AT THE HOSPITAL gates the next evening, Daming looked pleased with himself.

“We don’t have any transports that go all the way to Wen-chou,” he said. “But I got you a ride to Kian. If you can walk from there to Foochow, I’ve a friend at the hospital there. He can try to get you a ride out of Foochow. It’s all here in this letter of introduction, just give it to him.”

“Anything is better than walking the whole way,” Lian said. “We’re very grateful.”

“I still have a few things to do,” Daming said, “but there’s plenty of time before the trucks get here. They won’t set out until it’s dark. Come with me on my rounds, Shao.”

Shao followed Daming as his friend moved between rows of stretchers, wounded men lucky enough to be transferred to a hospital far from the fighting. The soldiers were quiet; some even looked up and smiled when Daming walked past.

“I haven’t any real medical training, as you know,” he said, so softly Shao could barely hear his words. “I feel like an imposter. I worry that men have died because of me. But now I’m not sure how much of a difference I’d make even if I were a real doctor. Sometimes all you can do is sit with them and hold their hand, so they’re not alone when their souls depart.”

Daming crouched down over an unconscious solder. He picked up the young man’s wrist and touched it, checking for a pulse. He did this so gently, with such gravity, that Shao felt as though he were intruding on a sacred ceremony.

Outside, two covered trucks pulled up to the hospital gates. The driver of the second truck jumped out and shook hands with Daming, then took down the tailgate. They helped Sparrow and Lian climb into the back of the truck.

“Be careful, Shao,” Daming said. “I signed you a pass but it doesn’t mean every soldier on patrol will honor it. There’s always the risk you’ll be captured and forced to enlist. And you may need to hand out a few bribes. I hope my doctor friend in Foochow can get you closer to the coast.”

“Thanks so much, Daming,” Shao said, shaking his hand. “You take care of yourself.”

“I’m off to Wuhan tomorrow,” Daming said, “then I’m heading for the front. I’ve told my uncle I can’t do this shuttling back and forth anymore. We’ve lost too many medics on the battlefields and that’s where I should be. Good-bye, old friend.”

Daming stood on the hospital’s front steps as the truck pulled away. His straight back and slow wave of the hand made Shao think of his grandfather, the way the old man always insisted on seeing guests off, waving courteously until they were out of sight.

Chapter 28