coffee. I was unable to eat very much. My stomach
felt as if it were full of baby snakes. Echo had some
juice and a little cereal. I thought she was suspicious
about my moving her along quickly and getting us out
so early, but she didn't ask anything about it. We got
into my car and started away. I couldn't stop my
nerves from twanging. Although getting a pacemaker
was usually not a terribly dangerous procedure, it was
for Mrs. Westington at her age and under her
circumstances. As she would be the first to tell me. I
knew enough to be dangerous. Mostly. I knew the
doctors were afraid of her having a much more severe
stroke.
Tyler was already in the parking lot waiting for
us when I drove in. He got out of his car quickly to
greet us. Echo was happy to see him, but very
surprised as well. She kept looking at me for more of
an explanation. I knew we could hold back the truth
only a few more minutes because once we were inside
and she saw we weren't going to her grandmother's
room, she would know something more was happening. I was glad I had Tyler with me to help
explain it all with his expert signing.
At the reception desk, we found out where to go
to wait. When we reached the lounge. Tyler and I
finally told Echo exactly what was going on. She sat
there absorbing it all and looking very frightened and
small. I held her hand and tried to reassure her. By
doing that I was reassuring myself. A little after eight
o'clock, Doctor Battie appeared. I held my breath until
I saw him smile. As he spoke. Tyler signed to Echo. "It went well," the doctor said. "That woman's