Becky (short story)

Becky smiled, it was ironic really that in the face of all that had happened over the last twelve months, that she could even muster up the strength.1

Doctor Brannon stared down at her…God she was beautiful, he had fallen in love with her the second he had clapped eyes on her, “now then young lady…lets see how you are today” he spoke in a bright voice that disguised the anguish he felt, Why couldn’t she have been his?…he glanced briefly at the roughly dressed man standing by her bedside, he didn’t deserve her…he knew from all the information that doctors are privy to, that he had never been there for Becky…not when she truly needed it, not like he would have been.2

He returned his attention to the patient, her soft honey blonde hair fell over her face and the stunningly vivid violet blues eyes smiled at him again, he was conscious of the jealousy in the eyes of Becky’s visitor, so he quickly resumed his air of professionalism.3

If only he could take her away, he was sure she had never been happy, and now she was so very ill, a tear ran down his cheek as reminded himself of just how ridiculous his thoughts were.4

Take her away? my God he wasn’t even sure if he could save her life, and if he did, he knew that that guy would never let her go, he also knew in his heart that Becky loved the man despite his inadequacies and that she probably would never want to leave him.5

Still, he let himself dream a little longer as he stirred his coffee, the hospital canteen was deserted, it was always like this in the middle of the night, and he liked it that way, it gave him time to collect his thoughts.6

He wished Becky had never come into his life; it was becoming harder each time he saw her, to remember that he had a duty to remain professional. He winced when he recalled how, when she had been sleeping last night, he had brushed the hair from her face, and kissed her gently on the cheek, she had stirred but did not open her eyes, thank God!7

He couldn’t help though, wondering what her reaction would have been. Would she have stared deeply into his eyes and held her arms out so that he could hold her? He would never know.8

Guiltily his thoughts moved to his wife at home, things had been so strained lately, she blamed him for everything that had gone wrong, oh she didn’t say it, but he could feel it with every tear stained look she gave him. It was no use, he would never be able to give her what she wanted, all the promises he ever made were slowly being broken and there was nothing he could do. Now if he had Becky with him for the rest of his life, he knew it would be different.9

He glanced at his watch; time to get back to work. Becky was sleeping and her visitor had long since left, he sat in the chair beside her with her chart in his hand scribbling away. It didn’t look good. Despite extensive surgery, her vital signs were fading and he knew it was just a matter of time. The figures on her chart were smudged and he realised that his tears were the cause.10

He stared at the angelic face on the pillow; this was such a terrible waste. She was so young and now, she would never marry or have children, he would have given anything to walk down the aisle with her. God it would have made him the luckiest, proudest man alive.11

He made the call at 4:30 am, so that Becky’s mother could be brought to the hospital…it was time.12

At 7am the curtains at the window shimmered in a soft breeze that suddenly blew in, the sun reflected on the beautiful young girls face as she took her final breath. He thought his heart would break.13

Becky’s mother stood over her, begging forgiveness for what she had done, screaming at doctor Brannon to save her, but the injuries she had caused, by throwing Becky several times against a wall, had finally killed the twelve-month-old tot.14

The prison officers led the sobbing mother away. Doctor Brannon’s bleeper made him jump and wearily he made his way to reception, “your wife on the phone doctor” said sister as she handed him the receiver.15

“Hello…darling?”…. Her voice sounded cracked with sobs, “I had to ring you. I’m so sorry we argued yesterday, I don’t care that we can’t have children, as long as I have you”16

Doctor Brannon drove home …crying all the way.17