Adam Blake - 50. Chapter 50

I watched as he looked over the data, “The data we’ve collected is enough for me to prescribe a machine. There’s a medical supply store at this address, if you go there they can give you a machine that’ll do the trick. You’ll need to take the child there to have him fitted with a mask and breathing tube. I could call this in and then you can do everything in one stop.”

“That would be great, I appreciate you doing this.”

He went to call in the prescription, while he was gone I took Ralph’s hand while I watched the various meters. I’m not a doctor, but I saw the air pressure slightly changed. They seem to vacillate around one number, what that number meant, I had no idea. I sat there for an hour when he began to awake. He looked scared for a minute, then he saw me and smiled.”

“How do you feel?”

“Ok, but I only slept for 15 minutes.”

“Do you remember the time when we came here? Look at the clock.”

His eyes got big. “I slept that long.”

“Yes, how do you feel?”

“I feel good, I haven’t felt like this for a while.”

“Before we go home, we’ll stop at a medical store and get a machine that’ll make you feel just like you do now.” He smiled, is there anything as beautiful as a child’s smile when he knows you care about him.

The doctor came back, he handed me the prescription, “You’ll need to replace parts of the delivery tube over time. I’d suggest that he be tested again in 7 to 8 years. There may be adjustments on the machine as he grows older and he’ll need a new mask.”

“Thank you, Doctor. We appreciate you seeing us on short notice.”

“Just make sure, Marie sends me an invitation to the wedding.”

I must have looked like someone who just found out he won a million, he started to laugh. “I’ll let her tell you how I know.”

We left, I was laughing, Ralph looked at me. “We need to get your machine and head home.”

I stopped at the medical store, they had the equipment ready except for the mask. I let Ralph pick out the mask he wanted, he tried one on, after the straps were adjusted, he said it was comfortable. He took the package and carried it to the car. It was past dinner time, so I stopped at a small restaurant at the end of the town. “Let’s eat and then when we get back to school, we can set up your machine.”

The restaurant was a mom-and-pop type of restaurant. I noticed they had home-style chicken and dumplings. “Ralph, have you ever had chicken and dumplings?”

“No, I have had dumplings only we call them something else.”

Before he had a chance to tell me what they called them, a woman came who I suspect is mom, I order the chicken and dumplings for both of us, I had coffee and Ralph had chocolate milk. When she brought our drinks, Ralph took a drink and I started to laugh. I held up the silver sugar bowl so he could see his face. He started to laugh, “I have a chocolate mustache.”

“Yes, but don’t worry you can wipe it off before we leave.” Our dinner was excellent. Ralph ate everything and I did a good job as well. Mom use to make that once in a while, not too often as there are a lot of calories in the stew.

Before we left, Ralph had a piece of pie, I just had another cup of coffee. Paying our tab, leaving a tip, Ralph and I said goodbye. Ralph said something to them in a foreign language and they answered him as well. They asked me to wait and brought a paper bag, giving it to Ralph. They talked a little more, she gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

I didn’t say anything, we got into the car, I was curious. But it was Ralph’s and if Ralph wanted me to know, he would tell me. The ride home was quiet, Ralph had a smile on his face, he looked at me, “Thank you, sir, I appreciate the time you took to take me to the doctor.”

“Ralph, you were the most important person for me today. You needed help and part of my job is to be there for you and all the boys, remember, we are Knights of the Square Table.”

He leaned into me, as far as the seat belt would allow. I smiled, if a teacher could feel this, they would quickly acknowledge that this is the greatest profession.”

As we approached the gate to the school, “Sir, I have something to share with you tomorrow with your coffee.” He handed me the paper bag. I looked inside, there were several cookies. I took one and gave him the bag back.”They are for you. Ralph, I appreciate your offer, but one is enough and I have a feeling you’ll get more in the mail. Share the rest with your friends. I appreciate this very much.”

I carried the equipment to his dorm room. He was surprised to see that his dorm mate has moved back in. He told him all about the testing, the machine, and dinner. I set the machine up for him, showed him how to start it, hugged him, and left.