Worth It

Chapter 8

    Monica had been in the hospital for less than twenty-four hours and she already hated it. She didn't feel sick at all, which added to her general annoyance at hospital life. There was constant noise and activity. Nurses were always running in and out especially when you were sleeping, just to wake you up, or so Monica thought. Her IV made moving around difficult as she needed to drag the IV pole with her to the bathroom or the halls.

To make the whole experience even better, every two hours around the clock the fluids in the IV needed to be refilled. The nurses were alerted to this by a very loud and obnoxious beeping no matter how deep in sleep Monica happened to be at the time.

The afternoon after being admitted, Monica crawled back into her bed after eating lunch at a small table by the window. "Why do they even make hospital gowns like this?" she growled while adjustingher gown. "Don't they understand that hospital gowns with backs would make people so much more comfortable? Apparently not!"

"There's our optimistic girl," laughed a familiar voice from the door having overheard Monica's complaining. Monica's head shot up faster thana rocket to find Samantha leaning against the door frame. She took a step into the room smiling as always. She was quickly followed byAutumn and Kelsey. Even Kyle had come along to visit.

"Thank you guys so much for coming," smiled Monica who had been eagerly awaiting her friend's arrival.

"Of course, there is no way we wouldn't come after your dad told us what happened. We're so sorry by the way," said Autumn coming to sit on the end of Monica's bed.

"It's okay. I mean it was a shock at first, but the doctors seem really optimistic that the surgery tomorrow will take care of the cancer. I'm thankful for that at least."

"Is It the same kind your mom had?" Kelsey asked in a timid voice.

"Yes, apparently it's genetic, so thanks a lot mom," smirked Monica forcing a small laugh.

Knowing that the mood of the conversation was taking a turn for the worst, Samantha interrupted by lifting the grocery bag she had been carrying onto the table Monica ate breakfast at. "We all brought you something to make you feel a little better during your time here." Samantha rummaged through the bag and pulled out a CD. "This is a CD from one of my favorite worship bands. If you can't find a radio here then I really hope you will listen to it at home."

"I will," promised Monica with a thankful smile as Kyle walked over to the bag next.

"I didn't know that I was coming with until five minutes before we left Kelsey's house so my gift is kind of last minute. Kyle pulled out a handful of very smooshed and droopy wildflowers from Kelsey's backyard. Kyle looked at his gift, turned a bright shade of red, and quickly shoved them into a styrofoam cup full of orange juice. Monica bit her lip in a failed attempt not to burst into laugher. Autumn and Kelsey quickly joined her. Kyle stared at his fancy sports shoes."Thank you Kyle, they're beautiful," whispered Monica taking deep breaths to slow her giggles.

Next it was Autumn's turn. She said nothing, causing Monica to frown, eyeing her suspiciously. Slowly she pulled a canvas out of the bag. Monica had seen Autumn's paintings before, but she forgot to breathe for a moment when she saw this one. A night sky filled the canvas sprinkled with stars and a nearly full moon. The painting seemed dark and light all at the same time. It reminded Monica of her memorable evening spent with Samantha and she wondered for a moment if Samantha had told Autumn about it. However, Samantha's eyes mirrored Monica's surprise.

Everyone just stared in awe for a moment or two before the silence was broken."Wow," whispered Monica. "Autumn it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Once I get home, it will forever hold a place of honor on my wall."