You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
SHAWN THORNTON || 21<br />
Each time, the family stood around the bed as Bev slept<br />
as if nothing could wake her.<br />
A somber feeling pervaded the house as days blurred into<br />
weeks and weeks blurred into months. <strong>The</strong> girls saw little <strong>of</strong><br />
their mother, who stayed at the hospital all day. <strong>The</strong> family<br />
summoned their financial resources to pay for a registered<br />
nurse to stay all night with Bev. Betty and Russell’s conversations<br />
bled through the bedroom walls, full <strong>of</strong> sadness, self-<br />
recrimination, and occasional blame.<br />
“Why did he have to turn in front <strong>of</strong> that pickup?” came<br />
Russell’s voice, exasperated.<br />
“I don’t know, Russell. It breaks my heart.”<br />
“Ah! We should never have let her go. I can’t believe that<br />
boy did this to her.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> sisters were never part <strong>of</strong> these conversations, but one<br />
night, Connie began crying in her bed.<br />
“Why are you crying, Connie?” Gail asked in the darkness.<br />
“’Cause Bevie’s going to die.”<br />
“No, she’s not. Don’t say that.”<br />
“<strong>The</strong>n why isn’t she awake yet?”<br />
“I don’t know. She needs rest. Sleep is good. She was in<br />
an accident.” Gail paused, then added, “Everybody at church<br />
prayed for her this Sunday. And three people called the house<br />
today to ask how she was.”<br />
“But she’s unconscious.”<br />
“I know that. She’s sleeping,” Gail countered.<br />
“Shush! It’ll be all right,” Sue said. “Whatever happens,<br />
it’ll be all right.”
Change language