In the Bleak Midwinter

“Dear God.” Clare pressed her hand against Paul’s shoulder, then pressed closer, draping her other arm across his back. “Oh, Paul. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.” She had known Paul lived with someone, but he had never mentioned anyone by name in their conversations at the nursing home. She looked at Russ. “We came to the meeting together. I’ll take him to the hospital.”

“I can get there. I’m okay,” Paul said in a reedy voice, an oddly small sound coming from such a big man. Clare’s heart ached. He straightened up and looked around as if he had never seen the town hall before.

“No, Clare’s right. You shouldn’t try to drive, Paul.” Russ ran his hand through his shaggy brown hair. “I have to stop at the station.” He looked down at Clare. “Can you find the Glens Falls Hospital?” She nodded. “Okay, I’ll meet you there.”

Russ held the door open for them as Clare steered Paul out of the meeting hall. Despite the hot air rolling off the street below, she shivered as she caught Russ’s last, whispered direction: “Hurry.”