Debbie didn’t answer because she didn’t know what she thought. Gini had wanted another baby, but Debbie had been scared, thinking it was a bad idea.
When they pulled into the driveway, Kensy was parking in front. She had a box full of pastries from the pastry shop in the town center.
Daniel was at the kitchen table with Jessica. He had an app opened on Alyssa’s computer, and they were singing while he played the computer keyboard. Debbie had texted Alyssa to let her know what was going on.
“Daddy, I have a brother. I have a baby brother.”
He picked her up and hugged her, trying as hard as he could to hold in his emotions. “Yes, you do, princess. You’re going to think he’s a baby doll, he’s so little.”
“Mama says to take good care of Robbie. She loves him.”
The emotions caught Debbie off guard, and Kensy squeezed her shoulders.
Robert stood steady. “Yep, it’s your job as a big sister to keep him happy.”
“And feed him and bathe him and play with him.”
He smiled and rustled her hair. “Exactly. The most important being play with him.”
The kitchen was full of aromas of pancakes and maple syrup and bacon, cooked by Alyssa.
For the next couple of hours, Robert constantly looked at his computer hospital app and texted or talked to John to keep up with Gini’s progress. She continued stable and was resting comfortably. He finally gave up and went to bed when he could hardly walk he was so exhausted.
After Debbie ate, she cleaned up and went back to the hospital. Kensy went with her and sat in the room watching Debbie work her magic.
Gini was moving everything but her right arm. The sagging in her face was almost gone, and her pupils were equal.
“Debbie, I have a wonderful son.” Gini was surprised at how easily she could say the words. “I’m so happy I had a son for Robert.”
But all Debbie heard were garbled sounds.
“I know Jessica is going to be such a great sister. I can’t wait to go… gag… dey… nume… say…”
“Baby, don’t try to talk. You’re going to be all right. You need to rest for now.”
It saddened Kensy to see how Gini was struggling to try to say something and how her hand lay awkwardly against her body. But Debbie was patient and kind, trying to make Gini as comfortable as possible, never wavering with emotion.
“Are you hungry, baby?”
“Oh, yes. I think I haven’t eaten for days.”
Again, it was garbled words. Debbie took a towel and wiped the saliva from Gini’s mouth.
Gini had her hand on top of Debbie’s. In her mind, she was holding the fork and feeding herself.
“Who’s the strange lady in the chair?” Gini asked.
“Baby, don’t try to talk. It will come back to you soon.”
Robert slept, played with Jessica, and then slept again. He didn’t want to see Gini crippled in a bed; he just didn’t.
He spent most of the next week at home and most of that time in the master suite with the door closed, only going to the hospital for a couple of hours in the morning and afternoon. He knew Debbie was there taking care of Gini. He had to get himself together before he spent too much time with her. Each of these setbacks was weighing heavy on him and he hated the way he felt. But he knew Gini would pick up on his feelings if he spent too much time with her.
Debbie was constantly at the hospital, and while Jessica was at a friend’s house, Alyssa was in the infant nursery with Robbie. He was active and healthy.
After a week, everyone went home. They had gotten Gini up and walking with the aid of a leg brace—her arm hung in a sling at her side. Her steps were slow, with a prominent limp, as she dragged her leg to move forward.
Gini was happy to be back at what she thought was the condo. She wanted to see the ships in the harbor but could never find the window to look out. In her mind, she walked and talked normally.
Since Gini and Robbie were at home, Robert spent most of his time working at the hospital. It frustrated Debbie, but she didn’t have time to confront him. Her job was to take care of Gini.
Each time Gini sat in her recliner, she put her left hand on the white Bible that was always on the table next to the chair. Debbie put the book in her lap one day. Gini fumbled with the pages, pushing them with her left hand.
When Robert got home, she was asleep with her hand on the open pages. He took it from her and read Matthew 11:28–30.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
He slowly closed the Bible and held it to his chest, watching her sleep. She looked so peaceful. Why does she have to suffer so? he thought. Why?
On Saturday a couple of weeks later, Robert and Gini were sitting on the couch. He was watching a seminar on his tablet, and Gini was constantly mumbling something.
She turned toward Robert. “Bah… de, wah, wah, ghee.”
“Gini, just stop,” Robert barked. “Please just stop the jabber.”
Debbie immediately stood from her chair across the room. “Robert, don’t speak to her like that.”
Robert grabbed Gini up into his arms. “She’s my wife, and this is my house. I’ll do as I please.”
He got up, carrying Gini,
