IS IT SAFE TO LOOK AT THE MOON?

Long Ago, In the Mountains

In the meantime on the road to the village hospital.

"Pop," Jess' voice was faint.

"It's all right, Jess, please don't talk." Martin grabbed at the towel on his shoulder and wiped off the splash of blood that flowed freely out of Jess' mouth.

"I hurt, Pop," Jess said.

"I know, I know, please try not to talk, okay?" Martin assured his daughter.

Jess nodded. Martin was near to tears. "Hurry it up, will you?" He screamed at the cart driver. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude."

"No worry, Martin," the driver replied. "I know how you feel."

As they arrived at the hospital, Martin bundled Jess out of the horse-drawn cart. The driver ran ahead and grabbed a guerney. A doctor, a nurse, and two other hospital staff were right behind him.

"Sorry, Martin, you can't come in. We'll let you know as soon as we examine your daughter." The doctor said with a final push at Martin.

"But, but..." Martin's frustration showed in his face.

"Wait there and we'll let you know," the nurse repeated as the hospital staff dashed into the operating room.

Martin felt exhaustion, not from physical tiredness he was sure of it. His hands shook as he strode to the waiting room. He ignored the sweat on his forehead. He clasped his hands tightly to stop the shaking. He gave in to tears and sniffed. He realized he was unable to share Jess' pain, and he was devastated. He found a chair at the corner. He closed his eyes and gathered his emotions. He must be strong for his daughter.

"Martin," the cart driver touched his shoulder.

Martin sprung off his chair. "Jess, is she...?"

"It's me, Martin," the driver said. "You look exhausted. Why don't you come with me and we'll have something to eat?"

"No, you go ahead. I'll wait here until I hear from the doctor."

"I got you a cup of coffee. Take it."

"Thanks a lot," Martin said and sat back. "Don't worry about me, I'll wait here."

Alone again, Martin paced the floor. Jess was always a good girl and he was shaken that she climbed a tree again. He remembered when she climbed a tree at the backyard years before. She didn't fall but he was right there, and brought her down to safety. He brushed the dampness in his eyes. He thought of his wife, Grace.

Grace appeared at the kitchen door. Martha was aghast. She rushed to Grace's side.

"Grace, what are you doing? You must rest."

"I can't rest, Martha. I want to know what happened to my little girl."

Ana, Lita, and Jo huddled together, afraid to look at Grace. They were prepared to the scolding from Grace.

"I know what happened and I'll tell you." Martha looked at the girls and shooed them off the kitchen with a wave of her hand.

"She looked deathly and pale. I should go to her." Grace started to cry again.

"There's nothing you can do at the hospital. I'm sure the doctors will take care of Jess." Martha led Grace to a chair.

The three girls scampered out of the kitchen, realizing they may not fully escape the scolding that Grace prepared for them.


(to be continued)