Page 66 of The Payback Adventure
“We can let you know how Caitlin is doing,” Henry added, much to Elisabeth’s gratitude.
“Thank you, and we’ll all be praying for Caitlin.” With that, Mrs. Gavin headed toward the exit.
“Do you need something to drink?” Henry asked. “Anything?”
“No, thanks.” Elisabeth stared at the double doorsleading to the exam rooms, willing them to open, but they remained closed. She swallowed a sigh.
A few minutes later, a young male doctor dressed in green scrubs walked up to them. “I’m Dr. Terrence. Are you Caitlin’s parents?”
“I’m Elisabeth Wheeler, Caitlin’s sister and guardian.”
“Caitlin suffered a closed head trauma,” he explained in a soothing tone. “There was a blow to her skull and a bruising of the brain—a concussion. She initially lost consciousness, regained it and complained of a bad headache when she woke up, and is now unconscious again. X-rays show a skull fracture, and that, with her presentation, suggests a possible epidural bleed.”
Elisabeth wanted to shake him to upset his smooth delivery of such terrible news. This was her baby sister he was talking about.
“We aren’t equipped to handle such traumas at this hospital,” Dr. Terrence continued. “We need to get her to Portland Children’s Hospital as soon as possible. Transportation is being arranged, and a team of specialists, including a neurosurgeon, will be waiting.”
“Whatever you need to do, do it.” Her voice sounded shrill. She cleared her throat. “I just want her to get better.”
Henry tightened his fingers around hers. She was so thankful he was with her. She couldn’t imagine going through this alone.
“We’re doing everything we can,” Dr. Terrence said. “It’s imperative we move quickly. Do you have insurance?”
“Forget about the cost,” Henry interrupted. “What’s important is getting Caitlin the best care available. Right, Elisabeth?”
All she could manage was a nod. But Henry was right. If it took selling the farm, selling everything to pay for the medical care, so be it. All that mattered was Caitlin.
“You can see her while we make final preparations,” Dr. Terrence said.
Elisabeth and Henry followed the doctor through a set of double doors. In the center of the emergency department, doctors and nurses milled around a busy hub containing computers, monitors, and phones. Around the perimeter of the central area were glass-enclosed examining areas. The doctor opened a sliding glass door to one of the rooms.
Caitlin lay on a gurney, a bandage on the side of her head. Machines beeped and blinked.
No, this couldn’t be happening. Not to Caitlin. Not to her baby.
Anguish tore into Elisabeth, weakened her knees, and she collapsed against Henry. He embraced her, sharing his strength and comfort. She needed both from him. And so much more.
“She’s so pale. So little.” Elisabeth reached out and touched Caitlin’s ashen skin. “She feels cold. Do you think she needs another blanket?”
Henry pulled up a chair for Elisabeth to sit on. “I’ll find a nurse.”
She sat but didn’t know what else to do. She reached for her sister’s small hand.
“It’s going to be okay, sweetie.” An IV ran into Caitlin’s other arm. A lump formed in Elisabeth’s throat, but if she cried, it would be all over with. “We’re going to a hospital in Portland.”
No response. Fear shuddered through Elisabeth. It was all she could do not to fall into a heap on the gray tile floor. But she couldn’t. She had to be strong for Caitlin.
“Portland is where Henry used to live,” Elisabeth said. “The hospital is especially for kids.”
She glanced at the nurses’ station in the center of the emergency department. Henry spoke to a group of people. A woman dressed in a suit handed a phone to Henry, and he looked serious. A little too serious.
Elisabeth looked away. She couldn’t deal with any more bad news right now.
“Henry’s here.” She touched Caitlin’s rose-petal-smooth cheek. “He’s making sure the doctors take good care of you. And he’s taking good care of me, too.”
Elisabeth kissed Caitlin’s hand. She was afraid to touch anything else.
“You’re going to get better.” The machines beeped and blinked. All good signs, she assumed. “Don’t worry. It’ll be okay. You’ll be fine.”
