Page 31 of Be With Me
Chapter 15
Debbie twisted her fingers through Luny’s as they walked up the entry to the hospital. Mr. Scott was doing so well that she thought he’d get to go home soon and with Luny deploying next week? This might be the only chance she had to introduce them. She could so see Luny in Mr. Scott.
“So, he’s been in the hospital for a few weeks now and has the most amazing stories from his military service and his family. I’ve never seen his family but there’s always different books and a blanket was on his bed last week that wasn’t hospital issue. He’s got pictures on the bed stand and—”
Luny pulled her to a stop just shy of the door. He turned her to face him and placed his hands on her hips.
“Debs, you need to breathe. I promise you that I will not embarrass you in any way, shape or form. Visiting with those that served before us is something that all soldiers should do. We might do things differently these days from back then, but the same core values are there. L-D-R-S-H-I-P. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.” Luny gave her a quick kiss. “Now, lead me to this soldier.”
She smiled at her husband before leading him into the hospital. Quick trip in the elevator had them in front of Mr. Scott’s room in no time.
“Mr. Scott? It’s Debbie. I brought you a visitor. Is that okay?” Debbie asked softly as she knocked on the door.
“Debbie, why are you being so hesitant? You know I love seeing your face. Who’s my visitor?” Mr. Scott replied.
“Master Sergeant Retired James Scott, Staff Sergeant Rafe Luna,” she said as they got close to the bed.
“Master sergeant, it’s an honor.” Luny held out his hand to Mr. Scott.
“So you think you’re good enough for Debbie? Have a seat and I’ll be the judge of that,” Mr. Scott teased.
Luny started laughing as he sat and went to pull Debbie onto his lap. Debbie wiggled away and shook her head.
“You two visit for a bit. I’m going to check my schedule for the next week. I’ll be back in a little while.”
“So master sergeant, tell me about early jumps?” Luny asked.
“I will if you’ll call me Jimmy,” Mr. Scott offered.
“I’m Mooney to my friends.” That was the last thing Debbie heard as she pulled the door closed.
§ § §
Mooney could tell that Jimmy was starting to fade. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been sitting here but Deb was so dead on with her assessment. His stories were amazing.
“So then Chowder threw his pack down and refused to move one more step. Thought the sergeant was going to kill him on the spot.” Jimmy chuckled before getting a far-off look in his eyes and pulling at his blanket. “He’s still in France. Visited him once. Left a quarter.” Mooney understood he was talking about his friend’s grave at the Normandy American Cemetery.
A knock at the door had them both turning. The nurse standing there wasn’t someone that Mooney knew from visiting Debbie at work.
“Mr. Scott, it’s time for your medication.” She interrupted as she opened the door wider and pushed in a cart.
“I’ll get out of your way,” Mooney said as he stood. “I enjoyed getting to spend some time with you, Jimmy. Thank you for your service.” Mooney snapped to attention and saluted the old soldier. He watched as emotion brought some tears to Jimmy’s eyes. Jimmy pursed his lips and nodded at Mooney.
“Get on with you now. Go find your bride. You treat her as well as she deserves.”
“I’ll do my best. Why she’s tied herself to this soldier, I’m not sure but I’m grateful that she has. She’s the best part of me.”
