Far below is a valley where the Snake River winds. It takes her four hours to drive from Coeur d'Alene to the top of Lewiston Hill.But still, just in case, she prays to the trees that she passes on the windy road to Lewiston. She knows she can make this journey, because she knows how to drive. Sal is nervous, but she feels good, too.It's pretty reckless, we've got to admit. Finally, she pulls out of the hospital parking lot and begins the journey to Lewiston all on her own.She studies the map several times, counts the money Gramps gave, and then practices driving around the parking lot a bit. Sal goes out to the car, holding the keys.He hands Sal the car keys and some money and tells her to go do what she has to do.He also tells Sal that they are going to be in the hospital for a while, which poses a bit of a problem. The nurses tell Gramps that Gram can't hear him, but Gramps tells them that she can.Gramps leans over her, whispering things to her. There are lots of tubes and wires connecting her to machines. It's around midnight when Sal is finally able to see Gram, who's still unconscious.The dog is really cute, puts his head in Sal's lap, and reminds her of her old dog, Moody Blue.We think that's something her mother would have done. Someone comes in with an old beagle dog, but the receptionist won't let him bring the dog in the hospital, so Sal offers to take care of the dog while his owner visits the hospital.Sal stays by herself in the waiting room while Gramps stays with Gram.I'm holding on to her hand, see? If you want me to let go, you'd have to chop my hand off'" (41.3). Here's Gramps' awesome response: "'Sonny, I've been by her side for fifty-one years, except for three days when she left me for the egg man. The doctors tell them that Gram has had a stroke and that she can't hear them, so he doesn't need to stay in the room.Gramps and Sal take Gram to the hospital as soon as they get to Coeur d'Alene.
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