Page 146 of The Texas Sterling Collection
He stayed by Rod’s side, holding and gently stroking his hand and watching for any sign of improvement.
The nurse entered. “Mr. Sterling, I’m afraid you must leave now,” she said softly as if a loud voice would wake Rod.
“Roddy, I’m here, baby. I love you.” Tears came once again.
She gently put her hand on his shoulder and led him out of Rod’s cubicle and down to the ICU waiting room. “Why don’t you go get something to eat?” she suggested. “You need to keep up your strength. He will need you to be strong and supportive when he wakes.”
“Thank you, nurse. I’m so afraid of leaving here.”
“He is resting comfortably. He is not in good shape, but his vital signs are improving. We are doing everything we can for him.”
“I’m so grateful.” Wyl stared at his wrung hands. Hands filled with anguish. Hands that once held the man he loved and needed to again. His wedding ring caught his eye. The one Rod pointed out when they were on Castro Street. The one Rod gave to him. He vowed the ring would never come off as long as he was alive.
The nurse left, and Wyl was alone.
Later, he realized he was in the cafeteria line. How he got there, he couldn’t remember. He looked over his options and selected a banana nut muffin. Nausea threatened at the thought of food, but he forced himself to eat. Ginger ale helped settle his nervous stomach.
* * *
Rod remained in a coma all day. Wyl was out of his mind with worry. He hadn’t lost him yet, but he hadn’t been able to see him.
At 6:30 p.m., Doctor Hennessy came into the ICU waiting room.
“Are you Wyl Sterling?”
The voice startled Wyl, and panic set in. “Is Rod okay? Where is Dr. Wilson?”
“Everything is fine. I’m Doctor Hennessy. Dr. Wilson briefed me on Rod’s condition before he left at noon.”
He sat beside Wyl.
“Rod shows significant improvement. He is breathing on his own, his heart rate is strong, and he’s producing enough urine that we know his kidneys are functioning normally.” The doctor smiled. “He has not yet awakened, but I’d like you to stay the night with him. I think your presence is what he needs now.”
Hope grabbed Wyl’s gut. “You don’t know how much I need that, doctor.” Wyl’s voice broke.
The doctor led him into Rod’s cubicle. The nurse was tending to Rod, but left as they entered. Wyl stood beside the bed and took Rod’s hand.
“Hi, babe, I’m here. I love you.” Tears came once again, tears of relief. Rod’s color was good, his breathing steady, and his hand warm.
“He’s doing fine.” Doctor Hennessy touched Wyl’s shoulder. “Are you doing OK?”
“I’m better now that I see him.”
“I’ll leave you two, then. The chair in the corner is a recliner, so you can sleep there. Dr. Wilson will check on him when he comes on at midnight and again in the morning.”
“Thank you.” Wyl shook Dr. Hennessy’s hand before the doctor left.
Wyl watched Rod sleep. Being near him helped ease the fear that had gripped him for twenty-four hours. He grew drowsy and sat in the chair. He lay his head back and drifted off to sleep. Later, he awoke to discover a light blanket covering him and a jug of orange juice on the table next to his chair. He glanced at the clock on the wall. It was 11:00 p.m. Rod’s foot moved, and he cleared his throat. Wyl tossed off the blanket and leaped to his feet beside the bed. Rod’s eyes opened a sliver as Wyl took his hand.
“Wyl,” he whispered hoarsely, “Where am I?”
“You’re in the intensive care unit at UCSF Medical Center.” He leaned in and kissed Rod’s forehead.
“What happened?” Rod’s weak voice was barely audible.
“Baby squid. Made you sick.”
“Oh…” he mumbled as he drifted back to sleep.
