Page 70 of A Bridge Through Time
Cailin was horrified. “How do they do it?”
“Well, I’m not sure of the particulars, but there’s a machine, it takes a picture of her arm and then the doctor can see what’s going on beneath the skin.” Edna glanced at him and offered him a reassuring smile. “This isn’t making any sense, is it?”
Cailin brushed his fingers through his hair in frustration. “Nay, Edna. I’m verra worried for Ashley. I want to be with her, so she willnae be afraid.”
“Don’t worry, dear.” She put her hand on his arm and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “They’ll take good care of Ashley and you’ll see her very soon.”
They waited in companionable silence. Edna settled into a chair and Cailin could feel her eyes on him, as he paced back and forth. After what seemed an eternity, the woman came back and called to them. “You’re here for Ashley Moore?”
Edna jumped up from the chair and hurried over to the woman, and Cailin stopped his pacing to follow her.
“Come with me,” the woman said.
They followed her through a door and down another long corridor. Cailin’s head was swiveling around constantly, as he looked left and right trying to take in everything he was seeing.Each chamber they passed had an occupied bed or two, with more people sitting beside them. There were a number of men and women wearing long white capes of some description, walking up and down the hallway and entering the rooms.
“What has happened here, Edna?” Cailin queried.
“What do you mean, dear?”
“Was there some great battle? There are so many people in here.”
“Oh, no, Cailin. These people are all feeling unwell, or have injured themselves in some way,” Edna explained in a low voice. “This is an Emergency Room. It’s where people come, when they are very sick or they’ve had an accident.”
“Ashley told me of such a place when I was injured, but she didnae call it an Emergency Room.”
“Perhaps she called it a hospital,” Edna offered.
“Aye,” Cailin nodded. “That’s it.” He continued to turn from side to side, taking in the amazing sights and sounds of the twenty first century.
***
Ashley was somewhat groggy from the pain meds, but overall, she was much better. The medical staff had been wonderful. They’d set her arm and explained the cast needed to stay on for six weeks, so the bone would heal properly. Ashley didn’t care how long it took; she was relieved to be alive after her ordeal. She gazed out the window at the growing darkness and was amazed by the constant noise she could hear coming from the street. It was so incredibly noisy, after the peace of Breaghacraig.
“You’ve got some visitors, Miss,” the nurse announced when she ushered Edna and Cailin into the room.
Ashley’s eyes locked onto Cailin, who looked adorably out of place in his t-shirt and kilt. She offered him a joyful smile, thrilled to see him again.
He crossed the room in two long strides, but stopped short at her bedside, looking confused as to what to do next. He hovered for a moment, and then he leaned in and tenderly kissed the top of her head. He lifted her chin with his fingers and looked lovingly into her eyes.
“Mo chuisle,” he murmured. His gaze lowered to her arm in the plaster cast and he frowned.
“Don’t worry,” Ashley hurried to reassure him. “I’m fine. I have to wear this cast until my arm heals, but other than that, I’m good to go.”
“Let us go then,” Cailin said firmly.
“I have to wait until the doctor signs the discharge papers and I guess I have to speak with a police constable about what happened. As soon as I’m done with that, we can go.”
Cailin breathed a sigh of relief and turned towards Edna. He motioned to a chair beside the bed. “Come, sit, Edna. Ye look quite tired.”
Edna took the seat. “Thank you, dear. I was so worried. That’s all.” Edna glanced around to make sure no one could hear her and said, “We all need to get our story straight, so the police won’t suspect anything out of the ordinary when they come to speak to you, Ashley.”
They quietly discussed the details while they waited.
The doctor arrived first and gave them Ashley’s discharge instructions. “Pain meds as needed and see Dr. Donaldson for the removal of the cast.”
“Thank you, doctor. I truly appreciate your help,” Ashley said.
“It was my pleasure, Miss Moore. Try to stay out of harm’s way in the future. I’d rather not see you in here again.” He gave Cailin a disapproving glare as he left.
