A Heart of Faith – Chapter Thirteen

MapleInk62

Time. Some think it’s something of which they have lots. But we never can know how much we do have, until it becomes jeopardized. That’s a lesson the Meltsner learnt the hard way, when just that happens to Eugene Meltsner.

  All of a sudden, time seems to be slipping away for him, quicker than anyone could have expected. Will the situation be able to be turned around before time is completely gone for good? Only time and faith will reveal what God could possibly have planned for them—of what use the situation could be. And maybe, as the saying goes, “One man’s loss, is another man’s gain.”

  Although the events prove to be a fright for the family, and even their close friends, they are all able to find that they can have Hearts of Faith that God will take care of them and their every need.

The weekend was coming up again for the town of Odyssey. With it now being July, meaning school kids were on their summer break, the remaining significance of the weekend was the upcoming Sunday. To accommodate the fact that kids were no longer in school, Whit’s End was now operating by its summer hours. It wasn’t all too different from its Saturday hours during school months, except that said hours applied to Monday through to Saturday.

  With noon having been a couple of hours past, the sun had already begun its slow descent in the west. Its warm, golden rays shone through the front windows of the Ice Cream Parlor in Whit’s End. It gave off an effect as if the lights in the room were turned off. Luckily enough, nobody was having the sunlight shone in their eyes.

  The Parlor alone was full of kids. Summer had started off with generously warm temperatures, leaving many longing for a cold ice cream or soda delight. And those who’d already gotten their helping of ice cream, or had simply not ordered anything, were off in the other rooms of Whit’s End—both on the main floor, and second floor. It seemed many of the kids were wanting their turn in the Imagination Station, or to work the Train Station, or even to try the Room of Consequence.

  Of course, with the kids using the inventions, it took someone to make sure everything was running smoothly. Mr. Whittaker was downstairs helping Connie at the front counter, seeing as it was busy, which left Eugene to the task—knowing just as much about the inventions and their programs as Whit did himself. 

  Nodding to himself in a satisfied manner, Eugene stepped out of the Imagination Station. The brief lull in its use had allowed him to run a check of its systems before the next programmed adventure. Not a minute after stepping out, did two kids all-but-jump into the control seats. He quietly chuckled and shook his head a little. Following the chuckle, came another fit of coughing. Eugene slipped into Mr. Whittaker’s office nearby until it subsided.

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  Having been in town that afternoon, Katrina decided that she and Buck should stop by Whit’s End—seeing as Eugene’s shift was due to end soon. “How does a soda sound, Buck?” She asked, as they both walked up the front steps of the building. “Sounds refreshin’.” The blonde smiled, pulling the door open. “Well, that settles that.”

  Entering Whit’s End, Katrina nearly collided with a couple of kids who were racing each other out the door. “Oh-!” She quickly stepped aside, Buck doing the same. Once the kids passed them, they continued into the parlor. While simultaneously trying to serve three adjacent tables of kids at once, Connie spotted the two. “Hi, Katrina! Hey, Buck!”

  “Hey, Connie! It sure is busy here.” Katrina noted. Connie nodded with a light huff. “It’s been crazy all day,” She began, turning to take the now empty tray in her hands back to the counter. “You wouldn’t believe! I don’t remember the last time a summer started with such a kick, y’know?” Connie commented, reaching over the counter to place the tray in a spot where it would be tended to later.

  “Why, hello Katrina, hi Buck.” Whit greeted with a warm smile, as he handed off an ice cream cone to a customer. Katrina nodded in greeting. “Hi, Whit. How’s Eugene been today?” That warm smile slowly faded, as Whit sighed. Katrina’s own smile also fell in response. “Honestly? I really don’t think I can have Eugene coming in anymore.”

  “Oh…” He continued. “He used to be able to just come in, and do light work around the shop—mostly with the computers, things like that. But now, well…” Whit trailed off with a shake of his head. Connie’s expression also fell a little. “He’s too sick now.” She said, “I mean, even just today he’s kept telling us that he’s fine, and that he has no problem being here, working, but we can’t believe him. He’s been having coughing fits, and they’ve sounded worse today.” Katrina sighed. “I understand.” She said, crossing her arms in front of herself. She completely agreed with them, afterall. 

  “Where is Eugene now?” Katrina then asked. “I’m pretty sure he’s-” Connie’s reply was interrupted when the three heard coughing from the staircase—despite the crowd of customers. “Upstairs.” Mr. Whittaker added, completing Connie’s answer. The four all turned to see Eugene arriving at the ground floor, and making his way to the front counter. He spotted Katrina and Buck as he did, and smiled. “Oh, Katrina, Buck! I’m pleasantly surprised to see the two of you here.”

  “We were downtown and decided to stop in.” Katrina explained, returning the smile. “Ah, I see.” Eugene hummed. “Eugene,” Whit began, garnering his employee’s attention. “Yes, Mr. Whittaker?” Whit continued. “I’m going to let you go home early.” Eugene blinked. “But, my shift isn’t due to end for another forty minutes.”

  “I know,” Whit told him. “But, I can’t in good conscience let you come in to work anymore.” He explained, while walking around the counter to speak to Eugene properly. He lowered his voice a little bit, but not too much so he wouldn’t be heard. “You’re only getting more ill, and you being here working isn’t doing you any good, Eugene.”

  “Oh.” Eugene’s gaze fell. “I suppose you’re right… Mr. Whittaker.” He agreed, though in a bit of a hesitant manner. 

  Looking up, he turned to look at Katrina—swaying subtly. Connie’s eyes narrowed. “In that case,” He began with a sigh. “Shall we… be…” Katrina gave him a puzzled look. “Eugene? Are you alright?” He’d grabbed onto the edge of the counter, having begun to feel dizzy. “I…” Connie stood close beside him, gently grabbing onto his arm. “You need to sit down.” With a shaky half nod, Eugene sat on one of the bar stools lining the counter. Connie didn’t let go of Eugene’s arm, and even placed her other hand on his back. “A-Apologies…”

  “Don’t apologize.” Katrina said, sitting on the barstool next to him. She took his hand in her own, noting that it felt cold. “If you need to,” Whit added. “Just rest your head on the counter until you start to feel a little better.” He told him. Eugene took a breath, and did just that. Shakily taking off his glasses and setting them down, he then rested his head atop his arm. Everyone exchanged worried looks.

  “Katrina, you should probably take him to the hospital.” Mr. Whittaker commented with a sigh. Katrina nodded. “Yeah, I will.” She confirmed, still holding onto Eugene’s hand while the dizzy spell slowly began to subside. 

•·················•·················•

  Thanks to the temperature of the room, he felt cold. There was that sterile smell of disinfectant one could only smell in a hospital. Whatever blanket that was resting on top of him didn’t do much to help warm him up. The fabric was thin, and not really all-that-soft. And there was a beeping sound. A low, rhythmic beeping sound closeby. It sounded like a cardiac monitor. These sensations felt familiar.

  Blinking groggily, Eugene’s eyes looked about the room. He hadn’t remembered falling asleep. Had he finally passed out? Shifting his head, he could feel that there was a nasal cannula resting on his face—just below his nose. Without really thinking, he reached a hand up to touch it. The action was interrupted by his hand being grabbed in a gentle grip—being mindful of the IV needle in his hand. “… Katrina?”
  “Hey,” She greeted, handing her husband’s glasses over to him. “Look who decided to wake up.” She teased him, keeping a quiet tone. “Did I… fall unconscious?” Eugene asked as he took his glasses and put them on. Katrina nodded. “On the way to the hospital. I had thought you had just fallen asleep, but you must’ve just gotten too light-headed.” She explained. Eugene hummed. “That must be it… I hardly even remember our departure from Whit’s End.”

  “You were leaning on me as we walked, and Connie was on your other side to help make sure you made it down the staircase and to the car.” Katrina then explained. “I see.” 

  Briefly glancing about the room, Eugene took notice of something else. “Where is Buck?” He asked. “He stayed behind at Whit’s End. I told him to walk home.” Katrina replied. “I suppose he would rather not be sitting idle here, in a hospital.” Eugene noted. His wife nodded in agreement. “And, what of my possibly being discharged?”

  “Well, Dr. Graham checked on you,” She continued. “And, she said you’ll have to stay in the hospital until a donor is found.” Katrina told him. Eugene’s expression fell visibly. “Oh…” She grabbed onto his hand again as a comforting gesture, while he leaned his head back against the pillow. Seeing as he wasn’t going anywhere in the immediate future, he may as well get comfortable.