Page 44 of A Good Book

How do you feel?

“Like shit. I may never hear again. Did they tell you that? This could be permanent.”

I wiped more tears and looked away.

“It’s not your fault.”

Tears burned my eyes.

He squeezed my hand and pointed at his eyes. “Not your fault,” he said. “You should get to class.”

I shook my head, and Ben frowned while mumbling, “I’m tired.”

I’ll go to the cafeteria and be back in less than ten minutes.

He gave me a slight headshake.

“Be right back,” I said, even though he couldn’t hear me.

I didn’t need anything from the cafeteria. I needed to call my parents. After accepting the collect call, Mom’s concerned voice made the lump in my throat swell.

“Gabby, is everything okay?”

I pressed a hand to my mouth to hold back my sob.

“Gabriella?”

I cleared my throat. “Ben is in the hospital. They think he has meningitis.” I swallowed another sob.

“Oh dear. Do his parents know?”

“They’re on their way.”

“We’ll pray for him. God will take care of him.”

“Mom”—my voice cracked—“he c-can’t h-hear.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean he can’t hear.” I choked.

“Oh, Gabby. I’m sure it will be fine. What have the doctors said?”

I sniffled. “They said they don’t know if his hearing loss is permanent.”

“Well, one step at a time. Okay?”

“What if he’s not fine?”

“Where is your faith?”

My faith had cracked and continued to chip away with each passing minute that Ben couldn’t hear.

“I’ll pray,” I whispered.

“Good. Let him know the whole church will pray for him. And if either one of you need anything, just call. Also, I want updates as soon as anything changes or the doctors give you more information.”

“I will.”

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