I spent some time today with Hannah at work in the hospital. It was not easy for me, I have to admit. I have never much liked hospitals, though not for the reason most of my brethren feel. It is not the pain that bothers me, nor even the fear in the spirits of those who are in real danger of death. For me, it is not loss of life but altered life that hurts the most. Those who know that they will survive, but that their lives are forever changed, and the grief and anger that they feel—that is most painful to me.
Today the fellows were in the burn unit, and so there were several such patients nursing their wounded bodies and spirits. I could hardly bear it, either the sight of their altered features or the pain in their eyes.
I am glad I was there, however, for Hannah shone in these surroundings. Her own innate pessimism was set aside, and though she did not smile, she radiated peace and confidence to these people who badly needed it. Her hands were gentle, and her eyes were attentive. As she looked at each patient, I could see that she was using her specialized knowledge to envision how the damage might be repaired, how she could return a semblance of normalcy to their features. There was an intensity to her that I have not seen before, a determination that sat well on her spirit.
She stayed a while with the last patient, though she had had a very long shift, and talked about things that had nothing to do with burns or hospitals. The patient was a nine-year-old girl with a cruel burn across her ear and the back of her neck, but she was cheerful as she told Hannah about her favorite television show.
“Do you wanna watch with me?” Lily asked Hannah. “One of the good things about staying at the hospital is you get to watch tv as much as you want.”
“I would love to, but I’ve got some work to do this evening,” Hannah sighed, as if she were genuinely disappointed she could not watch a cartoon about small winged horses. “But maybe I can come back some other time and we can watch together.”
“Really? You mean it?” The excitement in the girl’s voice made me think that few people have been able to keep her company during her stay.
Hannah touched her nose lightly, making the girl smile. “I mean it,” she said, and she did.
I put a wing around them both, washing them in warmth. And it was in that moment that Lily’s uncle came into the room.
“Oh,” he said, stopped short by Hannah’s white coat. “I’m sorry, Doctor, I don’t mean to interrupt, but they said they were done.”
Hannah got to her feet, shaking her head. “It’s fine. We are done, but I just wanted to talk to Lily for a minute.”
“I was telling her about Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, Uncle Jack,” Lily said, grabbing Hannah’s arm and leaning on it as she grinned at Jack.
“I am reliably informed that I am like Twilight Sparkle because I work too hard,” Hannah said dryly.
Jack laughed. “Called you out, did she?” he asked, and came across to—gently—poke Lily’s shoulder. “You shouldn’t use ponies to bully people, kiddo.”
As Lily protested this, Hannah and I considered Jack. He is only a few years older than Hannah, but there is already gray at his temples. Hannah thought that it made him look distinguished. Whatever that means, I also approved of my first impression of him. There are marks of trouble on his soul, but he has borne them well, and it is clear from his interactions with Lily that he loves her deeply.
When Lily’s supper arrived, Hannah drew Jack out into the hall for a quick word. “So it’s none of my business,” she murmured, “I’m not her attending or anything, but…well, I have to admit, I’m concerned about Lily. She told me that her father was home when she burned herself?” In her voice were many questions, none of which she felt she had the right to ask, and all of which she felt she had to have answered.
Jack understood perfectly well. “I’m starting to sue for custody,” he said. “I don’t think Matt will fight too hard. Honestly I don’t care if he does. Whatever it takes, I’ll get her safe.” There was a kind of angry confidence in his voice that reassured Hannah—this was the look of a man who would do whatever it took.
“Good,” she said, and put her hand on Jack’s arm. He glanced down, surprised, and she snatched it away. “Sorry, it’s just…she’s such a good kid,” she explained.
He could see how much this mattered to her, despite her short acquaintance with Lily, and he smiled. “Yeah. She is.” He held out his hand. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Oh! I’m sorry, I’m just coming off my shift and that always makes me a little thick-headed,” she said. “I’m Dr. Valdez, I’m a fellow—plastic surgery.” She took his hand and shook it.
“Jack Higgins. I’m glad Lily has caring people like you to take care of her.” He kept hold of Hannah’s hand a bit longer than is socially required. “And what should I call you when you’re not on the clock?”
The tone of his voice startled Hannah, but when she looked up at his smile, she was not averse. “Hannah,” she said, returning the smile.
“Hannah,” he repeated and released her. “Nice to meet you.”
They talked for a little while longer, and when Jack went back into Lily’s room, he went with Hannah’s number in his pocket. She went home feeling a little lighter than she usually does, which I find encouraging. I know that what draws them to one another is mutual respect, as well as affection for Lily. To me, that is a promising beginning.
I should not speculate this early, but I do hope that it works for Hannah. She deserves someone who is caring and good, and who will fight for her. I think Jack could be that person.