A Brother Waiting for Surgery
Chapter 05 - A Brother Waiting for Surgery
Isabella's brother Ben had been born with a heart condition that required ongoing specialist care. He treated his medical appointments with the same dry humor he brought to everything else, but his latest tests had shown that another procedure was needed. Isabella worked weekends to cover their ordinary expenses while hospital staff explored insurance and financial-assistance options.
When Ethan learned about the situation, he offered to connect the family with an independent patient advocate. Isabella refused his first suggestion of direct financial help.
“I didn't defend you for a check,” she said.
“I know.”
“Then stop looking at me as though you can solve my life by signing one.”
He took that seriously. “You're right. I'm sorry. I can tell you which resources I've used for my own care. You decide whether they're useful.”
She softened. “That would help.”
They met again at the hospital cafeteria after Ben's appointment. Ben took one look at Ethan and said, “So you're the ballroom guy?”
Ethan laughed. “I'm hoping not to remain famous for that.”
“Too late. Isabella's been doing impressions of the fancy woman who said, 'Do you know who I am?'”
Isabella hid her face. “Ben.”
For an hour, they talked about sports, old movies and Chicago's terrible winter traffic. Ethan didn't mention property holdings or valuations. Isabella noticed how he asked Ben ordinary questions instead of treating him like a diagnosis.
On their way out, Ben wheeled alongside Ethan in a borrowed transport chair, imitating a racing announcer. Isabella laughed for the first time in weeks.
May you like
Later she said, “Mara would have liked you.”
Ethan looked down at the lighthouse pendant. “I wish I'd had the chance to know her.”
