Heart of Clay

  Bobbi walked out of ICU with Dr. Fisher. They both looked at Callan and smiled.

  “Callan, did you get some rest?” David asked, not convinced that she had.

  “Yes, I did. I brought some things with me so I can stay here, though. I don’t want to leave Clay again.”

  David nodded. “We’re running short of beds in ICU and since Clay is doing so well, I’ve decided to have him moved this afternoon to a private room. Even though he’s still in a coma, I think you all will be more comfortable with him there. How does that sound?”

  “Wonderful.” Callan grinned at the doctor.

  “I’ll let you know as soon as we’re ready to move him,” David said, before walking back into ICU.

  The move to a private room went well and Callan was so pleased at what the room offered. After having crowded into the tiny little space in ICU among all the beeping machines and equipment, the private room seemed so spacious. A window looked out on the landscaped lawn below. A private bathroom with a shower, a recliner, and two other chairs rounded out the room along with Clay’s bed and all the equipment that trailed along with him.

  Once the doctor settled Clay and the nurses were sure everything was fine, they allowed Callan, Bobbi and Steve all to enter the room.

  Callan stood next to the bed and softly rubbed Clay’s arm, telling him about the move, how nice the room was and how much he would enjoy it when he woke up. She bent over him and positioned her mouth close to his ear. “Come back to me, Brick. I need you here.” Placing a soft kiss on his forehead, she moved so Bobbi could stand next to the bed.

  The next day, Callan returned from taking a walk to get some fresh air to find the biggest, prettiest arrangement of flowers she’d ever seen in the room. The card said it was from Mrs. Horner, Callan’s client whom she had toured around the convention center the day before Clay’s accident.

  With the card still held in her hand, she told Clay’s parents about Mrs. Horner and her reaction to seeing Clay. Steve smiled at the story, but tears flowed down Bobbi’s cheeks. Callan bit the inside of her cheek to keep from joining her. After giving Bobbi a hug and squeeze, Callan went outside to call Mrs. Horner and thank her for the bouquet.

  Over the next several days, bouquets, balloons and cards poured in until the room looked like a florist’s shop.

  Callan finally asked the nurses if they would like some of the flowers for their workstations, or to brighten the waiting room areas. All but a few of the bouquets were soon removed.

  One afternoon, Big Jim arrived with little Audrey and Emma in tow. Callan turned the corner in the hallway after taking a walk to stretch her legs when she saw them. The little girls appeared subdued, coached by their great-grandfather to use their indoor voices and be very quiet.

  Callan hugged both girls close and glanced at her dad. “Are you sure this is a good idea, Daddy? I don’t want to frighten the girls. Clay looks a lot different than what they are used to seeing.”

  “I know, sweet daughter, but they begged and pleaded to come see their Uncle Clay. We talked about how he got hurt in lots of places and can’t talk to them. They know they have to be quiet. They also know that Uncle Clay can hear them and would love that they came to visit him.” Big Jim nodded his head encouragingly at Callan, trying to convince her it was a good idea.

  Callan got down on her knees and pulled a girl close in each arm, speaking quietly to them. “Uncle Clay and I so appreciate your visit, girls. He’s sleeping right now and he can’t give you a hug today, or smile at you, or even open his eyes. He’s hooked up to lots of wonderful machines that are helping to make him all better, so he looks a little different than you are used to. I don’t want you to be afraid of the machines or Uncle Clay. He’s still the same Uncle Clay inside and he loves you very much.”

  Callan stood and took a little hand in each of hers. “Now, let’s be very, very quiet, and you can say hello to Uncle Clay.” She walked into the room with Audrey and Emma as Big Jim followed them.

  Bobbi sat in the room, relaxing in the recliner. She looked at Callan and then Big Jim in surprise, but plastered on a warm smile for the girls. “Hello Audrey and Emma. How nice of you to come see your Uncle Clay. Did you have a fun ride with your grandpa?”

  The two little girls nodded their heads, their eyes fixed on their former big playmate so quiet and still in the bed. Callan walked to Clay’s bedside and picked up Audrey while Bobbi picked up Emma. They held a girl on each side of bed. Both girls were completely silent, their little eyes growing huge as they took in the equipment, Clay’s bruises, and stitches.

  Finally, little Emma reached out a tiny hand and softly patted Clay’s cheek. She leaned over in Bobbi’s arms and put her rosebud lips close to Clay’s ear. “Uncle Clay, Audrey and I comed with Gampa to see you. We miss you and wants you well so you can play with us some more. We loves you.”

  Audrey patted a spot on Clay’s arm that looked safe and whispered “We love you lots, Uncle Clay. Please get all better.”

  Callan and Bobbi set the girls down and swallowed back their tears. Callan smiled at them. “How about if we take you to the cafeteria and get some ice cream while Grandpa stays with Uncle Clay? Would that be alright?”

  Both little girls nodded their curly heads and walked to the door with Callan and Bobbi. Big Jim sat down in the chair by the bed and started telling Clay a story about a fellow he once knew who hit his head on a post and didn’t wake up again for three days.