When We Met

"You ready, sis?" Frank asked as he closed the door behind him. I was seated on the porch waiting for him so that we could head to the bus station together. The rising sun shone its blinding arrows of light on the dew creating a sparkling scene on the grass blades as a light breeze blew across the lawn. I loved the dawn. It was the start of a new day full of new experiences and chances, but the previous days' events had dampened my mood and left me feeling like the sun wasn't rising fast enough.

"Yeah...I guess."

"Hey, you're doing what you believe is best, sis. Brad is family, and he needs us right now."

"I guess you're right," I replied, barely audible, as I picked my bag and got up, " but so does Ryan."

Franked looked at me sympathetically and pulled me into a tight embrace,  encouraging me to trust my heart. I didn't know if I could trust my heart again after all that had happened, so I opted to trust Frank's faith in my decision. He assured me that he'd keep an eye on Ryan while I was gone. 

We arrived at the bus stop just in time for me to buy a ticket and avoid delaying the already agitated bus driver. I bid Frank goodbye, got in and took my seat, putting on my headphones to listen to my travel track. After a short prayer, I leaned back and gently drifted into a peaceful slumber.

We arrived at Lakewood town at around eleven in the morning. The springtime air was warm and welcoming, and the flowers had begun painting the streets. I passed by the grocery store to pick up a few things for Mrs Collen on my way to her house. The lawn looked neglected as though no one had been around to tend to it for quite a while. The porch was no more different.  I rang the doorbell and nervously waited for someone to answer, but no one did. My heart pounded like a drum in my chest as I started thinking about everything that could have gone wrong. I rang again, this time a little longer and with a little more urgency, and after receiving no response, let myself in. 

I anxiously looked around the light-deprived living room and found Mrs Collen seated dejectedly by the window. As she turned to see who it was, I noticed the immense sorrow in her eyes and realised something was indeed wrong. I hurried to her side and wrapped her in my arms, feeling her chest heave with pain as she let it all out. I was determined to keep the worst-case scenario from creeping up into my thoughts, so I comforted her and told her that everything would be alright.

"You probably have enough time to say goodbye, my dear," she whispered in my ear weakly. I looked at her tired, swollen eyes full of despair and quickly understood what she said. I sighed and tried to be strong, at least for Mrs Collen. After making her a cup of tea and a sandwich, I bid Mrs Collen goodbye and made my way to the hospital. The memory of Brandon being brought to this same hospital, barely hanging on to life almost 15 years ago, sent shivers down my spine. 

I whispered a prayer asking Jesus to do it again. Whatever He did all those years ago in the OR. I asked Him to remember his mom, who had suffered enough loss, and Brandon was all she had left. All I wanted at this moment was a second chance for Brad. After inquiring about Brandon Collen at the reception, a nurse directed me to his room. 

"He your man?" the nurse asked, concerned.

"Oh, um, no, he-he's a family friend. How is he doing?"

"Well, when he came in, he was in pretty bad shape. Now he's on a ventilator. His lungs are really damaged..."

"Oh my goodness!"

She patted me comfortingly on the back and led me in. 

"Tell me when you need anything."

"Thank you so much...Joyce."

I made my way to Brad's bedside and gently took his hand in mine. He was so young and had so much life ahead of him, but his condition had denied him the opportunity to explore it by confining him to a hospital bed. I couldn't help but break down as I watched him struggle to fight for his life. I brushed my fingers against his forehead, causing him to open his eyes. They were pale and sunken, almost devoid of life.