Page 144 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“That one,” Wyl said. “I can’t lose him!”
The ambulance roared down the street, sirens blaring.
“What’s his name?” the ambulance driver asked as he expertly navigated the empty city.
“Rod,” Wyl said. “Rod Sterling. I’m Wyl Sterling.”
“Wyl, I’m Danny,” he said. “Where are you from?”
“Texas,” Wyl responded.
“Oh yes… you’re the two gay ranchers featured inThe Advocate. I thought you looked familiar.”
“Let’s hope it’s still the two gay ranchers after tonight. I’m running past worried on the way to total panic. And today is his birthday.” Wyl trembled with fear of losing Rod.
“We’ll get him there. I have a husband too, and I know what you’re feeling. We’ll do everything possible to ensure you don’t lose yours.”
Wyl breathed easier at hearing Danny’s words. He must let people do their jobs to save his husband. He realized his need to be with Rod every minute didn’t allow the doctors and nurses to do their best for him. He prayed Rod would be in expert hands once they arrived at the hospital.
Danny gave instructions as they sped down the street. “When we get to the hospital, go into the main emergency room lobby and get him checked in. We’ll take him to an emergency treatment room. We alerted the hospital, and doctors are standing by. I know you’re panicking, but let the doctors stabilize him while you do the paperwork. It will take your mind off the situation and allow them to do their job.”
“Thank you. I feel better knowing all this. Just point me where I need to go when we get there.”
At UCSF, Danny pointed to the emergency check-in desk. “Tell them an ambulance brought Rod in, and they’ll help you right away.”
Wyl watched as they wheeled Rod in, his body lifeless on the gurney. Wyl desperately wanted to be with him, but his brain knew it was best that he take care of the paperwork while the doctors worked on Rod.
Emergency admitting smelled of antiseptic, and the white fluorescent lights glared almost too brightly. The waiting area was filled with several other people, all seated in institutional blue chairs. Wyl went to the desk and spoke to the nurse on duty.
“I’m Wyl Sterling. The ambulance brought in my husband, Rod. I need to complete the paperwork to admit him.”
“Yes, Mr. Sterling. The ambulance notified us of your arrival. Take this paperwork, fill it out, and return it to me.” The nurse handed him a clipboard. Her reassuring smile warmed the otherwise cold and sterile room.
Wyl smiled back. “Thank you. Will the doctor come out and see me when they know something?”
“He is in good hands, Mr. Sterling.” Her tone was comforting, like a mother soothing an anxious child. “The doctor will see you after they stabilize your husband.”
“Thank you.” Wyl smiled the best he could under the circumstances. He sat to complete the paperwork, but tears clouded his vision, and a sob escaped his lips.
The nurse came over and sat beside him. After handing him a tissue, she gently touched his arm. “Honey, he’s going to be fine. I know you’re worried, but he’s in good hands. Dr. Wilson is the best. Can I get you anything?”
“No…but thank you for asking.” Wyl choked out the words and wiped the wetness from his cheeks. “He is my only family. If I lose him, I’ll be alone.”
“I’ll come when there is an update.” Her soft voice brought comfort to the chaos. “Now, do your best to fill out the paperwork, and I’ll check with the doctor.”
Wyl finished the paperwork an hour later and gave it to the nurse. She checked on Rod, but no updates. After another thirty minutes, a doctor came out.
“Wyl Sterling?” the doctor peered at the waiting room crowd from a doorway leading to the back.
Wyl raised his hand.
“I’m Doctor Wilson. Come with me.”
Wyl panicked as the doctor led him into a counseling room in the emergency corridor. He remembered the doctor's visit when Walt died. His heart pounded.
The small room included a table, comfortably padded chairs, soft lighting, and soothing colors. “Take a seat.” Dr. Wilson motioned toward a chair.
“Your husband is severely dehydrated. Can you tell me what happened?”
