Chapter 7 - THE HOSPITAL VIGIL
Inside the hospital,
the security team,
was doubled fast,
by Caleb's request,
protecting the floor.
He did not,
trust his family,
knowing their desperation,
to silence Olivia,
and save face.
Two big guards,
stood at door,
checking every name,
of people entering,
the private wing.
Olivia felt safe,
surrounded by love,
and strong men,
watching her room,
day and night.
She rubbed belly,
feeling the kicks,
of her son,
moving inside her,
alive and well.
Caleb watched her,
with deep devotion,
his military training,
keeping him alert,
to any threat.
He had slept,
on small couch,
refusing to go,
to his house,
staying right there.
His commander called,
extending his leave,
for compassionate reasons,
allowing him stay,
with his wife.
"Take care family,"
the general said,
"you served well,"
"now protect home,"
"captain Vance Caleb."
"Thank you sir,"
Caleb had replied,
feeling the honor,
of his uniform,
and his duty.
The contrast between,
his brave soldiers,
and toxic family,
was so clear,
making him cold.
He looked out,
the big window,
seeing the rain,
falling on streets,
washing away dirt.
He knew Vanessa,
was a rat,
cornered and mad,
ready to bite,
anyone near her.
He called police,
giving them tips,
about her friends,
and her habits,
tracking her down.
The detective promised,
they would find,
her very soon,
putting her away,
behind strong bars.
A knock came,
on the door,
revealing a nurse,
bringing a package,
wrapped in brown,
paper with care.
"For Mrs. Vance,"
the nurse smiled,
"from a cleaner,"
"delivered just now,"
"to front desk."
Caleb took it,
opening the paper,
revealing the yellow,
hand-knitted blanket,
perfectly clean now.
The dirty footprint,
was completely gone,
the yarn bright,
and very soft,
smelling like lavender.
Olivia gasped out,
tears in eyes,
taking the blanket,
holding it close,
to her chest.
"My mother's blanket,"
she wept softly,
"it is saved,"
"thank you Caleb,"
"my wonderful man."
"Nothing they do,"
he told her,
"will ever destroy,"
"your beautiful memories,"
"or your spirit."
They held blanket,
together in bed,
a simple shield,
May you like
against the cruelty,
of the world.
