Fiction

“This is the best day ever,” Jay gleefully announced.

Everything seemed perfect. Jay’s wife, Alison, had given birth to an adorable baby boy.

“Look at his little ears,” remarked Jay. “At least we don’t have to worry about anyone calling him Dumbo.”

“What will we call him?” Alison quietly asked. “We haven’t decided.”

Jay studied the amazingly alert baby. “He needs a good strong name, like Jack, if he is going to follow me into business.”

“Jack. It suits him. For he will be something special, I can feel it.” Alison beamed.

The day went far too quickly. Giving birth is a tiring experience for the mother and child. If Alison had known what Jack’s second day of life would be like, not even sleeping pills could have made her doze off.

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Ten Years Old

There was an old brown chair in the corner. The woman sleeping in it could be described as worn but Jack’s heart leaped as he instinctively shouted, “Mom!”

The thin figure shot up. She was a bit confused for no one ever called her mom. The wide-eyed young smiling face was the most beautiful thing she had seen in ten years. “Jack!” she cried. The euphoria she felt fluttered her heart with an onslaught of new emotions.

“I’m hungry.”

Alison joyfully laughed. He was a very special little boy.

It was determined he was listening and learning while in the ten year coma. The doctors were amazed at his obvious knowledge. He knew the staff’s names and had heard stories his mother had read to him. He was also aware of his father’s absence. Jack remembered his mother telling him Daddy was away on business. Sadly, he had not heard his voice since.

An impromptu birthday celebration filled the hospital. Jack was fascinated by the whole experience and instinctively memorized the sights, smells and sounds. Newspaper

reporters arrived and interviewed the doctors, nurses, Alison and Jack. In the morning, the incredible story would make headlines. For the moment, the party atmosphere continued with no thought of tomorrow.

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Twenty Years Old

The morning sun fell across Jack’s face as he awoke refreshed and feeling strong. He tried to sit up but wires connected him to strange machines. His movement automatically sent alarms to the nurses’ station. Soon the room was flooded with medical personnel. Jack did not recognize a single face. “Where’s my mom?” he nervously asked.

Silence filled the tight space. One of the doctors ordered everyone out. He introduced himself as Dr. McCrea. His words were spoken slowly so the meaning was unmistakable. Jack’s mom was dead. Alison had spent everyday of the last twenty years at the hospital taking care of Jack’s daily needs. The strain had put her in a weakened condition while double pneumonia had done the rest. She had been cremated less than three weeks earlier.

How could this be? Jack had just seen her yesterday.

Dr. McCrea explained to Jack his predicament. Jack had been in a coma since he was two days old. He has only awakened twice, on his 10th birthday and again today, his 20th birthday. There is no apparent reason for this condition. It is a neurological phenomenon with no known medical precedence.

Hands covering his face, Jack forced himself to ask, “Will I wake up tomorrow?”

“I don’t know, Jack.” Sadly, it was the best answer Dr. McCrea could offer.

Overwhelmed, Jack started to cry. The doctor debated what to do and finally said, “You should eat something. I’ll see what we have around in the form of sustenance.”

Jack was glad the doctor had left. He did not want anyone to see him uncontrollably weeping. The sobs turned to anger. He pounded his fists on the mattress and then began ripping the wires from his arms, chest and head.

“Stop!”

Instinctively, Jack obeyed the voice. He looked up to see a young candy striper holding a tray of food. Her movements were fluid, her touch soft and her voice like pure silk. Jack could only stare as he simply wondered at the marvel in his room.

“Are you listening?” The teenager had been scolding Jack while replacing the nodes he had removed. She was grateful he did not resist. At first, she thought a sedative was needed; now she saw the patient was being reasonable.

Jack meticulously memorized the uniqueness of her face. If he was going to sleep for the next ten years, he wanted to remember this radiant redheaded girl.”

Jack reached for her hand and said, “I want to understand everything about you. What is your name? How old are you? What is your favorite food?”

“Food? Well, I brought yours.” At first, Gina was glad to have the tray between her and the patient. Her trepidation was lifted with one look into Jack’s trusting eyes. To keep him calm, she suggested, “If you eat, I’ll answer your questions.”

Of course, Jack agreed. The chicken salad was not nearly as satisfying as Gina’s life story. She explained her goal of becoming a registered nurse. Becoming more comfortable, she talked about college life, friends and her extensive record collection.

Jack shared the details of his condition and the news of his mother’s recent death. He expressed his fears for tomorrow and his gratitude for being alive today.

They visited at length and both enjoyed this new friendship. Though her shift had ended hours ago, Gina sat nearby and read A Wrinkle In Time aloud. When Jack nodded off, Gina sat and admired his angelic face. Not wanting the night to end, she decided to stay be his bedside in case he awoke in the middle of the night.

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Thirty Years Old

Even in sleep, Jack thought her beautiful, more beautiful than in his dreams. Curled up in a worn green chair, she still held the book she had been reading to him last night, Watership Down. He hated to wake her but the clock was ticking and he had lots to do today.

“Gina,” he called. Jack wanted to jump up and shake her awake when an idea struck him. It had worked last time. He started taking off the electrodes on his arms. Nothing happened. Next, he removed the nodes on his head. He wondered why these machines where connected if it didn’t matter if they came undone. Finally, with the removal of the last connection to his heart, an alarm sounded.

This did it. Gina instantly came to her feet. Panic gripped her mind but joy found her heart when she saw the smile on Jack’s face. Simultaneously, they reached for each other. Neither had felt such glee until this moment. She had spent the last ten years watching for some sign of consciousness and finally, Jack was pulling her closer and kissing her face.

“Marry me,” crossed his lips. Gina breathlessly nodded.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind. The hospital chaplain did the honors. A young resident loaned Jack his street clothes and acted as best man. Gina wore a dress hastily bought at a nearby store. The flowers were from the gift shop and the rings were temporarily borrowed from the news crew who arrived for the event.

Excitement not only filled the hospital but their love story traveled across the nation on television. Jack and Gina were blissfully unaware of the world’s interest in their lives. The sun was setting as their honeymoon finally began.

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Forty Years Old

Gina’s heart leapt. Within moments, Jack would be waking up for his 40th birthday. She had a big surprise waiting. She quietly wondered how to introduce Jack to his son.

Tommy tried hard to be still. At nine years old, it was not easy. He had seen his dad nearly every day of his young life, yet this would be the first time his father would be seeing him. It was a little scary.

They did not have long to wait. Jack opened his eyes and searched for Gina. A smile brightened his face. She was real and had become more beautiful, if possible, since their last encounter. Then he noticed the child next to her.

“Hello,” Jack said tenderly to the boy. “Are you my doctor?”

“I’m not a doctor,” Tommy said. “I’m your son.” Then Tommy jumped up on Jack’s bed and gave him a giant bear hug.

This new love was an incredible feeling. Jack was grateful to learn his son was in excellent health.

Happy and excited, Tommy did not stop talking. He told his dad all about school, soccer and his pet turtle, Mac. He bounced around the room while Gina gave Jack a long overdue kiss.

They spent the day getting to know one another as a family. Gina showed Jack their son’s baby album. Tommy read his favorite comic book, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, out loud with both of his parents listening.

As much as she was enjoying watching father and son together, Gina longed to be alone with Jack. Even though she knew today was not for her, the sacrifice was still a struggle. Soon, the day-to-day reality of raising a young boy, working in the hospital’s new hospice ward and the stress of her husband’s condition would be upon her again. Gina felt the clock spinning to the dreaded tomorrow.

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Fifty Years Old

Jack pondered his confided life. After fifty years, he only remembered five days and he knew the odds were against five more. The thought entered his mind to end the uselessness. He searched for a clean way to properly take his life.

Gina slowly entered the room. The years were taking a toll on her, too. Seeing Jack already awake, she beamed. As she reached for him, happy tears flowed along with hugs and kisses. She whispered, “I love you.”

Second thoughts spread through him. Gina was worth knowing even briefly. And, of course, there was their son.

“Where is Tommy?”

“College,” Gina answered. “He is a junior and majoring in business.” What she did not mention was Tommy rarely visited his father anymore.

The disappointment was evident. Jack would have loved to see his boy before he became a man. Slowly a smile came to his lips. “That means we are alone.”

“Yes, my husband.”

Jack answered the implied invitation from his wife.

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Sixty Years Old

Jack awakened and saw a man in a beige leather chair. Large hands covered his face. Jack knew it was Tommy. He probably went by Tom now. As he examined his son, Tom glanced up.

“Hello, Dad.”

“It’s good to see you again, Tom.” There was tension in the room. It had been twenty years since the two last spoke but that wasn’t the only reason. Something was missing. No, someone was missing.

“Is your mother coming?” Jack could not imagine anything keeping Gina away.

“No, Dad. She’s in the hospital.” Tom was very sullen. This would be easier to explain if his own wife could be with him instead of home taking care of their sick daughter, Judy.

A little confused, Jack waited for more information.

“She’s upstairs.” Tom took a breath and went on. “Mom has been ill a long time. The doctors are not sure why and plan on doing exploratory surgery tomorrow morning.”

“I have to see her. Please, take me to your mother.” Jack urged.

“Of course, Dad.”

Only then did Jack notice the wheelchair near his bed. Tom helped Jack into the chair and dutifully took his father to room 418. Gina’s head turned as they entered. Jack barely recognized the face smiling at him.

“Happy sixtieth birthday, dear.” The voice was unmistakably Gina’s.

“I thought I’d visit you for a change.” Jack tried to appear calm. He longed for an explanation on what was happening to her but he did not want to waste their precious moments. He felt ashamed of himself for considering suicide on their last day together. This was his reason for being on earth, to comfort Gina in her time of need. It was never about him. He hoped he would do a good job in the short time he had.

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Seventy Years Old

Even in sleep, Jack thought her beautiful, more beautiful than in his dreams. Curled up in a pale green chair, she still held the book she had been reading, Hurry Down Sunshine. He hated to wake her but his excitement could not be contained.

“Gina.”

As she lifted her head, the resemblance faded. This was not Gina. Who was this lovely woman?

“Happy Birthday, Grandfather.”

“Grandfather?” he questioned.

“Yes, sir. I’m Judy. It is nice to officially meet you. I’ve been coming here for as long as I can remember. Do you hear me talking or reading out loud?”

“Well, I do hear a sweet voice in my head.” Of course, he had assumed the voice belonged to Gina.

“Do you know how my wife is? She was sick the last time I saw her.”

Her bright eyes faded. “Grandma Gina died many years ago from ovarian cancer.”

His heart sank.

“Don’t worry, Grandfather. I’m going to take care of you. The university I attend has a large research center. I’m going to find a cure to your neurological problem.”

This made Jack smile. “How nice you are to worry about me.”

“You are my inspiration. I pledge to find the reason for your comatose state and to repair the damage.”

Jack was proud to have this amazing woman for a granddaughter. He wished he didn’t have to disappoint her.

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Eighty Years Old

From the walls to the floor, everything was different. The place smelled new. The room was clean, modern and very bright. Usually Jack awakens with a family member sitting near by. This room did not even have a chair. He considered there might not be anyone left to visit him.

Shortly, his fears were dismissed as Judy entered. She wore a white doctor’s jacket and matched the room, which gave Jack a chuckle.

“Grandfather,” she said. “It’s going to be a busy day. We have many experiments to perform.” As she talked, the room filled with medical personnel. All were dressed in white though clearly each person had different functions.

“This is my team who have been working non-stop on your behalf,” Judy proudly explained. “We have many tests to perform and probably not enough time, so let’s get started.”

The team worked like ants, organized and nonstop. No one spoke to him. They poked and prodded Jack while Judy gave orders. As the day progressed, the team diligently continued. When Jack suggested a lunch break, an IV was inserted. Dinner was no better. The day lingered making sleep a welcomed event.

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Ninety Years Old

At ninety years old, Jack doubted he would see another birthday. With this knowledge, he was not going to waste his last twelve hours as a guinea pig. He slipped out of bed. The thin gown was not his first choice for garments but nothing would stop him. With Judy in charge, security was certainly down the hall. The window was his only option.

Fresh clean air entered Jack’s lungs and energized his aged body. Stepping out, he followed the sidewalk until he came upon two young boys playing in their front yard. The youngest called out, “Hey, Mister! Why are you wearing a dress?”

Jack knew he looked out of place. He thought about ignoring the question but decided to take a chance. “I lost my clothes and this is all I have.”

The boys took pity on him. They raced inside and returned with handfuls of their father’s clothing. Jack was beyond grateful for their kindness. He took a black t-shirt and a pair of gray pants. After thanking the children, he continued toward his final journey.

A few city blocks later, he came upon a small public park. Jack sat on a wooden bench and admired the birds and flowers. Toddlers played near-by under the watchful eyes of young mothers. Close to Jack, a ball rolled up. A tiny redheaded girl bounced over to retrieve it. “Do you want to play?” she sweetly asked.

A smile crossed his face. Jack would have loved to. Play is a vital human experience he had missed. Before he could answer the child, her mother came over.

“Gina, leave the nice man alone.”

Her name was Gina. Jack should have guessed. Tender memories came to mind and brought a tear to his eye.

The woman correctly sensed Jack could use a friend. She invited him to sit with her mother’s club. He was welcomed into their midst. They joyfully showed off their youngsters and shared a variety of homemade goodies with him. The women entertained Jack with stories of potty training, bath times and bedwetting. In the course of the day, Jack ate mud pies, named lizards and recited folktales of heroic deeds.

A tired Jack watched the radiant sunset slowly go down. When he saw the silhouette of a woman leaning against a tree, a perfect peace washed over him. Wandering closer, a smile came to his lips as he noticed the outline of a familiar book in her folded arms.