Okay doctor, I hear a womans voice as she exits Bettes room, Ill go get the suture kit. A suture kit? Why do they need a suture kit? Just as I ask myself the question, I hear the rhythmic pulse of a machineBEEPBEEPBEEP. I open my eyes to notice several staff members emerge through the door. One of them walks to a supply cabinet and returns with a wrapped trayI presume thats a suture kit. Quickly rising to my feet, I startle Father Bishop from his mumblings.

Excuse me, I grab the attention of a young nurse. He cant be much older that twenty-five, but hes the only one who looked. Whats going on, I ask him.

I cant say maam, youll have to wait for the doctor. His answer is a little less comforting that the tones emanating from the roomBEEPBEEPBEEP. I let out a sigh of relief as I notice the rhythm of her pulseeach heartbeat echoes through my ears, into my head, and down to my chest as my own heart beats in sync with the broken toneBEEPBEEPBEEP. I peer through the window to spy the doctor standing over her. Her hospital gown is drawn backthe spot of blood visible from my vantage point. Several blood-soaked gauze pads are placed in a small disposable basin. I watch as the doctor dons a different pair of gloves. He reaches into a small, square envelope and pulls out a thread. His hand position tells me hes holding a needle as he lowers his arm and hand to begin his sewing. BEEPBEEPBEEPhis pace is slow and steady, keeping pace with the beat set by Bettes pulse. He finishes his handiwork and places clean gauze over the stitches. Allowing a nurse to dress Bette the doctor approaches me.

How is she, I ask him frantically.

I have good news and bad news, he begins. The bad news you already know; every time her heart stops were less likely to get it started. His words remind me of the grim news Ive already heardnews Id like to block outnews that might mean the end for Bette. The good news is we got her heart started and her vital signs look stronger that before. Also, I ran a sonogram on her chest and her aorta is holding upI didnt see any sign of weakness in or around the wound. Now, he continues, changing the subject, Ive scheduled Bette for an MRI and a CT scan. Once I get those results well have a clearer picture of that head injury. She wont be taken for the test for about twenty minutes, so why dont you go in and sit with her until then? With his final words the doctor steps aside and motions toward the door. As I step past him, closer to touching Bette again, he calls my attention, oh, by the way, when we got Bettes heart started again, her breathing started also, so weve removed the respirator.