“There are a lot of people praying for you,” Susan said. “We called Pastor Jeff. He’s asked everyone to pray and he’s on his way over.”

“He shouldn’t do that. He’s probably busy.”

“David,” Susan said, “you’re in trouble and he wants to be here. You’re not bothering him.”

A nurse walked in and checked David’s pulse and other vital signs. “Dr. Patel is going over the tests. He should be in soon.”

“Does he know what’s wrong?” David said.

“I’m sure he’ll be able to answer your questions.”

Jimmy paced in the room until David suggested he sit down. “You’re making me dizzy going back and forth, Dad.”

“Sorry,” Jimmy said. “I wonder what’s taking the doctor so long.”

“One step at a time,” Susan said.

Jimmy glanced at her and saw a glint in her eyes. They had done this through the years, believed for each other, encouraged each other. When one became discouraged, the other would pick up the baton. Now, Jimmy was struggling to wait for news from the doctor, fearing what he might have found.

Dr. Vishal Patel walked in with a smile and a folder containing the medical report. He greeted them, then examined David. When he was finished, he moved to the end of the bed and looked at Jimmy.

“So do you have any medical conditions in your family history?”

“Well, David is adopted,” Jimmy said.

“I see.”

“And we don’t have much medical information about them.”

“I understand.” The doctor paused and looked at David. He spoke matter-of-factly. “What we’re dealing with here is excessive pressure on the brain. It’s called a Chiari malformation, where part of the skull pushes on the brain and forces the tissue into the spinal canal. It’s congenital. It develops as you grow. That’s why your headaches have been getting worse.”

Jimmy studied David’s reaction as he tried to take in the information.

The doctor continued. “Really, what you need to know is that it won’t go away unless we open it up and relieve the pressure.”

“Open it up?” David said. He gave Jimmy a frightened glance.

Jimmy studied the doctor. “How much time do we have to make a decision?”

“I don’t think we need to wait any longer. We have everything ready for surgery tomorrow morning.”

Jimmy glanced at David, then took a tentative step toward the doctor. He lowered his voice. “What are the risks?”

“If I were you, I would do it before it gets any worse.”

Jimmy put a hand on his son’s shoulder and calmed his voice. His son suddenly looked so fragile. “David, you okay with surgery?”

“I mean . . . I can’t take these headaches anymore.”

“If all goes well, and I believe it will, then you won’t have to,” Dr. Patel said.

David gave him a timid nod and the doctor smiled.