The Man Who Moved Her

She wants to know something more about him, this man who walked into her life from out of nowhere. She wants to know who he is, what makes him tick, this man who moved her.

She looks up at him, he looks back at her. Her eyes sparkle. She opens her mouth to speak, but he cannot hear her, and he begins to walk away.

She touches his arm. He looks back. She begins to speak again but doesn't know what to say. He is still looking at her.

What drink do you like? she asks.

He does an excuse-me? double-take. It's not clear what she's asking.

What drink do you like better... Dr. Pepper or Coca-Cola?

He smiles and without hesitation answers, Dr. Pepper.

From behind the oxygen mask on her face, she smiles too. She turns to her daughter standing on the other side of her hospital bed and says, He likes Dr. Pepper! The three of them stand and lie still in suspended silence for just a few seconds with smiles crossing their faces.

The man looks at the daughter and says, I'll be right over here. He points to the curtain that divides the room. Call me if she gets uncomfortable again.

Thank you, the daughter answers. And thank you for helping me move her.

The woman on the bed is still smiling.

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