Hope Girl Read Online Free PDF Page A

a deep breath. “River, the swelling’s so serious that it’s caused her heart and lungs to stop. She’s on life support.”
    Bethany says, “But isn’t supporting life a good thing?”
    Daniel glares at Bethany. “How can you be so stupid? That’s not what it means.”
    â€œEnough, Daniel,” says Uncle Henry.
    â€œWhat does it mean?” I ask.
    â€œIt means your grandmother’s being kept alive by machines.”
    I stand up so fast I knock my chair over. “Then I have to see her! I have to tell her I’m sorry! As soon as I do, she’ll be okay!”
    Uncle Henry shakes his head. “I’m sorry, River. Dr. Wing said no visitors tonight. You’ll see her in the morning.”
    Aunt Elizabeth takes my hand. “You’ll sleep here with us tonight.”
    â€œNow,” Pastor Henry says to everyone, “enough with the meatballs. We will finish this dinner in peace. Understood?”
    All the little Whippoorwills nod their heads except for Forrest, who smiles and says, “Dada want meatball?”

    After I help Aunt Elizabeth give baths, read a bedtime story, and tuck the little Whippoorwills in bed, we collapse on the couch. “That was a crazy evening,” she says. “Who would have thought Forrest could throw a meatball like that?”
    â€œMaybe he’ll be a baseball player.”
    â€œOne thing’s for sure—he won’t be practicing at the dinner table.” Then she looks at me seriously. “River, I’m sorry about your grandmother. I want you to know we’re here for you.” She takes my hand. “Now we need to talk about sleeping arrangements. Your dad always sleeps on the couch when he visits, so the only other bed is Billy’s. Would it bother you to sleep in his room? ”
    I try to be brave. “It won’t bother me.”
    â€œOkay, then let’s get you set up.” We go to his room. “Everything’s as he left it,” she says. “I can’t bring myself to change anything. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like he’s gone. She fluffs his pillow and pulls back the comforter for me. “Sleep well, River. See you in the morning.”
    I look around Billy’s room. He’s everywhere. His shoes are by his closet, perfectly shined and without a scuff. His Bible’s on his nightstand. There’s a family picture on his dresser—all the Whippoorwills are in it. Even Billy (he hadn’t died yet). Extra pictures from our project are on his desk.
    I climb into bed and reach for his Bible. When I open it, a piece of paper falls out. It’s Billy’s handwriting, “This verse reminds me of River—Romans 15:13. May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.”
    I close Billy’s Bible and whisper, “God, thank you for letting me have Billy as a friend. But I really miss him. Will I ever have another friend like him? And please help Gram. I shouldn’t have been so mean. And, God, about my parents, I know you can do anything. I know you’ll help Mom get here soon. I can’t wait until my real family is back together again.”

7

    She’ll Wake Up
    T he next morning Dad brings me to see Gram. We take the elevator to the fourth floor and follow signs to the intensive care unit. The nurses’ station is vacant, but then we see a nurse with short dark hair peek out from one of the rooms. “Be right there,” she says.
    After a few minutes, she hurries over. “Sorry to keep you waiting.” She drapes a stethoscope around her neck. “May I help you?”
    Dad answers, “We’re here to see Mrs. Nuthatch.”
    The nurse opens a chart with NUTHATCH written across the side. She reads for a minute before looking up. “Doctor’s orders state no visitors