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THE HOSPITAL
"You’re doing great Ricardo," Michael said encouragingly as Ricardo lifted the 5-pound weight. "You are making remarkable progress." Ricardo was doing physical therapy with Michael who had recently received his PT certificate. Tyus was impressed with Ricardo’s determination. He had suffered the stroke only a week ago and was already working at a one-month post stroke pace. Tyus and Gabi stood outside the room watching his workout. "He’s doing very well, Gabi," Tyus reported happily. "He’s very strong. His prior physical strength has been beneficial to his recovery." Gabi smiled as Tyus praised Ricardo’s work. She was anxious for him to recover soon. It was so hard on his family to see him unable to take care of himself. She knew it was harder for him to be so reliant on her and the nurses. Michael pushed Ricardo’s wheelchair through the door. "He almost wore me out today," Michael joked as he turned the chair over to Gabi. "He’ll be ready for The Ironman in no time." Ricardo smiled at Michael as Gabi wheeled him around down the hall. "So, you were doing great in there," Gabi said softly as she pushed him back to his room. "Tyus says that if you keep up this pace, you should be home in a week." Ricardo was regaining control of his physical functioning but his speech was slow to return. It frustrated him not being able to communicate, but Gabi was surprisingly efficient at gauging his needs. She had been by his side everyday of his recovery. Ricardo almost believed that she was there because she really loved him. He would never let himself fall for that one again. Gabi helped settle him back into his bed and covered him up with the blanket. "I’m going to go to the cafeteria and grab some lunch, okay?" She gently pushed his hair off his forehead. "I won’t be long." Gabi kissed his cheek tenderly. "I love you," she said softly and left the room. Ricardo closed his eyes tightly as she said the words he knew she didn’t mean. Ricardo stared at the ceiling as he continued to work out his arms and hands. He had been doing his stretching and strengthening when he was alone and during the night, which accounted for his swift pace of recovery. He had too many important things to do to be confined to his bed and that damned wheelchair for much longer. He had Antonio and Gabi to take care of. Antonio stepped into Ricardo’s room silently as his brother was lying back with his eyes closed. He was relieved to find that Gabi wasn’t there as he moved to the chair next to the bed and gently placed his hand on Ricardo’s shoulder. Ricardo’s eyes jumped open to find Antonio smiling at him from above. "Hey, did I wake you?" Antonio asked soothingly. He blinked twice, his signal for no. "Good. How are you doing today? Okay?" Ricardo blinked once. "You look good, Ricardo. Are you feeling better?" Ricardo blinked once. "You’ll be outta here before you know it." Ricardo blinked once with exaggeration, he wanted to kick Antonio’s sanctimonious butt. Antonio sat down in the chair. "I’m going to say a few prayers for you," he began as he pulled open his book. Ricardo watched him intently as he doled out prayers for strength and recovery. How could he be so two-faced, acting all pious and reverent when underneath it all he was betraying God and Ricardo with a lustful, sinful affair with Gabi? Ricardo hadn’t yet decided what he had in store for Antonio’s fate, but he was beginning to get a few good ideas. Gabi stopped quickly, her heart skipping a beat as her eyes landed on Antonio sitting at Ricardo’s side. His head was dipped in prayer and Ricardo’s eyes were closed. They hadn’t seen each other since the day he married her to Ricardo. They decided it would be easier on them both if they avoided one another as much as possible after the wedding. Gabi had promised to devote herself to Ricardo and his recovery and that would be nearly impossible to do with Antonio at her side. Gabi watched him intently, his mind deeply focused as he prayed for his brother. She willed herself to stop the longing she felt so profoundly in her heart. Antonio was obligated to God and now, she was obligated to Ricardo…end of story. The love they felt for each other would remain hidden within both of them - forever. Now that Carmen had promised not to tell Ricardo, he would never find out the truth. Gabi closed her eyes and turned her back to them. After a moment, she took a step. "Gabi," his deep, husky voice stopped her dead in her tracks. She couldn’t turn around. She could barely breathe. "How are you?" Gabi turned slowly to find Antonio at her side. She knew if she looked into his eyes she wouldn’t be able to stay out of his arms. "I’m fine," she said without meeting his gaze. "How are you?" Antonio looked down at the floor. "Fine." There was a brief but awkward pause. "Ricardo seems to be doing a lot better." Gabi smiled softly without looking up. "Tyus says he should be home in a week." Home. The word hit Antonio like a freight train. Ricardo and Gabi’s home...where they would live their lives as husband and wife. It was more than he could stand to think about. "That’s great, Gabi, he said quietly as he glanced at his watch. "I have to run. It was...good to see you." He waited for her to look at him, but she wouldn’t. Antonio sighed heavily and turned down the hall. When he was almost out of sight, Gabi raised her head and watched him turn the corner. She took a deep breath and turned to go to Ricardo. He was lying in bed staring directly at her - he hadn’t missed a second. THE MISSION Antonio knelt before the altar clutching his rosary in his hand. His heart was heavy as he began to pray. "Lord, our Father, please bestow your miracle of healing upon your sickly servant Ricardo. Give him the strength he needs to make a full recovery and bring him back to the family that loves him. Bless Maria and mama with faith that Ricardo will be strong and healthy again soon." He paused in reflective thought. "Father, please don’t punish my brother for my sins. My will and faith were not strong enough to resist temptation. My heart and soul coveted my brother’s fiancée. Punish me. Give me penance, Lord. And if my atonement be that my love for Gabi continue and I suffer to see her as my brother’s wife, then your will be done." Antonio made the sign of the cross and returned to his office. He sat at his desk trying to work on his sermon for Sunday. Frustrated with not finding the words, he sat back in his chair and raked his fingers through his hair. His mind wandered, to Gabi, and the night they shared at the hotel the day before she married Ricardo. He could feel her hands on him as she kissed his neck. His hands caressing her back, making love to her...pulled from his all too brief reverie, his eyes directed immediately to the crucifix on the wall. He knew his answer.
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