AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He burst out laughing. “I’m glad I found you, Nurse Arianna Garcia.”
“Same here, Captain Lopez.”
Before flying out on their next mission, he called the Bay Health Center and inquired about the young boy who’d gone through surgery. He’d survived and was recovering.
After their return to the base, he turned to his two associates. “Just to let you know. I’m going to the Bay Health Center to visit Craig.”
“Who’s Craig?” Leo’s eyebrows shot up.
“The boy who was in the accident two days ago.”
Arianna grabbed his arm. “Can I come with you?”
“Sure. Follow me in your car. We’ll go in uniform to represent SAMF. Leo?”
“You guys go. I’m heading home. The wife is waiting for me.”
They met Craig and his father, Joe Cramer. The poor man reminded Rafael of himself.
“You probably don’t remember me. I’m the helicopter pilot who transported your wife and son to this hospital, Rafael Lopez.” He held out a hand to the widower. “I’m sorry about your loss. I went through a similar ordeal five years ago.”
His jaw tight, Joe nodded.
“So, you’re Joe.” Arianna shook his hand, too. “I’m Arianna Garcia, the nurse who took care of your wife in the copter. I have something to tell you on her behalf.”
“She talked in the copter?” His eyes widened.
“She could hardly breathe, but she managed to whisper, ‘Love Joe... Craig... Love you.’ Those were her last words.”
“Oh my God. Did you hear that Craig? Mommy said she loves you, she loves me. We’ll never forget her.” The man sobbed. Arianna hugged him, and he kept crying on her shoulder for a moment. “I’m sorry. I should pull myself together.”
“It’s normal to cry.” Arianna stepped back, approached the young boy’s bed. “Can I give you a hug, Craig?” She sat on the side of the bed, and bent toward him.
In need of a motherly hug, Craig threw his arms around her neck, he, too, crying. She kept him against her for a moment, stroking his head, until his tears subsided.
“Life sucks sometimes,” she said, and Rafael admired the way she related to the young boy. “Thank God, your surgery went well, and you’re on the mend.”
“I should have died like Mom.” Craig pouted, his tears reddening his eyes and nose.
“Don’t say that, buddy,” his father begged. “I would’ve been left alone and miserable.”
Lips stretched into a thin line, Rafael winced. “Very miserable. I lost my wife, Janice, and my six-year-old son, Mark, in a horrible car accident. I haven’t completely recovered yet, although I met an angel who’s helping me.”
He caught Arianna’s wide eyes and read her shock and compassion.
“Both?” She shook her head. “I’m so sorry, Rafael. I wish I could’ve helped instead of—”
“You’ve helped a lot. We’ll talk later.”
She blinked and turned to Craig. “Does your chest hurt?”
“Yes, when I move or cough.”
“It’ll go away soon. You must have had a good doctor.”
“An excellent surgeon.” A knock on the door interrupted them. “Ah, speak of the devil. Good evening, Dr. Mason.”
Arianna gasped and jerked away from the bed, almost hiding behind Rafael.
