IS IT SAFE TO LOOK AT THE MOON?

Long Ago, in the Mountains (continued)

Martin did not wait long.

"Hello Martin," Grace was apprehensive.

"Do not be alarmed, Grace, but Dr. Ben advised that you and I should be here with Jess."

"What is wrong? Is Jess worse?"

"No, she is all right. She did wake up and she did not recognize me at all."

"Oh my God, will she recover at all?"

"Dr. Ben said it may be temporary. He adised that we should be here, to help Jess recover."

"Then, I shall get ready and be with you soon. Bye, dear."

Martin put the phone down. His heart was heavy as he sat on an empty table at the hospital cafeteria.

Back at home, Grace dressed quickly and was out of the house in a short while. In the bus that was to take her to Jess, she prayed silently, for Jess' recovery, for Martin, and for the doctors. Martin was at the hospital gate when she got off the bus.

Martin and Grace held each other in silence.

"Let's keep our hopes high for Jess' sake." Martin soothed Grace as she began to sob.

"I am worried, Martin, really worried." Grace sobbed.

Martin took her by the hand and led her to Jess' hospital room. They stared at the sleeping form of Jess, their hearts weary. Grace pulled away from Martin and approached Jess. She touched Jess' face, and kissed her.

"I love you, Jess," she whispered.

"Come and sit here, Grace," Martin picked up a chair.

"Let me sit by her side, please," Grace murmured as she sat on the edge of the bed.

"That is all right, Grace." Martin sat on the chair.

For a long while, Grace held Jess' warm hand, uttering a prayer.
Martin approached the bed and helped Grace to another chair, next to him.

"I would like to see Dr. Ben," Grace looked at Martin.

"I think he said he will be back later this afternoon."

"Is there anything we can do about her temporary amnesia?"

"Let's wait to talk to Dr. Ben, shall we?"

"Oh my God, Martin, what if she does not recover?"

"Let us not get there, Grace. Let's wait for Dr. Ben."

As Martin and Grace conversed in whispers, Dr. Ben appeared at the door.

"Ah, I see you got here, Grace."

"I did plan to be here today, and every day, if possible," Grace replied.

"That's good because I believe your Jess' amnesia is temporary. When she sees you both here, she might remember who she is."

"What happens if we take her home today?" Grace kept her voice low.

"Well, today is not possible. Maybe tomorrow or the next day." Dr. Ben was slow to answer.

"How is she, really, Dr. Ben?" Grace wanted to know.

"Physically, she is good. There is not much we can do for her here. Her injuries are starting to heal. However, I would like to examine her when she wakes up again."

"Then we can take her home?" Grace felt a surge of life.

"Yes, I believe you can take Jess home. Let's wait for a day or two before you do that, shall we?"

"Thank you, thank you," Grace hummed.

Martin and Grace looked less worried when Dr. Ben left the room. They smiled at each other and held hands. Their hopes were reassured, that Jess was going to heal.



(to be continued)