“I Tried to Make Her Eat”
During the drive, Rowan kept reaching toward the backseat.
Touching Elsie’s leg.
Micah’s hand.
Anything to reassure himself they were still there.
Then Micah asked:
“Is Mom going to be mad?”
Rowan kept his voice controlled.
“You don’t worry about that. I’ve got both of you.”
Micah stared at his sister.
“I tried to make her eat crackers, but she wouldn’t swallow them.”
Rowan struggled to see through his tears.
“You did everything right.”
Then he told his son something Micah needed to hear.
“You saved her.”
As soon as they reached the hospital, nurses rushed toward the vehicle.
Rowan prepared to lift Elsie out.
Then Micah grabbed his sleeve.
“Dad, I’m sorry I didn’t call sooner.”
Rowan looked at him.
Micah whispered:
“Mom said we weren’t supposed to bother you.”
There was no time to ask what that meant.
A nurse saw Elsie and called for immediate assistance.
She was placed on a stretcher and rushed inside.
Micah stayed beside Rowan.
Someone handed him a juice box.
He drank quickly, coughed, then tried to put it aside.
“Save it for Elsie.”
Rowan crouched.
“They’re taking care of her. This one is yours.”
Micah looked uncertain.
As though even eating required permission.
