17 - Miracles - Draft

Angela cared for Darcy’s every need and desire. When she was clear headed, they would discuss possible treatments or therapies. The hospital had detailed records of everything since birth. There was no shortage of data.

Darcy remembered one day in her medical chart that stood out to her. It was the day that she experienced complete paralysis. She awoke and opened her eyes but couldn’t do any more. She was like that for hours trying desperately to get help or move. The nurse found her and hit the alarm. The doctor rushed in and ordered a benzodiazepine to relax her. She remembered that she felt so much better after that.

Unfortunately, benzodiazepines kill your liver. She asked if anything else could depress her central nervous system which seemed out of whack. No medical personnel could think of anything that wouldn’t harm you.

One night, Darcy dreamt of an owl bringing her a leaf. She brushed it aside but the dreams persisted. The owl turned into a human who was standing next to a plant. Then she saw a person twitching and jerking violently like she sometimes did. Finally she saw the man prepare a potion from the plant. He poured the potion into their mouth and waited beside them. After a few minutes, their body became less violent and calmer.

She tried to sketch the leaf and plant. Then Angela and her poured over botanical books trying to find the plant. They couldn’t find anything though.

Angela began showing the sketch around. It was Jordan who instantly recognized it. He even knew from the description of the potion how to make it. Jordan didn’t know how he knew. He just did. He drove to a field where he saw the plant and brought some home. He made the potion but reserved one leaf for Darcy to see.

Angela brought both to Darcy. She said that the leaf was exactly right before smelling the potion. It seemed fine so she drank some and waited. It didn’t take long for the effects to become evident. Darcy could feel it running through her body. Her arms became heavy and warm. Then her legs.

“How are you feeling?”

“My whole body is warm but in a comforting way. I’m not in pain like I should be. Maybe I can sleep. It feels normal somehow. I don’t know how to explain it.”

“Rest if you want. I’m here to monitor you just in case.”

Darcy couldn’t sleep though. She started feeling restless. She then asked to watch television to see if she could. They were both shocked that she could handle the light and noise.

“I want to watch an action movie with lots of sights, sounds and movement,” Darcy excitedly proclaimed.

Angela tried to dissuade her but she knew that Darcy was going to do whatever she was going to do no matter what. It was best to just give in and hope for the best. She chose Captain Jahim, a popular character who fought for truth and justice. It was ironic given the lack of either in Jahim.

Darcy watched in amazement. It was like she had never seen a movie before.   She commented on every move. She spotted things that most people didn’t in the fast paced scenes. She understood, remembered and commented on several conversations happening at the same time as nurses and doctors began noticing and talking around her.

At one point she began pointing and commenting so that they understood which conversation she was referring to. She soon grew tired of commenting because she would miss parts of the movie so she heard and observed only.

When the movie finished, she told Angela about it and the various conversations happening. She then demanded that the windows be opened. She wanted to see if she could handle her greatest nemesis, the sun. Maintenance came and removed the boards from the outside. When they were finished, Angela slowly pulled aside the heavy curtains and let a bit of sunlight enter. She waited for a sign to stop but it never came. Darcy was excited to see the sun again.

“How are you? How does it feel?”

“It hurts a little but I don’t mind it.”

“Let me know when it becomes too much.”

“I will.”

They continued chatting about anything and everything until Darcy noticed that the potion was beginning to wear off. She explained everything that she was feeling and experiencing as Angela and doctors took notes.

“I’m getting tired but there’s a heaviness in my frontal lobe. It feels like I need to shake my head to get rid of it but I can’t. My reaction time is slowing down. The light is hurting a bit. The noises too. I can smell the PB&J in your pocket, Dr Brown.”

“I am so sorry. I didn’t realize. I will leave,” Dr Brown embarrassedly remarked.

“It’s okay Dr Brown. You can eat it. You must’ve been in a hurry. Is it strawberry or grape. I can’t quite tell. The peanut butter is overpowering it.”

Dr Brown removed the sandwich and began unwrapping it to see. He didn’t need to finish though.

“Oooo. Strawberry. Strawberry preserves are my absolute favorite with peanut butter and fresh baked bread. I remember the unevenly sliced bread. I always asked for tons of peanut butter and preserves. They were so delicious. I hope that your wife prepared it just perfectly for you, Dr Brown.”

“She always does, your Royal Highness.”

“My name is Darcy. No need for formalities. I detest them.”

“As you wish, Darcy,” Dr Brown was young and smirked at her lack of decorum while complying to her demand.

As she began slipping back into the disease, she requested a bit more of the potion. It took time to take effect but similar results were seen. She kept having her experiences recorded to see what patterns developed.

She was getting stronger day by day. Her multitude of symptoms began improving. She could sit outside in the sunshine with the chirping birds and blooming flowers. She was able to walk around with a walker, then a cane and finally nothing. She watched television, read newspapers and searched the internet about things that she was remembering.

She even insisted on going to the hospital kitchen to prepare bread which she passed out to the employees in the Royal Wing. She made a special sandwich just for Dr Brown who smiled brightly at the gesture.

One day she saw an orderly by accident. He apologized profusely but Darcy said that there was no need. She asked his name. He sheepishly replied, “Mahmoud, your Royal Highness.”

“Mahmoud!” She shrieked bewildering the poor man.

Seeing his look of fright and confusion, she thought that explanations were in order.

“I’m sorry, Mahmoud. You just made me remember something. Do you know hummus bi tahini?” She inquired with an appropriate accent.

“Yes, your Royal Highness.”

“None of that Royal Highness shit to me in private, darling. I’m just Darcy, okay?

“Yes, your, Darcy.”

“Good. Now, I think that I am going to make hummus and pita. That sounds yummy. Do you work tomorrow, Mahmoud?”

“Yes, Darcy.”

“Good. Would you mind taking your lunch with me? I’d love to share with you, if you’d like.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“Good. Now skedaddle before your boss becomes a tyrant because of my silly butt.”

The next day, Mahmoud appeared hat in hand wondering what kind of mess he got himself into. He had to show Darcy’s letter of introduction at five checkpoints just to get there. He even asked his boss about it before leaving his sector.

“Your Royal Highness,” he began to get her attention.

“Mahmoud! I’m so glad that you were able to come. Please have a seat and it’s Darcy, remember?”

“Yes, Darcy.”

Darcy got out of bed and walked over to the small kitchenette area. “I wasn’t sure what you liked or even if I could remember how to prepare it properly so you tell me. Would you like some tea first? Or a drink?”

“Whatever pleases you,” Mahmoud grinned as she began placing food on the table. He couldn’t believe his eyes. It was a feast fit for a King. It was enough to feed his entire family for a week.

“I’m not sure what you’re familiar with. This is hummus bi tahini. The pita, of course. Baba ganoush, channa masala, samosas which are labeled, fattoush, chicken tikka masala, basmati rice, lentil soup, kebab, pickled vegetables, bastilla, couscous and tajine. I can list the ingredients or explain anything you’re unfamiliar with. Here are various drinks and some dishes. Shall I serve you or would you prefer?”

Poor Mahmoud just sat there in stunned silence. He had never seen so much food and it was prepared by a princess who everyone loathed. He was half expecting the food to be poisoned or her to stab him with the knife she was using to take the kebab off of the skewer.

“I can do that, Your Royal Highness.”

“Darcy, Mahmoud. Darcy. Suit yourself. I’m going to dig in, if that’s okay.”

“Yes, Darcy.”

Mahmoud slowly put a bit on his plate as he watched her eat heartily. He presumed that she wouldn’t poison herself. As Darcy talked about the food, he began to relax but was still extremely guarded. He was amazed at how good the food was. His wife was an excellent cook but this was the princess of Jahim. He was in shock.

When they were both stuffed, Darcy began making tea as they chatted like old friends or family. Mahmoud sat on the couch and watched her sitting in front of a table with a burner and complete tea set preparing tea as his wife did after every meal. The first cup was strong, slightly bitter and invigorating. The second was perfection. The final was sweet to end the meal right.

Mahmoud thanked his gracious hostess before returning to work. He was the king of his sector upon his return. They all wanted every last detail of his experience. He beamed with pride as he talked about her and the abundance of food before him.

When Mahmoud came home that night, he was excited to share his day but felt sad that they didn’t get to enjoy it. He opened the door with his usual smile. His wife and children greeted him as soon as he entered. They grabbed his hands and excitedly led him to the kitchen. Before him were the leftovers from his lunch with the princess.

His family kept stepping over each other’s words as they explained that a man arrived in a Royal car and delivered all of this food and gave $100 bills to each of us and this envelope for you. He told us that it was for your eyes only and yours to share if you wish.

Mahmoud opened the envelope with tears streaming down his face. It was on Royal stationary and was handwritten by Darcy herself. He quickly read it before bursting into tears. His family surrounded him and asked him what was wrong. He handed the letter to his eldest son to read.

The boy read through it and choked back tears as he read it for all.

Dear Mahmoud,

I want to thank you for the kindness and generosity that you displayed today. It is a rare thing as darkness and ignorance spread throughout the world. We should celebrate people like you instead of those who hoard the abundance that the gods have bestowed upon us.

I may be the princess and heir to the throne of Jahim but this land and everything in it is not mine, has never been mine and will never be mine. It belongs to those who inhabit it and always has. My family is not me and I am not them. We are nothing alike.

I am simply a citizen of Jahim until the gods call me home. My loyalties are to the gods who I serve by serving those before me. Thank you for allowing me to serve you and therefore the gods.

I am aware that the hospital doesn’t pay enough to thrive or even survive. Please know that this isn’t a shame for you or your family. It is a shame for the hospital and the Monarchy alone.

I am unfortunately a part of the Monarchy so please consider this as only a slight reparation for the harm done. I wish that I could do more for all of the citizens of Jahim and Wahid. I am but one powerless individual.

Thank you for being a loyal servant to all of Jahim. Please pray for me, our country and our world as I pray for you and yours.

Your loyal servant,

Darcy

Enclosed was a key and attached card. The card simply had an address close to the hospital. They were in shock but decided to enjoy the food before figuring out what the key was.

Once they had enjoyed a hearty meal and conversation, they checked the bus schedule and headed toward the address on the card. They gave every wild  idea about what the key was for during their long bus rides. A few hours later they arrived at a nondescript house in a middle class neighborhood.

Mahmoud went to the door and knocked but nobody answered. He was about to leave when his son asked him to try the key. It fit and unlocked the door. He looked around before opening the door slightly. The lights were on and the house furnished. A piece of paper floated off of a table by the door. He shouted hello but nobody answered. He was going to put everything back and grabbed the paper.

The paper was hospital stationary. It was from the director and addressed to him. It stated that Princess Darcy had informed him of his plight in service to the Monarchy and nation. He hoped that this house and an increase in pay would allow him to go through the hurdles necessary to be a doctor for Jahim and the hospital since he had served in this capacity in his homeland. The hospital wanted to make full use of his knowledge and expertise as soon as possible by law.

Mahmoud’s wife saw the deed with their names as owners. No lien. No mortgage. They owned it outright. She forgot herself and trilled the loudest she’d ever done. The family then closed the door and began running through the house looking at everything. They felt as if all of their dreams came true at once.

When they were calming down from the excitement they prayed to the gods, thanking them for this miracle and praying for the health and wellbeing of Princess Darcy. She knew and was pleased that they had happiness.