Henry fixed his collar as he walked down the stairs. The s.h.i.+rt was a new scratchy material which irritated the side of his neck as his tie was tight against his neck. He stopped when he saw Deul looking up at a portrait of his mother. Deul's eyes were distant as he sighed. His hands look limp on his crutches. Henry made a mis-step and Deul turned to him, his face a mask of ancient sadness as he asked his question. "Ellie is no longer here is she?"

"No No No. Deul, she's doing fantastic. In fact, she's never been better." Henry said brightly. "She had a surgery last night and the doctor think she is going to recover fully."

Deul eyes almost bulged out of his face. He looked pale and unsteady. "Ellie is not dead. Are you sure that she is not going to die?"

"No Uncle, she's going to be able to use her legs again."

The old diver looked back to the portrait and straightened his shoulder. He took a deep breathe to steady himself as Madeline ambled over the stairs with a soft bark after Henry. Her little squirrel body lit up both of their smiles as she wiggled between them with her lolling tongue.

Deul's smiled faded and his face grew practically grim as he choose his words with care. "When I arrived this morning after I couldn't understand what the nurses were saying, I thought that it was foretelling that I would find out that my light had pa.s.sed on. I couldn't sleep all night . . . I was so sure after finding out that I was alone that I would stay alone. I can't believe it almost . . . but it is a good miracle, that someone I am close to will stay with me. It brings me so much joy that someone so good is well."

"I understand your sentiments," Henry said softly touching Deul's shoulder.

Deul's hand came atop of his. "But, this is not what you wanted. I am very sorry that I have put you in such a predicament."

"Don't be." Henry said truthfully. "I don't feel sorry that I have been married in this way and I have no regrets. I don't understand why, but I do. I think Nolan is sure I will push Ellie out of a window, now that I don't have what I want."

Deul made a face. "I'll have some strong words with him so he stops messing with your relations.h.i.+p with his sister."

"There is no need." Henry shook his head indignantly. Madeline barked sharply so Henry would scratch the back of her ears. "Nolan is pa.s.sionate about his sister and he can get carried away at times. I know he is harmless and simply just caring for Ellie's health."