Previously”

He places the paddles on her chest and gives her body a jolt. It lifts her body a full two inches of the cot. A she falls back down the monotone of the machine starts once again. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEGet the Epi in her. I see a nurse inject something into Bette I.V. tube. Charge to 300, requests the doctor. Clear Once more, Bettes body is jolted to life if only momentarily. As she settles back on the bed I hear the tone calling out still. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEI cant take this anymore. I cant watch her dienot like this. I turn away from the window and lean against it. Feeling my legs weaken I lower myself to the floor and listen to the doctor make a final effort. Charge to 300! Come on Bette, dont die on us now. Clear! THUD, I hear the sound of her body jumping one last time then listen for the beep

Chapter 16–

As I sit here, on the floor of the ICU, I listen to my life slipping away as the staff works to bring her back. The monotone beep is only broken by a shock to her body. The doctor, my only hope, barks orders at the hospital staff as an unlikely ally comforts me. A priestBettes priest, holds his arm around my trembling shoulders. I hear an occasional word escape his lips, but can only conclude from his hushed mumbles that he is praying. I hope his words are enough because Ive lost whatever faith I may have had yesterday.

Babe, I dont know what Ill do if you dont make it through this. Please keep fighting. We can get through all of the other stuff together. Ill forgive you if youll just wake up and be fine. The words flow freely through my head as my tears follow suit. The gut wrenching pain Ive felt over the past two weeks is now amplified. How can I continue without her? Please Baby, you cant leave me like this. Were supposed to grow old together. Were supposed to have a familyand raise children together. I dont care what kind of therapy or recovery you have to go through. Ill be herewith youjust please dont leave me, Baby. As abruptly as the words and tears began flowing, they both just stop. I suddenly find myself sitting here, reviewing scenarios to myself.