Chapter 11 - Page 149 - Rhasha Goes Flying

   Smiling, both he and Rhasha kissed the little girl on the cheek. The little girl blinked her eyes.

   “Jim,” Rhasha said, “she blinked her eyes to tell you that your eyes are pretty, too. Is that what you told Jim?” she asked the little girl as she began brushing her hair.

   The little girl blinked her eyes. She waited a second and blinked two more times.

   “Thank you,” Rhasha said, “you’re very sweet.” She turned to Jim. “She blinked two more times to tell me that I have pretty eyes, too.”

   Another little girl waited for them in bed two. She was just as excited to see Jim and Rhasha as the girl in bed one. They repeated the ritual of prayer, kisses, and hair-brushing, but just as Jim started to tell her how pretty she was, he heard a commotion at the hospital entrance. He turned and saw Charlie carrying a box of medical supplies. Jim continued to talk to the girl as he held her hand. Charlie proceeded to the doctor’s office to wait while Jim and Rhasha finished talking to all the patients. All the hospital beds were occupied, so it took a little longer than usual.

   At last they joined Charlie in the office. The doctor was out taking care of patients, so they had the office to themselves. Jim shook Charlie’s hand. “Good morning, Charlie.”

   “Good morning, Jim; Rhasha,” Charlie replied, nodding at Rhasha. She returned the greeting.

   Charlie wore a long face. “Is everything all right?” Jim asked.

   “Jim,” Charlie replied, “I had a job offer this morning.” He hesitated for a second. “I’ve decided to accept it.”

   “OK Charlie,” Jim said, “but you’re a good man and I’m sorry to lose you.”