Page 102 of Love Overboard
CHAPTER 46
“WHEN WAS THE LAST TIMEyou took your medicine?” The ship’s doctor wrote in his chart. His poker face gave nothing away.
He’d conducted a thorough examination of Emily before allowing Lacey inside. She smoothed the curly gray hair from Emily’s forehead and spread the blanket over her thin cotton hospital gown. The other Shippers had wanted to come in, but the doctor refused. Too crowded.
Lacey noted the tired lines around Emily’s eyes. The pale cheeks. The drooping mouth. Where was the indomitable meddler? She didn’t recognize this fragile woman.
“Mrs. Windsor.” He asked again. “Your medicine?”
Emily reclined on the clinic bed, pleating the blanket with her fingers. “Was it yesterday? Or the day before? A lot of things were happening.”
The doctor pointed an accusing finger at her. “Even if World War III is happening, you take your medicine. On time. Every day. This could’ve been a lot worse.”
She wilted. “Yes, sir.”
Lacey grasped a button on her uniform jacket. “Shouldn’t we transport her to the hospital in Cozumel?”
He shook his head. “These episodes are scary but not uncommon. When a patient suffers from congestive heart failure, like Emily here, it means the muscle isn’t pumping enough blood. Fluid gathered in her lungs. That’s why she was short of breath. It might cause her to grow dizzy or lightheaded, but it can all be avoided.” The doctor leaned on the edge of the bed and gave the patient a hard look. “If she takes her medicine.”
Emily turned away, her lower jaw protruding.
Lacey nodded. “I’ll make sure she does.”
The doctor tore a sheet off his notepad and held it out. “I’m certain you’ve heard these things from your physician at home, but I’ll say them again. Lessen your salt intake, avoid smoking or alcohol, and get plenty of exercise. Walking is especially good.”
Lacey took the paper and pointed at the door. “Doctor, there’s a group of ladies out there who must be dying for an update. Could you tell them what you told me? I’m sure they’ll hold Emily accountable too.”
He stuck his pen in his pocket and tucked the chart under his arm. “Good idea. I’ll speak to them.”
The doctor exited, and Lacey sank to a stool beside the bed.
“Tattletale,” Emily grumbled.
Lacey waved the paper under her nose. “I’m sure I’ll need help keeping you in line.”
“You might be right.” Emily sighed, her eyes closed. “I was petrified they were going to bring one of those meat wagons.”
“What kind of wagon?”
“An ambulance. That’s what my husband used to call them.” She pushed at the pillows behind her back.
Lacey laid the paper on the side table and reached out to help her scoot up in the bed.
“I didn’t expect the sick bay to be this fancy. It’s nicer than my cabin. Think they’ll let me stay here?”
“Don’t joke about it.” Lacey gulped down the lump in her throat. “I told you not to skip your medicine.”
“You’d be surprised how serious I am.” Emily brushed at the tape holding the IV needle in her vein. “Nothing like tiptoeing past death’s door to make you evaluate your life.”
Lacey sniffled. “What did you decide?”
“I decided I can’t shuffle off until I make sure you’re happy.”
Lacey’s eyes stung. She lowered her head and tried to thread a hand through her tightly bound hair. “Your health is what matters most. Don’t worry about my happiness.”
“I can’t help it, dear.” Emily reached over. With weak fingers, she untangled Lacey’s hand from the now-disheveled strands. “I don’t have any children of my own, but you certainly nag me like a daughter. I suppose that’s why I’m so fond of you.”
Lacey’s lips quivered. She tried to answer, but the red-hot bowling ball in her throat blocked the words.
