When my friend, Sadie, was taken to the emergency room at a local hospital, I rushed over to be with her as soon as I received the news.
Sadie was both surprised and pleased to see me. “How did you get them to let you in?” she asked, knowing visitors were not usually allowed in the emergency room.
I, too, had been concerned about that on the drive over. However, I knew Sadie needed a friend to comfort her. In desperation, I had decided if worse came to worst, I would be forced to tell a lie and say I was Sadie’s sister. I hoped I wouldn’t have to resort to that.
After I explained all this to Sadie, she threw back her head in hearty laughter. While I was trying to figure out why Sadie was laughing, I glanced down at our clasped hands - my very white one held gently between her two black ones.
- June Cerza Kolf