Page 147 of The Texas Sterling Collection
The nurse came in. “I saw you talking with him. He must be doing better if he was awake and aware.”
“Yes…he woke up, and I took his hand, but he went back to sleep.”
“I’ll let the doctors know.”
Wyl kissed Rod’s forehead again, then went back to the chair and reclined. He needed sleep so he could be strong for Rod.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Monday morning, Wyl stirred awake at 5:00 a.m. He reached for the jug of orange juice waiting for him. The nurse noticed movement, and poked her head in.
“Would you like to go get something to eat, Mr. Sterling? You can come back in when you finish. Dr. Wilson stopped by after he came on shift. He didn’t want to disturb you, but checked Rod’s vitals and was encouraged. We’re keeping a close eye on your husband.”
Hunger had eluded Wyl since they arrived at the hospital. But he needed nutrition to keep him going. The stress of almost losing Rod had taken its toll.
“You’re right. I need to eat something,” Wyl said. “I’ll be in the cafeteria.”
“He’ll be fine. We’ll see you back here in an hour.” She smiled.
Wyl went to the cafeteria and bought a container of yogurt and a cup of coffee. After twenty minutes, he still struggled to eat the yogurt.
Dr. Wilson came in, grabbed a coffee, and came to Wyl’s table. “Mind if I sit?”
“Please…” Wyl motioned to a chair.
“How are you holding up, Wyl?” Dr. Wilson showed concern. “I don’t need another patient named Sterling.”
“I’m hanging in there. Rod spoke to me last night, and I took that as a good sign.” Wyl realized the early hour. “Don’t you ever sleep?”
“I’m on the 12-hour shift, midnight to noon. That lets me follow up with any patients that come in overnight.”
“I appreciate you, Doctor Wilson.”
“Thanks. I reviewed Rod’s charts this morning, and he’s recovering well. I’m having him moved into a regular room. He’ll be on the 5th floor. When you finish, go on up. The nurse’s station will know which room.”
Wyl broke into sobs. It was a great relief to know that Rod was recovering. He couldn’t help the emotions bubbling to the surface.
“Thanks, doc,” Wyl choked out. “Sorry about the tears, but I feared he would leave me.”
“I understand.” Doctor Wilson handed him a napkin. “If he continues to do well, we can get him out of here tomorrow.”
Wyl wiped his face.
“You two take care of each other.” Doctor Wilson finished his coffee and stood. “You are an inspiration to gay couples everywhere.”
The doctor left, and Wyl finished his yogurt and coffee with renewed interest. His husband was going to be okay.
* * *
Wyl went to the 5th floor and inquired at the nurse’s station. “522,” the nurse pointed down the hallway. Wyl walked through the dimly lit corridor to Rod’s room and entered, quietly closing the door behind him. A light over the bed was aimed at the ceiling, providing soft illumination. An IV bag hung at the head of the bed, with a tube snaking under the covers. A urine bag hung at the side of the bed with a good amount of dark yellow liquid. Rod was asleep. Wyl stood by the bed and took his hand.
“Oh, Rod, I hope you can hear me. I love you more than life itself.” Tears clouded his eyes. Wyl leaned and kissed Rod’s forehead.
Wyl sat in the chair, where he could watch Rod sleep, and drifted off to sleep. “Hey,” he heard in his dream. “Wyl,” a soft, raspy voice invaded his mind. Wyl gradually woke and realized it was not a dream.
He leaped to his feet at Rod’s bedside. “Oh god, Roddy, I was so worried. I’m glad you are okay.”
Rod’s half-closed eyes searched Wyl’s face. “I feel so weak. What happened to me?”
