“There isn’t a selfish cell in your body.”
Pain speared Derian’s heart. She couldn’t think of a single word that would be
adequate solace, but Emily seemed to welcome her touch, and she needed to touch
her just then. She clasped Emily’s hand again, cradled it in hers.
“Pam was in a coma for six weeks,” Emily
said, her voice stronger now. “Severe brain contusion and, of course, many
broken bones that eventually healed. But she…” She rubbed her eyes, brushed at
the moisture there. “She suffered a severe brain injury and has never fully
recovered. She’s not communicative and requires twenty-four-hour care.”
“In Singapore,” Derian said.
“Yes. I delayed coming to the States until
she was released from the hospital and settled. Everyone—the doctors and social
workers—felt she would do better if she remained in familiar surroundings.”
“And the long term?” Derian asked gently.
“Miracles happen, of course, and physically
she’s still young and strong, but…” Emily sighed. “She’s likely to need a
lifetime of round-the-clock care.”
“Moving her here is out of the question?”
“The immigration issues aside, I believe she
knows and responds to the staff who have taken care of her since the
beginning,” Emily said. “Plus, health care in Singapore is very good, if you
can afford to pay for it. There was insurance money from my father, but, well,
that doesn’t last forever. I’m lucky I have a wonderful job that I love, and
that allows me to earn enough to take care of her.”
“So you help pay for her care,” Derian said.
“You’re very remarkable.”
“No, not at all. She’s my sister.” Emily
flushed. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wished that my life was less
complicated. I was angry for a very long time, at everyone. But I had no one
really to blame. That’s the worst of it, having no one to blame.”
“Say what you will,” Derian murmured, “but I
find you amazing.”
As warmth spread through her, Emily marveled
at how special Derian could make her feel. For the moment, she’d let herself
believe it.
Chapter Fourteen
A woman in a blue scrub suit with a wrinkled paper
mask hanging around her neck turned the corner into the waiting room and
stopped midway, glancing from Emily to Derian. “Ms. Winfield?”
Derian shot to her feet. “Yes?”
“I’m Louella Vix, the head cardiac OR nurse.
Dr. Armstrong wanted me to give you an update.”
“Is everything all right?”
The nurse nodded. “Yes, the case is going
perfectly. The doctor is just starting the last anastomosis. It will be at
least another hour and a half before your aunt is headed to the recovery room,
and midafternoon at the earliest before you’ll be able to see her.” She smiled.
“I thought you might want to take a break. Go get something to eat. We have
your number, don’t we?”