Page 48 of The Call She Made That He Never Answered
Joe talked, low and steady, like white noise.
"Back when you worked at the sanatorium... I was still in med school."
I closed my eyes, murmuring acknowledgment so his words wouldn't just fall flat.
"Because my father ran the place, I'd been volunteering there for years."
Something warm and rough covered the back of my hand.
I jerked awake.
Joe was still watching the road, but panic flickered across his face. His voice cracked, halting.
"I'd never met anyone like you. The way you worked—so professional, so sure. And how gentle you were with every patient. It was impossible to forget."
I tried to pull my hand back. Couldn't. Joe tightened his grip, veins standing out. I realized his gentleness had edges.
"Joe, you—"
"Ella, listen," Joe said louder, like if he didn't get it out now, he never would. "Two years ago, when I heard you got married... I was devastated. That's why I chose Minnesota for my residency. Even when I picked this hospital, I thought about your sister's kidney disease. That maybe someday I could help you."
My heart sank. Joe was crossing the line from friendship, and I couldn't pretend I didn't see it anymore.
"When I visited my father recently—that day in the rain—it wasn't a coincidence, Ella. I went there to see you. I just wanted to know if you were okay."
The car jerked to a stop at a red light, tires whining against pavement. He turned to me. The dashboard's cold blue glow reflected in his eyes, shattered starlight, burning with raw intensity.
"Now you've left him. Ella, I can—"
Pressure filled the small space. I wasn't that clueless—I heard what Joe wasn't saying. Combined with Maya's comment earlier, it terrified me.
My apartment building was right there. I could shove the door open, escape this. But Joe wasn't just anyone. We saw each other at the hospital every day. Two years of marriage had taught me one thing: running only made problems worse. The only way out was through.
I yanked my hand free. Met Joe's eyes. Spoke slowly and clearly.
"I'm pregnant, Joe. The baby is Lucas's."
Joe's smile froze. The warmth drained from the car. I couldn't stay. I shoved the door open and stepped into the cold night.
I felt a pang of regret, but mostly relief. No matter what, I wouldn't lie to someone who'd been good to me. Everything Joe had done for me, I'd remember it. When I could, I'd pay him back. As a friend.
I thought things would be awkward with Joe for a while. But the next day, he showed up at Maya's room, right on time.
He held out a box of erythropoietin and a bottle of phosphate binders.
"You need help right now, Ella." His eyes darted away, but his expression stayed genuine. "Even if it's just as a friend, let me help."
I was surprised. And grateful. I hadn't lost him.
"Thank you, Joe. If you ever need anything, anything I can do, please ask."
When I turned to set the medications on the nightstand, I caught Maya's knowing look.
I hadn't seen her face that lively in ages. Still, I shot her a warning glance. Don't start.
The attending physician arrived with a cluster of residents for morning rounds. Joe blended into the group and followed them into the room. After they finished—questions, exams, charting vitals—he stayed behind.
Joe looked like he wanted to say something. To keep things from getting uncomfortable, Maya and I kept ourselves busy, trying to seem relaxed.
