George’s remark that the parking lot appeared to have fewer cars than usual was borne out by the much smaller number of visitors than on previous evenings. After greeting his parents and chatting for a brief moment, Adam excused himself and went directly to Mark’s bedside, where the boy was eagerly awaiting his arrival. His eyes opened with delight as he viewed the comic books, apparently Adam had known exactly what to buy. A few minutes later the two were engaged in a game of snakes and ladders and Mark was laughing for the first time since he’d entered the hospital. By 8:45 they had won two games each and felt there was time for just one more. Mark didn’t appear to mind that Adam won the last game, and smiled broadly at Adam’s “see you tomorrow night buddy”. After giving his father a hug and a kiss on the cheek, which didn’t seem to surprise anyone now, he left to speak with one of the nurses about bringing Mark some sweets and fruit. Since there was no objection, he made a mental note to pick up some the following day.

Eli’s surgery was

scheduled for 10:30 on Friday morning and the Foxs had elected to come to the hospital with Mary. Adam too decided to skip classes and be at the hospital with his mom. A nurse had administered

the last eye drops at exactly 9:30 and at 10:15 Eli was wheeled into the operating room.

The surgery would take only a few minutes but Dr. Templeton was known to spend 15 to 20 minutes alone in his office before any surgery and expected no interruptions. No one at the hospital was privy to his reason for this time of silence although most felt that he spent the time in prayer or meditation. Whatever the reason, he always appeared relaxed and was known as one of the most skilful surgeons in the city.

Eli was brought back to his bed at 11:00 and soon after Dr. Templeton himself came to speak to the family. He was optimistic about the success of the operation but it would be 24 hours before the bandages could be removed. It appeared that the eye was fine except for the cataract so there was reason to expect a favourable outcome, yet everyone was cautioned to wait before celebrating. George and Isabella took Adam back to the university and returned home while Mary stayed with her husband. Everyone, including Mona, who could not be there in the morning, was expected to turn up at 7PM. Time now seemed to drag for Mary and Eli, no doubt due to the fact that they were eagerly awaiting tomorrow’s news. When the Catholic Chaplain, Father Malloy, stopped by to ask about Eli’s surgery, it was a welcome diversion. The priest had visited all but one day since Eli was admitted to hospital on Tuesday. He had also celebrated Mass on Wednesday morning that was attended by all Catholics who were well enough to leave their beds. Having been born and raised in outport Newfoundland, he especially enjoyed spending time with people such as Mary and Eli. Father Malloy was also a personal friend of Father Ryan, but their paths hadn’t crossed in several years.