A couple of days later, we were gathered at Carole’s place to talk a bit about the quilt when her phone rang. Carole glanced quickly at the screen. “It’s my mom calling, I’d better answer.
“Hi Mom, what’s up?” As Carole listened, her expression turned to one of shock. “He what? Oh my goodness, that’s terrible. Listen Mom, Janice, Loretta, Freddie and Jean are here. I’m going to put the phone on speaker so everyone can hear. “Okay, Mom, go ahead and repeat what you told me.”
Everyone listened intently as Edna, her voice tremulous at times, told us that Tony Badowski had suffered a heart attack and when the ambulance arrived, the paramedics managed to stabilize him before rapidly transporting him to hospital.
“I don’t even know if he was conscious or how grave his situation,” continued Edna, “but I’ll call you as soon as I hear some news.”
“Mom, would you like me to drive over and keep you company?”
“No dear, I’ll be fine. At present, most of us have gathered in the clubhouse lounge and the staff is serving us tea while we all wait for further news.” And with that, Edna disconnected.
We sat there stunned.
“Well,” said Janice, “it looks like we’re going to have to put the quilt on hold; maybe even cancel the project altogether.”
Freddie looked over at Janice. “I think before we start jumping to conclusions about what the outcome might be, we would be wise to wait until Carole hears from her mom.”
“Sage advice, Freddie,” said Loretta. “The news has been a great shock to all of us. We need to be patient.”
And so it was that four somber quilters left Carole’s place hoping that good news would come soon.
* * *
