Brave Ramon

By Lewis Brett Smiler

Whenever Jen sang at the nursing home, her boyfriend Ramon would forget himself and start singing along. But when Jen looked at him from the piano, he would stop immediately. His off-key voice was very distracting. Yet, seeing her dad’s old coworker Mr. Spinelli was far more unsettling. He used to regularly welcome Jen to the nursing home, but now he was too confused to know where he was or that she was now in high school. Senior facilities were depressing, and Jen was not going to set foot in them anymore. She tried communicating that to Ramon, but he did not understand. They were arguing about it as they left school that Thursday afternoon.

“Stop being such a baby,” Ramon said for the third time.

“I’m not,” Jen replied.

“Your singing does so much for them.”

“Did you see Mr. Spinelli? He still thinks he’s living in his house with his wife and kids. My singing can’t solve that.”

“You don‘t get it,” said Ramon.

“No, you don’t get it. I’m not going to visit month after month and watch people fade to dust. That’s not the audience I want.” Ramon shook his head.

“And you think I’m the baby?” Jen continued. “What about you? You freak out every time there’s an algebra test. If it wasn’t for me, you’d be failing every test. I basically have to sing lullabies to calm you down.”

“They’re not lullabies.”

“They are. I wonder what your teammates would think if they knew who the real Ramon was? Not so fearless, are you?” Ramon did not respond. “Try studying your algebra without me. See how it goes! You’re the baby, Ramon.” Her boyfriend started singing in his terrible voice. He subjected her to this torture whenever she annoyed him, but Jen was only speaking the truth. Ramon would have been so humiliated if the team saw how he acted in private. Jen drove home from school, angered by his insensitivity. She was watching Mr. Spinelli quickly decline, and all Ramon did was insult her for it.

Jen tried to clear her mind and focus on more positive thoughts. In a few weeks, she would be auditioning for an off-Broadway show. It was her second professional audition this year, and she was not going to mess it up. Jen felt nervous when she thought about all the tough competition. How good were her chances? It had been a month since she starred in the school play, but people were still praising her voice. Was that an encouraging sign? And what about the people who paid her to perform at parties? She had to keep her fingers crossed. There was nothing she liked more than an audience who would remember her, and she was never going to find that at a nursing home. Ramon’s hurtful remarks continued to bother her, but she knew that he would apologize soon. When she saw him outside the school entrance on Friday morning, the first thing she expected was to hear how sorry he was. Instead, Ramon greeted her with more of his atrocious singing. Jen turned her head in disgust. They normally spent their Friday nights together, but she would have nothing to do with him that night.

Saturday morning came, and Jen was certain he would apologize within the next 24 hours. However, when she arrived home from her voice lesson, she noticed her mom looking distressed. Jen knew that look only too well. It was clear something bad had happened, but what?

“I have some troubling news,” Mom said. “It’s about Ramon.”

***

Jen canceled her voice lesson for next week, no longer caring about the audition. She would not have the strength to sing again until Ramon was back with her. But how long would that be? A few days ago, her boyfriend stopped an attacker from killing a pregnant woman. The attacker knocked Ramon’s head onto the sidewalk before other bystanders were able to grab him. Ramon was now in a coma, and nobody knew when he was going to wake up.

All of Jen’s classmates were calling her, asking how she was doing, but she did not want to speak to any of them. The only person she wanted to talk to was Ramon. She wanted to give him a big hug and say how sorry she was for being so mean. Jen had the audacity to call him a baby last week, but he was the bravest person in town. A woman was alive today because of him. But why did he have to get knocked unconscious? It was only a few weeks ago when Ramon was overjoyed to receive a basketball scholarship. Was that all gone now? Jen thought about the two men who grabbed the attacker. If they had come a moment sooner, Ramon would have been fine. That one moment made such a difference.

Summer was fast approaching, and Jen would soon be finishing her junior year. No matter what she did, she could not stop feeling Ramon’s absence. There was a history test coming up, and she needed to study. But when she looked through her notes, everything seemed so dry. When she and Ramon studied together, history was so much fun. They were constantly trying to upstage each other with historical facts. Ramon was originally from Honduras, and she would impress him with new tidbits about Latin America. He would often astound her with new facts on music and theater history. Jen recalled the first time they met. The library had a lecture on the history of carousels, and they were the only teens in a mostly geriatric audience. As Jen thought about their first conversation, she started crying. Perhaps her boyfriend was right. Perhaps she was a baby.

There was a knock on her bedroom door.

“Phone call for you,” said her mom.

“Please, no calls,” Jen replied.

“It’s Kim Swanick,”

“I said no calls.”

“Kim Swanick,” her mom repeated. “She is the person Ramon saved.”

“Not now, mom.” Jen took a deep breath. She did not want to talk to anyone except Ramon. Jen had been so nasty towards him before his injury, and there was nothing she could do about it now. She tried to focus on her history test, but now the guilt was consuming her. Would she get that chance to apologize? How long would she have to wait?

Jen could hear her mom’s voice in the distance. She was still on the phone with Kim. Jen began to wonder how Kim must be feeling. A stranger was badly injured saving her life, and there was nothing she could do to help him. Jen tried to imagine herself in Kim’s shoes. The guilt would have been unbearable.

Jen opened her bedroom door and walked into her mom’s office.

“I’ll talk to Kim,” Jen whispered. Her mom handed the phone to her.

“Am I speaking with Jen?” asked Kim.

“Yes.”

“I’m just checking to see how you’re doing. I know that you and Ramon were a couple, and I’m really sorry  . . . I’m sorry about what happened.” Kim was silent for a moment. “I’ve never been the best when it comes to words. My background is math. It was my major in college.”

“Ramon hated math,” Jen responded. “There was nothing that terrified him more.”

“Math can be so much fun. Perhaps . . . perhaps I can show him when he wakes up.” Kim was sounding very nervous. “If there is anything you need, don’t hesitate to call. Jay and I are here for you. My parents are here for you too. I’ll give you their number. I can’t tell you how much we owe Ramon.” Jen was suddenly feeling overwhelmed. If not for Ramon’s actions, this woman on the phone would not have been around now.

Jen learned that Kim was a financial analyst who was expecting in a few months. The attacker had been an employee in the building where Kim worked, but she did not know him well and was not aware of his mental health issues. Jen could not keep count of the number of times Kim apologized for him.

“Enough about that,” Kim finally said. “I’m wondering if you could tell me more about Ramon. I want to know about the brave hero who saved me. But if you’re not comfortable, that’s okay. I understand.”

“No, it’s fine.” Jen began to describe Ramon’s basketball exploits, only to discover that Kim already knew his athletic career inside out. However, it quickly became clear that she hardly knew anything about Ramon’s other interests. Jen told Kim that Ramon loved music very much and was quick at retaining song lyrics. Since they started dating, Jen had been introducing him to many classic pop and Broadway songs. Unfortunately, Ramon’s singing voice never failed to hurt her ears, and she had to stop him from singing along with her countless times.

Kim knew that he had come to the United States as a child, and she asked if music had helped him learn English. Jen described how song lyrics taught Ramon about colors, food, clothing, weather, days of the week, and months of the year. The ESL teacher would often take well-known songs and rewrite the words. Kim wanted to know what Ramon’s favorite songs were now. Jen struggled to keep away the tears as she discussed how her singing soothed Ramon before his math tests.

Jen’s mom alerted her that it was getting late and that the conversation needed to end. She and Kim could talk more another time. But as Jen tried to focus on her studies again, she could not help feeling amazed. She had just conversed with someone who was alive today only because of Ramon. Would Kim get her chance to thank Ramon? Would Ramon be there to watch her child grow up? Jen felt the tears rolling down. She reminded herself that Ramon was still around, just in a temporary sleep. That was all it was. She thought again about what she would do if a stranger was knocked out saving her life. Would she have the courage to call that stranger’s family or friends? Probably not. Jen did not even have the courage to visit the nursing home and watch Mr. Spinelli fade.

Another day passed. When Jen arrived home from school, her mom looked eager to speak with her.

“Ramon’s dad called,” Mom said.

“You talked to Ramon’s dad?”

“We talked a little, but then he put his neighbor on to translate. He wanted to know how you’re doing. He’s been thinking about you and how Ramon loved your singing.” Jen could not help feeling amazed. Ramon’s dad was going through so much right now, but he still took the trouble to call and check on her.

Jen was about to get started with her chemistry homework, but now Mr. Spinelli was on her mind. She had no excuse for not visiting him at the nursing home. When she was a child, he was always giving her birthday gifts and autographed programs. How many of her recitals did he attend? He cared for her like family, and she was now abandoning him. How could she have been so selfish? Jen quickly pushed those painful thoughts away. She was going to go to the nursing home after school next week and sing for Mr. Spinelli. Once she finished her homework, she would review all his favorite tunes.

***

As Jen stepped into the nursing home lobby, she was feeling uneasy. She had never performed there without Ramon along. When she sang for the residents, he would sit in the front row and enthusiastically move to the music. While his singing voice had left much to be desired, his energy was contagious and the seniors loved watching him. Ramon had been in a coma for eleven or twelve days now, and the doctors still had no answers as to when he would wake up. Jen felt like she was going to cry, but she would not let it happen. She signed in at the front desk and proceeded to Mr. Spinelli’s room. He was still as confused as before, asking where his wife was and forgetting that his son was married and living in Texas. Jen reminded him that she sang at his son’s wedding, but it did not seem to register. Yet, as soon as she started singing, he became very relaxed. During the second song, Jen noticed that he was quietly singing with her. It was so important that she had visited him.

She was on her way to the lobby when another resident was being wheeled by. The man took one look at her and began humming a song from her repertoire. He must have been in the audience the last time she performed. Jen struggled to remember his face, but he certainly remembered hers. Getting into her car, she could no longer keep from crying. She wished that Ramon were awake now so she could let him know about her visit. He kept insisting that her singing reached the seniors in a powerful way, and he could not have been more right. But Ramon was definitely her biggest fan. Her singing almost never failed to calm him when he was stressed. Jen had sung a few songs for Ramon in the hospital yesterday, but there was no indication that he could hear them. How much longer would it be like this? When would she see some reaction?

Kim had asked about Ramon’s favorite songs, so Jen was going to record some for her. Perhaps they could be lullabies for the baby. Jen thought about all the English words Ramon learned through song. Perhaps Kim’s child could learn about Ramon and his heroic feat in the same way. Jen would take one of her boyfriend’s favorite melodies but add new lyrics. As soon as the child learned to talk, he would be saying Ramon’s name.

Jen was soon thinking about Ramon’s dad. Would he also appreciate the new song? Would it bring him comfort during this rough time? It was hard to have conversations with him as his English was limited, but he always enjoyed her singing. When Jen performed on his birthday, he wanted to be sure Ramon told her how moved he was. Singing about his son would be the perfect way to reach out and show support.

Jen began working on her new lyrics that evening when her dad knocked on the door.

“Ramon’s neighbor called,” Dad said. “He woke up.” 

***

Jen was visiting Ramon in the hospital for the third time. The last two visits were very difficult, and she did not expect this visit to be any better.

“Why am I in the hospital?” asked Ramon. His speech was slow, and talking remained a struggle.

“You took a bad fall,” Jen replied. “You saved a woman from an attacker, and he knocked you down. But she is safe because of you. You’re a hero, and her whole family can’t thank you enough.” Jen could see the blank look on Ramon’s face. She had shared the same information yesterday, but nothing seemed to register. The doctor said that his cognitive functions could significantly improve, but it would take time. She needed to be patient.

“Does Dad know I’m here?” Ramon asked.

“He does, and he’s very proud of you.” His dad had talked to him earlier in the day, but he did not remember. “You saved a woman’s life,” Jen repeated. “She is going to have a baby soon, so you saved two lives. You’re a hero.” Ramon’s face remained blank. There was no indication that he understood anything she said. “The woman you saved, her name is Kim. She has a degree in math, and she is showing me how to have fun with numbers. She can show you too.” Jen was hoping Ramon would react to hearing that dreadful word math, but there was no response.

“How is your singing?” he asked.

“Going very well,” said Jen. “I had a New York audition scheduled before your injury, and I almost canceled. But I knew how much you loved my voice, and you would never want it going to waste. I auditioned, and the director was very impressed. I’m waiting to hear back now. Fingers crossed.” Jen was silent for a moment, hoping Ramon would answer, but he did not. “No matter what happens, I will always make time to sing for the seniors. You told me how much they need me, and you were right. I need to listen to you more.” There was no still change in Ramon’s facial expression. Jen reminded herself again to be patient.

“You’re a star. I’m nobody,” he said suddenly. “You deserve better.”

“What?” Jen could not believe what she heard. She was warned that he could be unpredictable, but where did this come from?

“I’m just a singer,” said Jen, “but you are a star. A superstar. And you’ve always been a superstar to me, ever since our first date. And when you had your fall, I felt so alone without you. There is no one I would rather be with.” Jen tried to keep from crying, but it was not possible. A few tears rolled down, but she could not tell if Ramon was aware.

“You deserve better,” her boyfriend repeated.

“Stop saying that!” Jen did not mean to raise her voice. She took a deep breath and continued to look at Ramon’s blank face. How could she make him see how special he was? How long would it take to send him that message? Perhaps it was time to sing her new song, “Brave Ramon.” The melody should be very familiar to him, but the new lyrics described how he had saved Kim’s life. As Jen sang the first few lines, she noticed Ramon becoming very relaxed. He appeared the same way whenever she sang for him in the past. But would the lyrics mean anything? He quickly learned English as a child by retaining song lyrics. Perhaps if Jen sang “Brave Ramon” often enough, those lyrics might also find a place in his memory. She had nothing to lose by trying.

***

Jen was now visiting the hospital for the tenth time, still smiling and upbeat for Ramon. But it was all a performance, not much different from a role in the school play. Her boyfriend was still a shell of his former self, and Jen was feeling desolate inside. 

“Why am I here?” Ramon asked again.

“You took a bad fall,” Jen replied. “You saved a woman from an attacker, and he knocked you down. But now she is safe, and she is going to have a baby soon. Her baby shower is in a few weeks, and I purchased a gift yesterday.” Jen held up a bag of two beige onesies. Ramon seemed to notice.

“They look nice,” he responded. “What are they for?”

“They are for Kim’s baby,” replied Jen. “He’s going to look really adorable in them. Kim is the woman whose life you saved. The baby shower would not be taking place if not for you.” As expected, Ramon did not respond. Jen looked more closely at the onesies. She was certain Kim would like them. But what Jen really wanted to bring Kim was good news about Ramon. She wanted so much to tell Kim that Ramon finally knew who she was and that he had saved her. There would have been no better gift than that.

“I’ve been telling Kim’s parents so much about Honduras,” Jen continued. “It will be their first trip after her dad retires. They want to see your hometown, San Juancito. I told them about the park you liked, La Tigra, and the waterfalls there. They were amazed to learn that San Juancito was the first place in Honduras to have electricity. It was the same reaction I gave when you told me.” The silence continued at Ramon’s end. Was there any point sharing all this with him? Since waking up from a coma, his mind was not processing any new information. Jen continued to remind herself to be patient. Her boyfriend needed her, and she would never leave him behind.

She began singing “Brave Ramon” again but was barely into the second line when she froze in shock. Ramon was singing along with her. Since waking up in the hospital, he had never done anything like that. Jen watched in amazement as Ramon continued to sing the lyrics on his own. What was going on? She had introduced those lyrics to him two weeks ago, and he was retaining them. He was singing about himself saving Kim’s life. Was this for real? Yes, it was definitely for real. Her message was finally breaking through. Jen never thought she would be so happy to hear her boyfriend’s off-key voice. For the first time since the injury, she was feeling Ramon’s presence.

Lewis Brett Smiler lives in West Orange, NJ, and enjoys creative writing and historical research. His stories have been published in Scarlet Leaf Review, Scare Street, Academy of the Heart and Mind, Anotherealm, and have been aired on the Creepy podcast.