A Future and a Hope

by David Mathews

  The sound of a chair scraping the floor came from his right. He turned his head in that direction. The sudden move proved to be a none-too-subtle reminder not to repeat the action.

  His sister’s worried face came into view. “Caleb?” Her voice sounded unusually shaky and high pitched.

  He studied her face for a moment as his senses returned.

  “Caleb, are you awake?” This time her voice was a tad stronger.

  “Hey, Squirt. What are you doing here?”

  Cassie broke into a broad, relieved grin. “Just keeping an eye on you. I’ve been sitting here for about an hour.”

  “Where’re Mom and Dad?”

  “They went down to the cafeteria to grab some lunch. I offered to stay here with you until they get back.”

  “Weren’t you hungry?” he inquired.

  “I’m fine. Mom said she’d bring me a sandwich.” The look of concern returned to her face. “How do you feel?”

  “Sore. And hungry.” It was good to hear her laugh again.

  He chatted with his sister for a while. Their conversation focused on the happier memories the two shared growing up. Caleb sensed Cassie was trying hard to avoid mentioning Ellie. Maybe his parents had put her up to that. In any case, the tactic took his mind off his fiancée. He joked around with her until their parents returned from the hospital’s first-floor cafeteria.

  “Cassie, I brought you a turkey on rye.” His mother handed her a foil-wrapped sandwich.

  “Thanks, Mom.” Cassie started to unwrap her food.

  “Honey, why don’t you eat that outside,” his father suggested. “I’ll take the next watch. I’m sure you and your mother could use some fresh air.”

  “Okay.” She re-wrapped the sandwich and headed for the door with her mother.

  As soon as they were out of the room, Caleb brought up the taboo subject.

  “Any news about Ellie?”

  “I’ve been making some phone calls, but nothing concrete yet,” his father replied. “But don’t worry. I’m not going to give up. She had to be in stable condition or they wouldn’t have released her. I know that much. But it’s still very serious.”

  Caleb’s frustration spilled out. “Dad, I feel so helpless. There’s got to be something I can do besides lie here like a vegetable.”

  His father offered the best—and perhaps the only—course of action. “Caleb, why don’t we pray about it together?” he suggested.

  Caleb suddenly felt humbled. “I’m sorry, Dad. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that. I should know better. Remember all the times we prayed together for Ellie? When she needed a job, and a place to live? And when she needed the Lord?”

  “Caleb, do you recall when we lost Cal? What was the one thing that made the hurt and heartache bearable during that time?”

  Caleb thought for a moment. “I’d have to say it was prayer. That, and the love shown by our church family.”

  His father smiled and nodded in agreement. “I don’t think we could have made it without either one. Taking our deepest needs and sorrows to a sovereign, loving Father is the best thing we can do. Sometimes it’s the only thing we can do.”

  He pulled the chair closer to the bed and sat down. Placing his hand over Caleb’s, he continued. “It seems to me that now is one of those times. Would you agree?”

  Caleb nodded. “Yes. You know, Dad, not long after I met Ellie, I remember how hard it was for me to get out of the way so God could do His work in her life.” He paused for a moment. “Why is it so much harder now? By now I should have enough faith for this.”

  His father fell silent for a few seconds before answering. “Caleb, perhaps it’s not a matter of having enough faith at all. Or the lack of it. Let me ask you this, do you love Ellie more today than you did back then?”

  Caleb didn’t waste any time replying. “Of course I do. I love her with all my heart, Dad. Back in high school I cared a lot about her. I was infatuated with her, I suppose. But now we’ve had four years for our love to grow. Today it’s stronger than it’s ever been.”

  His father smiled. “Maybe that’s why it’s harder now for you to step out of the way and let God work. Your feelings are so much more intense. Stronger. Deeper. It’s only natural that you would feel more helpless than ever before. But just remember, it’s often when we’re at our weakest that the Lord’s power is most evident. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Remember that verse?”

  “Yeah, I do. Thanks, Dad. I really needed that.”

  Caleb prayed first. “Dear Lord, for whatever reason, I confess I’m having a really hard time giving this situation over to You. I know that every time I’ve done that before, You’ve always been faithful. As difficult as it is, I surrender this matter to You. Wherever Ellie is, would You please spare her life and heal her? And would You help us find her? Lead us to her. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

  Then his father prayed. A deep sense of peace washed over Caleb. Of course he would continue to do all he could to find her. But the battle was the Lord’s now. And he was ready to do whatever God directed him to do in the search for the love of his life.

  Knock. Knock. Knock.

  Someone’s knuckles rapped on the door to Caleb’s hospital room. With a mouthful of hospital food in his mouth, he managed a muffled “Come in.”

  The door opened, and B.J. peered around the corner. “Anybody home?”

  The familiar face sent Caleb’s spirits soaring.

  “B.J.! Man, is it ever good to see you.” Caleb held out the arm that was not encased in plaster and the two shared a heartfelt hug. “‘Bout time you got here. What took you so long, bro?”

  “Your dad said to wait until they moved you up here from ICU. Besides, you know the old saying, ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’.” B.J. broke into a wide grin. “I thought the longer I stayed away, the more you’d miss me.” He paused. “Dude, you did miss me, right?”

  Caleb laughed. “Miss you? I didn’t miss you at all. Of course, for a while there I didn’t miss anybody. I was out of it for a week.”

  “That’s what I heard. But you’re looking pretty good now, though.”

  Caleb looked at the cast on his left arm and the contraption holding his left leg stationary. “You call this lookin’ good?”

  B.J. laughed. “Better, then.” He pulled up a chair next to the bed and sat down. “But from what your dad told me, you looked pretty bad when he first saw you after the accident.”

  “Remember that bruise I got in the Arlington game our senior year?” Caleb asked. “You ought to see the bruises on me now. No comparison.”

  “Ouch.” B.J. winced sympathetically. “So how are you feeling? What’s it been, two weeks?”

  “Just about. Got rid of that irritating neck brace yesterday. And the doc says my arm and leg are doing as well as can be expected. I still have some headaches and soreness, but all things considered, I’m feeling much better than even a few days ago.”

  “How long are they going to keep you incarcerated here?”

  Caleb grinned. “Until I reform enough to take my place in society again. Which could be a while. Another week to ten days, maybe.” He turned the interrogation on its head. “How’s Allison?”

  “Oh, she’s fine. Sends her love. She would have come with me, but her grandpa’s in the hospital.”

  “He is? Anything serious?”

  “I don’t think so. He’s got A-fib, you know. They had to shock him to get his heart back in sync. They’re keeping him overnight for observation, that’s all.”

  “Well, tell Allison I’ll be praying for him.”

  “Thanks. I will.” B.J. grew quiet for a moment. Then he spoke haltingly, as if unsure about how to phrase his next question. “So . . . how’s . . . how’s Ellie doing, Caleb?”

  Caleb expelled the air from his lungs through puffed cheeks. Then, taking a deep breath, he began to tell his friend about the situation.

  B.J. shook in head in amazement. “So, you have
n’t even seen her or talked to her since the accident?”

  “No. Nothing at all. When I woke up she had already been transferred. B.J., I could accept not being able to see her or talk to her if I only knew how she was doing. It’s the not knowing that’s killing me.”

  “Have you tried calling her cell phone?”

  “Yeah, sure. Lots of times. I’ve left so many messages her mailbox is full. I keep asking myself, ‘Why doesn’t she answer? Doesn’t she have access to her phone, or . . . or is she unable to respond?’ That’s what scares me the most.”

  “That’s really tough, man.” B.J. leaned back in his chair. “I feel your pain. Must be awful.”

  “I feel so helpless. But I still want to do something.”

  “Of course. I understand that completely. Is there anything I can do? Make phone calls, visit other hospitals, go to the police, anything at all?”

  “Well, my parents are doing everything they can. And so am I.” He nodded toward the table next to the bed. “My phone’s been on that charger much of the past two days because I’ve called every hospital and care facility within a hundred miles. Nothing. They either say they have no information or they can’t comment due to those stupid privacy laws.” His voice was thick with exasperation. “It’s a brick wall everywhere I turn, B.J.”

  “That’s rough, man. Wish there was some way I could help.” He scratched his head. “You know, most medical facilities won’t give out information over the phone. But if someone was to pay them a visit in person, that might be different. I’d be happy to do whatever leg work you need done. Just name it.” He grinned. “Doctor Watson at your service, Sherlock.”

  Caleb laughed out loud, releasing the tension that had been building inside. He was grateful for the offer. “Thanks, Doctor. I’ll take you up on that, count on it.”

  The two friends spent the next half hour catching up on the latest news regarding mutual acquaintances, and reminiscing about old times and nearly forgotten shenanigans.

  B.J.’s visit was just the diversion Caleb needed to take his mind off the things that weighed heavily on him.

  During a brief lull in the conversation, a funny look came over B.J.’s face. “Oh, by the way, I’ve got some other news to share with you, dude.”

  “What kind of news? Good news or bad news?”

  “Oh, for sure good. Definitely good.” He crossed his arms and waited.

  “Well?” Caleb cocked his eyebrow. “Are you going to tell me, or what?” B.J. just sat there grinning from ear to ear.

  “Oh, I see. We’re going to play the old ‘Let’s Make Caleb Wait’ game again, are we?” He shook his head in playful disgust. “I’m really disappointed in you, B.J. That’s such a childish game. I thought you’d be more mature than that by now.” He could tell that B.J. thoroughly enjoyed having the upper hand.

  “Well guess what it is. Take a guess.”

  “I have no idea,” Caleb protested.

  “Just take a guess.”

  “I can’t.”

  His friend insisted. “Guess.”

  “Oh, alright, alright. Let me see.” He thought for a minute. “Are you—”

  “I’m going to be a father!” B.J. interrupted him.

  It was Caleb’s turn to be silent. His eyes widened. “You’re kidding me. You’re going to be a dad? When?”

  “Mid-August. I just found out yesterday.”

  “That’s awesome, pal. Congratulations.” He high fived his friend with his free hand.

  “Thanks. Needless to say, I’m really stoked about it.”

  Caleb suddenly became somber, and frowned. “Did you tell Allison yet?”

  B.J. looked confused. “Allison? Why would I need to . . . Hey, what do you mean, ‘tell Allison’?”

  Unable to contain himself any longer, Caleb slapped the bed with his free hand and burst into peals of laughter. “Gotcha, pal!”

  The look on his friend’s face made the pain worthwhile.

  “I’ve found out a few more details,” Caleb’s father informed him as he was finishing his hospital breakfast.

  It had been three weeks since the accident, and in two days Caleb was scheduled to be transferred to a rehab center back in Baxter. He was dying to leave the hospital, and desperate for any news concerning Ellie.

  “What is it, Dad?” he asked eagerly. “Did you find out where she is?”

  “Well, no, not yet. But I’ve uncovered the reason for the stone wall.”

  “What is it?”

  “The hospital spoke with a relative of Ellie’s soon after she was brought here. They can’t give us the person’s name, but whoever it is showed up here and gave specific instructions not to share any information about her to anyone without their express permission.”

  Caleb was stunned. “A relative of Ellie’s was here? In this hospital? But who? Her father? She doesn’t even know who that is. And he’s never made any effort to contact her. He might not even be alive, for that matter. And none of her other relatives ever showed any interest in her at all.”

  “I know that, son,” his father offered gently. “But whoever it is apparently has the right to act on her behalf.”

  “But what possible reason could they have for not sharing her information with us? That’s just plain wrong, Dad. Not to mention cruel.”

  “I agree with you, Caleb. I’m sure they must have been informed about her relationship to you. For the life of me I can’t understand why they would want to cut us off completely.”

  “If I just knew that she’s okay, I could deal with not knowing where she’s at. Is there any way we can force them to tell us how she’s doing?”

  “I don’t think so, son.” His father’s shoulders sagged wearily as he spoke. “Since the request to withhold information was made, there’s nothing more we can do for now. But I’m going to contact a lawyer and have him look into it.”

  For the first time, Caleb noticed how tired and drawn his father’s face looked. He must have spent countless hours exploring every possibility over the past two weeks.

  “Dad, I really appreciate all you and mom have done . . . all you’re doing. I’m sure it’s as hard on you as it is on me.”

  “Thanks, Caleb. But we’re not going to give up. It may seem next to impossible now, but remember this, we serve a God with whom nothing is impossible. You still believe that, don’t you?”

  Tears welled up in Caleb’s eyes. “Yes, I still believe that. Although I have to admit, I haven’t been acting like it.”

  “This has been very difficult for all of us, Caleb. But we’ve been through hardships like this before. And God has proven Himself faithful. We have to keep trusting Him.” Caleb nodded in silent agreement. “Oh, there’s one more thing I discovered. Ellie wasn’t moved to another facility for medical reasons.”

  “What do you mean? I thought she was moved to another hospital that was better equipped to handle her injuries.”

  “I did, too. But that’s not the case. Once she was stable enough, she was moved only because of this relative’s insistence.”

  “But why?” Caleb blurted out. “Why would they want to move her if she was getting good care here?”

  “I don’t have the answer to that, either. We can speculate all we want about possible motives, but I don’t think that would prove very helpful.”

  Caleb digested this latest bit of information. “Dad, can you bring my laptop with you next time? I want to start searching online for this relative of hers.”

  His father smiled patiently. “Do you suppose you can hold off until you get back to Baxter?” he suggested. “I think it might be better if you were settled in there first before you dive headlong into that pursuit. I know how you tend to throw yourself at these kinds of things. A few more days rest here will do you good. What do you say?”

  Caleb didn’t want to wait two more days. That would mean two more days wasted when he could be searching instead. He wanted to act now.

  But a familiar small voice
seemed to whisper in his ear, “Be patient, Caleb. Take a few days to pray. And wait on Me.”

  “Okay, Dad,” he surrendered. “I’ll wait ‘til we get back home.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  SOME NEWS IS GOOD NEWS

  TWO DAYS LATER, AS SCHEDULED, Caleb was released from Good Samaritan Hospital and, accompanied by his mother, endured the two hour ride back to Baxter. A few hours later he was settled in his room at the rehab center that would be his home for the next three weeks. If his recovery progressed as planned, he could expect to be transitioned to outpatient rehab and be back in his own bedroom by the end of the month.

  When word got out that Caleb was back in town, a steady stream of friends and well-wishers began to flow through his room in between therapy sessions. So many, in fact, that the center had to limit the number of people per day. Pastor Murphy and the Sonnenbergs visited him on day two.

  B.J. and Allison came by. Allison made sure to let him know that it was she who was having the baby. They had a good laugh over that one.

  When Kelli and her sister Krystal paid him a visit, he learned that Kelli had gotten engaged over Christmas break to the young man she’d met in college. She hadn’t planned on telling him about it yet, because the engagement had taken place on the same day as the accident. But he’d asked her about their relationship, and she finally told him.

  Her hesitancy reminded him of just how thoughtful and caring she was, and he knew that whoever this guy from Tennessee might be, he was getting a great gal.

  Although Caleb appreciated all the visits, they began to take their toll on him, not so much physically as emotionally. He grew weary of answering the same questions about Ellie over and over. It wasn’t that he was unwilling to talk about her. It was just that with each explanation came a fresh reminder of the pain he felt within, re-opening the wound he knew would never properly heal until he was with her again.

  He missed her terribly. He missed seeing her, talking to her, holding her. He longed to sit next to her on the porch swing and inhale the scent of her beautiful auburn hair as her head rested on his shoulder. The ache of her absence was almost unbearable.