FourCHARLENE WAS ASLEEP, eyes closed tightly into a pain-filled frown. She was gaunt, thin. Her brown hair was brittle and had streaks of gray in it. Her breath came in wheezes. While she was dressed in a comfortable cotton blouse, with a fan circulating the air overhead, it was obvious there was little comfort for her in that bed.
Rochelle sat in the chair by the bedside and took Chalene's hand. And looked at her. After a few moments, she looked back up at Chuck.
"She's in pain, but is still strong. It's her spirit that is keeping her here. And your love."
Chuck felt a tear come down one cheek. "You can tell that from just touching her?"
"That and more." Rochelle returned Charlene's hand to the bedcover and patted it. Charlene had quit frowning, her face relaxed. She looked at peace.
