“So you want me to see this woman friend of yours at the hospital?” Amon asked, fixing the skinny science teacher with an intense stare.
“Joanie’s only twenty-two years old. She’s too young to be so afflicted. I’ll drive you there. Just look at her. Please,” Tom implored.
“Well, there’s no harm in that. But remember, I’m no miracle worker. Despite what the local papers say.”
Joanie squealed with joy when Tom and Amon entered her room. After an exchange of pleasantries, Tom nodded to his friend. Joanie looked at Amon with grateful eyes, sensing he was there to help her.
“How are you feeling, sweetie?” Amon asked in a low voice, looking at the pretty, young woman reverently.
“Not too good. I woke up with a fever and a bad headache,” she said agitatedly.
The three young people began chatting amiably. Joanie talked about her whirlwind dating with Tom back in high school.
“Tom is a very nice person. I used to see him delivering papers early in the morning on his old red bicycle, years before we started dating,” she related.
“Absolutely, my friend Tom is the best. He’s one of those people you feel you’ve always known—even before you actually meet him,” said Amon.
“There was this softball game, and I kept yelling at him to get his attention. Then, he collided with another player and I ran out on the field to help him.”
“It was fate. You and Tom were supposed to meet. That incident on the field was truly an act of God,” Amon stated bluntly.
Going over to Joanie, the stranger said, “Just close your eyes for a minute, sweetheart, while I keep my hand on your forehead.”
Joanie did as she was instructed and soon fell into a deep sleep. Amon signaled Tom, and the two young men left the room.
“You’re still in love with her, my friend. There’s definitely something between you,” Amon asserted.
“Oh, no. We’re just friends. Joanie’s married, you know. Just old friends, that’s all,” Tom replied in a determined manner.