters? I need to draw a little blood from you.” A stocky nurse walked in wearing bright pink lipstick. Laura Dell excused herself and went to the hallway to wait for the nurse to be done with Herbert.
Laura Dell felt her phone vibrating as she leaned up against the wall in the hallway. The snell of the hospital was suffocating. She did not know how Herbert stood it here. She couldn’t wait until he could leave so they could enjoy the freedom together.
Laura Dell, it’s Sydney. Dinner tonight? She had not talked to Sydney since the first night they had met at the winery Sidney bar tended at. She confirmed dinner with Sydney and returned to the room.
“Laura Dell, they say I seem stable enough. I may be getting out of here soon.” Herbert tried to muster up some excitement. It was obvious to Laura Dell the blood work had taken a lot out of him.
“That’s great Herbert! We will have to plan something special to do to celebrate your freedom from this place and mine from the Evil Feinmen. They chuckled together and Laura Dell promised to call Herbert in the morning.
***
“Laura Dell! Over here!” Sydney called to Laura Dell as she walked into the crowded resteraunt.
“It is so good to see you Sydney! I am sorry I have been so busy. How have you been?” Laura Dell asked giving Sydney a quick hug. She ignored the looks of the other diners, most likely they were not accustomed to the friendliness of Southerners. The girls spent time catching up on the things that had been going on in their lives since they had seen each other a couple of weeks ago. Laura Dell felt so relieved to have a friend that was separate from her problems at work and with Herbert’s illness.
“Aww, Laura Dell, I am so sorry to hear about your job. Well if you need a little spending money you could probably work a few nights with me at the bar. I could teach you!” Sydney told a reluctant Laura Dell.
“Sydney! The only thing I know how to pour is a beer. That is so sweet for you to offer, but I think I will be fine. I only have a few more weeks of my lease left anyway. “Laura Dell sipped on her glass of Moscato and thought about all of the things she wanted to do with these upcoming weeks left in Chicago.
“So, are you going back to Siloam?”
“You know Syd, I thought I was but now I am not sure. I really like it here. I feel like there are so many things for me to explore. I am still trying to figure out my next move.”
“I could not agree with you more Laura. I think you should see what the world has to offer you. There are so many museums and things like that out there. I am sure any of them would love to have you. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if that jerk of a boss called you up trying to offer you a real position with the museum!” Sydney said with a chuckle.
***
Laura Dell walked into her apartment to find a message awaiting her on her machine.
“Laura, it’s me again. Mom said you two had some kind of misunderstanding. I know she can be a real nut sometimes, but just ignore it. We are all she has… is everything ok with you? Call me or I am coming up there again!” Sydney knew John William was right, but her mother had really gotten under her skin by referring to Herbert as a sack of dirt.
Laura Dell decided to take a nice hot bath; it had been a long day. She was beginning to stress out about the future. She knew the next few weeks would be over before she knew it, but she was not ready to move on yet, not without Herbert being stable and healthy. She had no idea what would happen with his illness. She knew one thing though; she was not going to return to Siloam.
Laura Dell leaned back in the tub and begin to think about how all her troubles had began with that tiny sparrow. If it had not been for that bird getting in maybe Feinmen would not have been so hard on her and maybe she would not have had to quit. But, the bird was also what brought her to Herbert. She began to smile thinking of the little bird now. She hoped he would make it though, just like she hoped Herbert would.
***
Laura Dell woke up late the next morning since she did not have to go to work. She decided she would pick up some coffee and a schedule for some upcoming events in Chicago, so that she and Herbert could celebrate his recovery together. She was in high spirits that day as she walked up the steps to Herbert’s room on the 5th floor.
“Oh hi sweetie! You’re the one that comes to visit Mr. Walters, right?” The nurse from the previous day approached Laura Dell with a clipboard in her hand.
“Yes, is everything ok? Is Herbert ok?” Laura Dell felt panic rushing through her body as she waited for the nurse’s response.
“He actually left a couple of hours ago. I was sure he would have let you know.”
“Oh, you scared me. He must be doing great since he got released, so soon.” Laura Dell relaxed a little.
“Well, actually with patients like Mr. Walters, in his condition that is… we like to stabilize them and make sure there are no immediate threats and let them go on about their way. You know, we do not want to make them spend their time in these stuffy old rooms. Their time is too precious’” the nurse patted Laura Dell’s shoulder and walked away.
As the tears of reality rolled down her face she tossed the coffees and walked out of those double doors. She now realized these next few weeks were going to be more critical then she thought.