"Joe!  Joe, please wake up, baby!" Arvilla held Joe's head in her lap as tears fell from her face to his.

"Please, Please, Please!  God, don't take him from me!" Arvilla begs.

Soon the paramedics came and rushed him to the emergency room.

Arvilla was left alone sobbing.

"Ma'am, would you like a ride to the hospital?"

"I uh.. I-"

"My name is Clifford O'Brian.  This is my wife Denise.  We would be more than happy to take you."

"Okay.. thank you so much.  I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome, sweetie!  Let's go!" Denise patted her on the back.

The drive to the hospital wasn't far, but to Arvilla it felt like an eternity.

**

Finally they arrived.

"Ma'am?" Denise said.

".. Arvilla." She says in a soft and tearful voice.

"Arvilla.  Would you like for me to walk you in?"

"Um.. Will you, please?  I just.. I can't-"

Denise grabs her hand and smiles softly. "Don't worry.  I'll go with you."

"Thank you."

Arvilla walks in and goes straight to the front desk.
"My name is Arvilla Holden... my-my husband." Her voice cracks.

"He uh.. his name is Joe Holden.. How is he?"

"The doctor will be out in just a minute to speak with you, Mrs. Holden."

"Just tell me if he's okay.  Please tell me he's alive!" Arvilla cries.

"Ma'am, I not at liberty to say-"

"I'M HIS WIFE!  I HAVE A RIGHT!"

"Arvilla, I'm sure they will do everything possible for your husband."

Arvilla turns to Denise and in tears she says, "I need to know he's okay.."

"I'm so sorry.  I wish there were something I could do."

*
*
*

Two weeks earlier.

"Honey, look at this!  This is exactly what I was wanting for our next class!"

"You are SO good, Mrs. Holden!"

"Thanks!" Arvilla says with a giggle.

"Now let's stop for today.  No more work.  Let's just have some fun."

Arvilla smiles and walks over to sit on Joe's lap.
"When I'm with you, I always have fun."

"Well aren't you sweet?"

"I'm just a big bowl of sugar!"

Joe laughs and rubs her back.  Arvilla hugs him tighly, never wanting to let go.

"Can I ask you something?" Joe asks.

Arvilla pulls away and smiles. "Of course!"

"Do you ever regret marrying an older man?"

"Why would I regret it?  I love you so so much!  Age has never been an issue for us.  I think you're the most incredible man I have ever met.  With you I've been able to travel the world!" Arvilla smiles.

"Traveling the world with the person you love more than anyone else.. It's an incredible feeling.  I don't regret anything, honey!"

Joe smiles and kisses her lips.
"I'm happy I have you to keep me young, Villa!  I'm going strong, and I don't plan on slowing down any time soon."

"Aw good!  Good!" Arvilla giggles and once again kisses his lips.

*
*
*

"Mrs. Holden?"

"Yes?!" Arvilla stands quickly, making herself feel dizzy.

"Joe!  Is he okay?"

"Mrs. Holden, I am terribly sorry but, your husband suffered a major heart attack.  There was too much damage.  We tried everything, but we couldn't save him."

Arvilla doesn't say a word.  Her jaw drops, her eyes widen, and her knees go weak.  For a moment she wasn't even breathing.

It felt as though the world was going in slow motion around her.

Suddenly the wind was knocked back into her lungs when she felt herself land on the cold hard ground.

"Arvilla!" Denise shouted, helping her up.

Arvilla was now all alone in Borneo.  Thank God she had this sweet couple who took time out of their vacation to be with her.  But besides them, she was alone.

Arvilla thought about the beautiful place she and Joe were staying in.  It was paradise.

Now she would have to return.  Alone.