Page 70 of The Women of Oak Ridge
Roonie left us a short time later. A nurse brought in a second metal chair, not the most comfortable furnishings, but Velvet and I settled in for a long night after the doctor gave us permission to stay beyond normal visiting hours. Nurses came and went, checking Aunt Mae’s vitals, adjusting tubes.
“I haven’t spent much time in a hospital,” I said, my voice low. “A friend from high school had a baby last year, and I visited her. But this,” I indicated Aunt Mae, “is completely different. This is... frightening.”
“As a pastor’s wife, I’ve spent many hours in hospitals. What I’ve learned is that while it can be overwhelming, especially when someone you care about is injured or sick, this is also a place of healing, filled with good people who have dedicated their lives to helping others.”
I glanced at Aunt Mae’s still form. “I should have been home so I could’ve driven her where she needed to go. Just yesterday I admitted I was concerned about her eyesight, but she assured me she was okay to drive. I should’ve listened to my instincts.”
Velvet offered an understanding look. “Mae is a stubborn woman. She’s also one of the most unselfish people I know. Always giving and doing for others. She doesn’t like to be on the receiving end of things though. I tell you, sometimes she wears herself out volunteering here or giving a hand there.”
“What was she like when you first met her?”
A soft smile lifted her lips as her eyes fastened on Aunt Mae. “Kind. Friendly. Full of curiosity. She’d left home to come to Oak Ridge all by herself, and I always thought she was so courageous. Of course, that was true of most of the young women who worked on the project. Young people always seem to be more adventurous than us old folks. If Roonie and I hadn’t been married already, I don’t believe I would have been brave enough to come here by myself.”
I thought back to the day I’d interviewed Velvet and Roonie. She’d mentioned that Aunt Mae changed, becoming withdrawn. Wasn’t it the fall of 1944 when that happened? The same time period Clive Morrison filed a complaint against Aunt Mae, followed by the fire that destroyed his trailer the next day. I had a strong feeling all of it was somehow connected.
Before I could question Velvet about it, a pretty blonde nurse came in. After taking Aunt Mae’s vitals, she attempted to rouse her.
“Ms. Willett? Can you hear me? Try to open your eyes.”
Moments passed. Aunt Mae took a deep breath, and her eyelids fluttered open.
“Good job,” the nurse said, pleased. “Do you know where you are?”
Aunt Mae glanced around the room, then back to the nurse. “Hospital?”
“Yes, ma’am. You have a concussion.” She turned to me. “I’m sure she’d love to see you.”
I hurried to the opposite side of the bed. “Aunt Mae? It’s Laurel.”
Her head moved slightly on the pillow, and she turned toward me. “Laurel, I didn’t know you were here.” Her words were slow and slurred. “What are you doing in Tennessee?”
I shot a concerned look at the nurse. “Is she okay?”
The nurse frowned. “I’ll get the doctor.”
After she left the room, Velvet joined me. She leaned down so Aunt Mae could see her.
“Hi, Mae.” Warmth and caring radiated from her voice.
Aunt Mae’s eyes focused on the woman. “Velvet, what... doing... here?” The slurring continued.
Velvet reached to put her hand on Aunt Mae’s. “I had to come see about my friend. You gave us a bit of a scare.”
The nurse returned. “The doctor will be in shortly.” She moved to Aunt Mae’s bedside. “Ms. Willett, I’m going to ask you some questions.”
Aunt Mae’s attention moved to the nurse. Suddenly her eyes widened and a look of fright filled her features. “Sissy? Is that you, Sissy? I thought you were... I thought you were...” She panted, her hands grasping the air. “Where? I don’t understand...” Aunt Mae tried to sit up, but the nurse gently pushed her back against the pillow.
“Calm down, Ms. Willett,” the nurse said. “We don’t want you to injure yourself.”
Aunt Mae continued to fight and mumble unintelligibly.
The doctor arrived in the middle of the commotion. “What’s going on?” He came up behind the nurse.
Before she could answer, Aunt Mae let out a piercing scream.
“Leave her alone. Don’t hurt her. Don’t hurt her. Oh, Sissy, Sissy. He hurt you. He hurt you.”
