Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 88220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“Will he be admitted?” Amelia asked.
“Most likely,” she said. “I don’t know what this is, maybe pneumonia. We’re well beyond a simple bronchitis brought on by a sinus issue. Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning the room. Disinfect well. If you or any of the children show symptoms, call us immediately. Don’t wait.”
“Okay,” Amelia said, her tone wasn’t as forceful as moments ago. “I’ll call Beau.”
“No, don’t,” I said. Another round of coughs racked my chest. It was frustrating and painful. I couldn’t draw anything up. My throat was on fire. “Let him have his vacation.”
Amelia tsked. “He deserves to know what’s happening to you. He’d never forgive me if I didn’t.”
“No reception anyway,” I whispered. “Call Beau’s mom. She’ll help.” Sleep lulled me into its waiting arms.
I had no idea how much time passed, but when I woke up, medical professionals were talking nearby. I tried to find my bearings, but nothing looked familiar. The oxygen mask attached to my mouth made it impossible to speak. It didn’t matter. I fell asleep again.
One Day Later
Methodist Hospital
Sea Springs, Texas
“Pneumonia? His condition seems far too dire to only be pneumonia. When will you know something more definitive? His family’s on pins and needles to know anything.” Linda’s voice cut through the haze that shrouded my mind as I surfaced from sleep. A beacon calling to me even if her voice was filled with concern.
She spoke in deeper tones—low and mumbly, hard to hear. When I tried to do a self-internal diagnostic, I realized I was much weaker and likely sicker than before. Why couldn’t I kick this cold? As I moved my body slightly, the weight of the medical equipment and tubes attached to me added gravity to my situation. I hadn’t realized I’d even been moved. My mind struggled mightily to grasp Linda’s side of the conversation, but it was futile. I couldn’t do it. Another voice and shadowy figure much closer to me spoke in low ominous tones, but any words became something akin to Charlie Brown’s teacher’s voice, a nonsensical sound meant to convey some meaning I couldn’t grasp.
“Why Houston Methodist?” she asked.
They planned to move me to Houston? Why?
My chest hurt like a son of a bitch.
“My husband wants to know why he needs a ventilator?” she asked. Now I understood why the conversation felt loopy. Carter was involved on the other end of the phone. Good, I trusted him. “Wesley, please let them explain. They appear to be as apprehensive as you are... Good… Get in your plane and fly here, but land in Houston. He’s going there as soon as it can be arranged. Plan to stay. Someone needs to advocate for Dash, and Amelia needs help. Two of the girls and West are acting out. I need to be there… No, I’ll handle Kailey. Don’t worry.”
The following silence concerned me until a cold hand touched mine, which offered a small, much needed comfort. I tried to open my eyes, but my brain wasn’t firing on all cylinders. I couldn’t manage it.
“Rest, Dash. Wesley’s coming to be with you. I haven’t reached Beau, but I’ll continue trying. Amelia and the girls miss you. I know West does too. Stay strong for us.” Her gentle words and reassuring tone enveloped me like a soothing blanket. “We love you, Dash. I know Beau does too.”
“Beau… Love,” I said into my oxygen mask and managed to squeeze her hand. The strain of listening drained me, and I slipped back to sleep.
Beau
November, Ten Days Later
The Himalayans
Base camp was a welcome sight. As I had done countless times today, I swiveled my head and rolled my shoulders. A small smile may have touched my chapped lips as I passed my team, who were loudly celebrating the end to another successful climb. I agreed with them. We did great, but I needed Aleve and promised myself to make more time to exercise in the future. Maybe. Or perhaps this was in fact my farewell climb. I missed my family something awful, and for the first time, I saw the dangers of such a hobby. One wrong move and I was toast, leaving behind everything I cherished.
I was also freezing. Despite having lived in Chicago for years and knowing how to handle the cold wind and snow, I had spent a majority of the time freezing my ass off, even in all these supposed warm clothes. They had cost a small fortune to upgrade my wardrobe. Money that could have funded one of my kids’ first years of college. Dash would be disappointed that I spent my vacation missing him and our children.
“Brooks, catch.” A can of beer came hurtling my way. Peer pressure had led me to remove my protective face gear when we started walking to camp, but I stubbornly refused to remove my gloves. I caught the can and made my way to the tent to layer up with dry clothes before joining the final night of festivities. Tomorrow started the long trip home.