“I have one more,” Norah says quietly. “Is it helpful to talk to her while she’s in the coma? I’ve heard stories about loved ones reading or talking to them frequently, but I’m not sure if those are accurate. I guess I just wonderif talking would cause the brain to be more active or if would it be soothing. I’m not sure if that even makes sense.”
“That’s a very insightful question, lass,” he tells her. “I don’t think it would be harmful to her to have someone sit and read or talk to her a couple of times a day. I wouldn’t recommend round the clock, of course, but a couple of hours a day would be just fine.”
Mam gives Norah a small smile of gratitude. “I hadn’t even thought of that. Thank the good Lord for you, love.”
Dr. Colm smiles at my Mam and places a comforting hand on her arm. “If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m on call for the next few days, so I’ll be here. You have my mobile number, so just give us a ring if you think of something. If I don’t answer, just leave a message and I’ll ring you back.”
She blushes deeply and says, “Thanks a million, Dr. Colm.”
I look back and forth between them. She’s acting odd, and he’s borderline unprofessional. I make a mental note to discuss this with her later.
“You’re free to stay and visit as long as you like. The nursing staff will be making their rounds frequently, and I’ll pop back in this evening,” Dr. Colm says before leaving the room.
“Ach, he’s just the nicest man. I’m so thankful that our Caity has such good care here,” Mam says absently.
“He does seem very kind,” Norah says, standing up from the chair she’s been in. “I think I’m going to go get a cup of coffee. Rosie, can I get you anything?”
“Bless you. No, I’m fine for the moment.”
“Eamon, what about you?” she asks cautiously like she’s afraid I’ll snap again. I could kick myself for being such an arse to her a moment ago.
“No, I’m okay,” I say. “I’ll come with you.”
She holds up her hand to stop me. “No, it’s fine. Stay here with your Mom. I’m sure you have some things to discuss without me lurking around.”
“Acushla…” I protest.
“Really.” She forces a smile at me. “I don’t mind. It will do me good to stretch my legs. I’ll be fine. I have my phone on me, so if either ofyou change your mind or think of something you need, let me know.”
Norah walks past me, and I reach out to grab her hand, giving it a squeeze in apology. When she looks up at me, I see pain and wariness in her eyes, and I hate myself a little more.
Norah
I take my time finding the cafeteria. I’m a little ashamed to admit that Eamon’s behavior earlier rattled me, but I chastise myself for being so selfish. This is a stressful situation and he’s clearly fighting an internal battle. I’ll give him space for today, stay quiet, and blend into the surroundings. I’ll be the errand girl, doing whatever I can to make life easier for him and Rosie. Maybe I’ll persuade both of them to get out tomorrow for some fresh air. Having spent so much time with my Mom during her chemo and radiation treatments, I know all too well what it feels like to be cooped up in a cold, stale hospital room for hours upon hours.
I’m just passing the reception area where a girl around my age is standing at the desk. I don’t mean to eavesdrop, but when I hear her mention Caity’s name, I halt my steps.
“Hi, I’m here to visit Caity Kennedy. She’s in the intensive care unit,” the girl states. “I’m a friend of the family.”
“As I mentioned yesterday, lass…” the kind-looking older lady begins and a niggling in my brain urges me to step forward.
“I’m so sorry to interrupt and for eavesdropping, but I just came from Caity Kennedy’s room. Her mother and brother are still up there now.”
The girl whirls around, long black hair swishing with the movement. “Eamon is here?”
“Yes, we just arrived earlier this morning. I’m Norah, his girlfriend,” I say, extending my hand in greeting, but she doesn’t reciprocate.
She does, however, look me up and down, eyes skeptical. “His girlfriend?” she asks in disbelief. “You’re American.”
“Last time I checked,” I say with a bemused expression. I have a sneaking suspicion I know exactly who this is, but I ask, “I’m sorry, what did you say your name was?”
The girl straightens and sneers, “I didn’t. I’m Rhiannan. Eamon and I have…history.”
Knew it.
It takes all of my self-control to keep from scoffing at her. Instead, I narrow my eyes slightly before saying, “Oh, I know all about yourhistory. He’s told meso muchabout you.Is Declan with you or at home with your kiddo?”
Rhiannan physically jerks her head back in shock. “That’s not really any of your business. I came to visit Caity, but now that I know Eamon is here, I think it’ll be nice to catch up with him.”
