Decade: late 1940s – 1950s

THE UNKNOWN WIFE OF JACOB WELLS

by Tunnel Muse and Tunnel Belle

~ By Tunnel Muse

It had been a month since Vincent and Catherine’s wedding. Over that month, Jacob’s mind drifted back to the wedding gift he had given them; heartfelt and beautiful as it was, the appreciation brought him back to his wife, Rose. After years of Tunnel life and so many changes, his unique son’s nuptials brought it all back to him. The memories of the earlier years, how they met, and their subsequent and unexpected relationship and marriage.

He began reminiscing on how he ended up in the ‘Tunnel World’, the losses of his life Above, and his almost losing his life that winter. He added them up: the loss of his medical license to practice medicine; the government witch hunts; the annulment by her father of his marriage to Margaret, his first love and wife; his relationship with Grace, Devin’s mother, who saved him literally and figuratively from freezing to death, who had died in childbirth. Then came Rose, the Angel of the Tunnels. A woman of many talents and excellent in her own right. Jacob recalled how he had told Vincent about her a few years before, even before Grace being Devin’s mother.

Now he was sitting quietly in his private chambers, his mind running like quicksilver, yet as slow as sap from a maple tree in winter. His mind went back in time…

***

As time stood still, Father was back in 1940s, reliving the medical school years. He had medical skills in England, however he was in the United States now. His license wasn’t valid here, he had to retrain again to practice. The lessons were relatively the same, with a few differences.

He remembered meeting Peter Alcott in his class, slightly taller than he was, with blue eyes and blonde hair and a warm personality. He also met a strikingly beautiful woman named Rose Raven Black. Her hair was as black as midnight, her eyes a light brown with a touch of gold, and her flawless skin was kissed by the sun’s red glow. She was kind-hearted but determined in her five-foot frame.

Some of the students and professors made things harder by their not so subtle and unhidden prejudice. Jacob and Rose were ostracized almost on a regular basis, Rose for being a woman mostly, as they didn’t know of her personal background at the time. She felt it was unnecessary to explain, under the circumstances. A woman in the medical field would be hard enough to deal with. The male students and professors constantly remarked that women should stay home, as they did not belong in the medical field, despite that they practiced in other hospitals in the United States and in Europe.

Jacob didn’t fare that easily either. He, being an immigrant from Europe, was thought of as ‘less than’ and inferior, regardless of the fact that he had practiced medicine and was a successful surgeon in his own right. None of that mattered however; he had to start over, almost from scratch. The other student interns were jealous of his knowledge and let him know it at any opportunity.

Despite the hardships, Peter’s, Rose’s and Jacob’s determination to succeed, their love of medicine, and their character tightened the bonds of friendship between them. They were strong, determined, caring and compassionate, with a strong belief in healing the hurting. This also made them become fast friends, having the same goals.

***

Jacob went into the surgical field again, and medical research. Rose and Peter went into Pediatrics and the field of OB GYN. Rose also did a residency in surgery, which she felt would become useful. Fortunately, they did their residencies together in the same hospital, New York Presbyterian, built in 1888.

They were the Three Musketeers, each comfortable with the other, compatible. On one of their days off, they decided to go for dinner together. They each took turns speaking about where they came from, a bit about their lives and their dreams for the future.

Peter went first. “I was born and raised here. I’m originally from Brooklyn. I stayed in Manhattan to live because I loved it here when I moved here a year ago. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, as my father was before me.”

Jacob nodded to Rose to go next, but she waved for him to go first. Smiling at her, he began to speak. “I’m originally from Essex, England. I came to the United States for a new beginning. I practiced medicine in England for three years and I thought I could use my skills here. I didn’t realize, however, that I would have to start over again. Oh well, I guess we can all use a refresher course, I suppose. I didn’t expect such open prejudice. There isn’t any of that in Europe for foreigners who wish to practice there. It’s quite a new experience for me, to be sure, but no matter, it won’t stop me.”

“How about you, Rose?” Peter asked, smiling encouragingly. Jacob also smiled encouragingly, with a nod.

Rose took a deep, hesitant breath before she spoke. She knew what she would risk, but their smiles and genuine friendship helped her calm her unease.

“I came from Oklahoma. I wanted to learn medicine like my father. I want to help women with childbirth, and also learn if there are any advancements for care during early pregnancy. Too many women don’t get the proper care in the early stages of pregnancies, I also want to learn surgical skills to improve that, as well.” She paused momentarily, looking around nervously, then continued. “You both know me as Rose Raven Black,” she said, soft and low. Peter and Jacob nodded in unison as she continued slowly. “As you both know, there is prejudice toward certain ethnic groups, as well as women, although women have been practicing medicine for many years now. Jacob, you said it yourself. In Europe there aren’t such prejudices as are prevalent here. As for being a woman, well…” She exhaled exasperatedly. “You’ve seen it for yourselves. I believe I can trust you to keep my secret, so I’m telling you both in confidence now…my name is Rose Black Gha’a’na’a’dze’e’. Gha’a’na’a’dze’e’ in my tongue means Raven. I’m using Raven as my middle name so that no one knows. I am Apache, and my father is a shaman, a Native American doctor of medicine. He doesn’t practice your style of medicine, but encouraged me to learn it, considering it’s beneficial to us both. The professors don’t know my ethnicity and neither do the other students. Being a woman has been hard enough, as you’ve both noticed.”

She waited for their response in hopes that she hadn’t made a colossal mistake. To her relief, she saw their genuine smiles and sympathy, and they vowed to tell no one. It was no one’s business anyway. Whispering a heartfelt “Thank you,” she smiled. The dinner had only solidified their bonds of friendship forever.

The next years had their ups and downs as usual, but their internships went on.

***

Jacob was surprised by a job offer six months after he married Margaret, right after finishing his schooling. After some concerns, things finally seemed to be looking up for him and Margaret. And as his job at the Chittenden Institute went well, Margaret and Jacob were happy.

Peter and Rose were doing their residencies at the Children’s Hospital, which pleased them both. Peter went into Pediatrics as he had always wanted, and Rose worked very hard between the surgery units and as an OB GYN. They both had finally gotten what they had hoped for.

Peter had married a year before Jacob, each best man at their respective weddings. Rose was a guest at both, but still single herself, with no interest in marriage then. She was much too busy with the babies and mothers at the hospital.

***

In the late fall of 1952, everything began to unravel for Jacob Wells. Due to unknown pressures at the time, the company he was hired at turned on him. The Chittenden Institute fired him abruptly for disagreeing with their findings and their fear of exposing their nuclear testing as harmful. The US government wanted to exploit this for their military uses, so Jacob was brought to trial on false charges to shut him up. The Institute didn’t want to lose the grant for their research, or the military contract, which were very lucrative to them.

Jacob was charged as a communist, all false, of course, but as they saw it, he was a small fish in a huge pond, collateral damage, and they were desperate, a means to an end, and worth the risk.

Losing his medical license wasn’t his only loss, unfortunately. They had blacklisted him, so he could no longer find a job in the state of New York or anywhere else, thanks to the House Un-American Activities Committee. It didn’t end there. However. When he got home to let his beloved Margaret know, she was gone. A letter, the only thing left, was taped to the apartment door, along with an eviction notice. Opening his apartment door, he found his suitcase, packed, sitting next to their wedding photo. After staring at it and his suitcase, he took the letter, placing it in his pocket, grabbed the suitcase and photo, and left.

It was late November and a very cold day. Walking into a nearby cafe, he ordered a cup of tea and opened the letter, trying to see it through the tears as he read it.

Dear Jacob,

 I’m writing to say I’m sorry and goodbye. I wish I could say more to you than that. I wish I could explain, but I don’t know how, and I have no words to make sense of this right now. Please forgive me.

Love you always. You will always be the wreck of my memories…

Margaret

Heartsick and distraught, he reread the letter. After staring at it in disbelief, he placed it in his pocket. How short and abrupt the letter felt, almost cold, despite the ‘Love you always’ at the end.

Grabbing his suitcase with his few belongings and the photo of their wedding, and not knowing of the hidden letter behind the photo, he wandered the streets of New York. No longer caring, he told no one, not even Allan Taft, who defended him, who risked his own career, nor Peter and Rose. He couldn’t; he was embarrassed and extremely hurt.

Then, after days of wandering, out of money and half frozen, he met Grace. Seeing his state of loss and his expression, she could understand his need for warmth and compassion. He was frozen and hungry, so she told him of a safe place to stay. He saw and felt her care and compassion melt through his frozen heart, and he knew he would die if he stayed where he was, so he followed her like a lost puppy. It was a place to heal and start over again, truly. However, his pain of hurt and betrayal would take longer to heal. But he needed to start somewhere.

After a month or so, he let Peter know where he was and that he was safe. Peter promised to keep the secret and vowed to help in any way possible.

***

Another year went by. Peter and Rose were working as doctors. Rose’s father and mother came for a visit to celebrate her hard work. Peter and his wife Megan invited Rose and her family to dinner, deciding to celebrate together. Reservations were made at the Waldorf, to make it extra special on a lovely fall evening. They had a wonderful time getting acquainted with Rose’s family and conversing over babies, the new medical advances in surgery, and just nothing at all. It was very relaxing.

Rose was still single, trying to date on occasion, but nothing steady. Fraternizing with other doctors was frowned upon, though it didn’t stop some from asking. To Rose’s knowledge, her secret was still intact, thankfully. However, her family’s visit made her nervous.

The dinner at the Waldorf was lovely with Peter and his lovely wife Megan, as was the family celebration. The extra couple of days off to relax and recoup didn’t hurt either.

“See you on Monday morning,” said Peter with a smile.

“It was lovely to meet you again, Rose. Congratulations on your hard work, you’ve earned your success,” said Megan.

“Thank you both very much. You, too, Peter – congratulations. See you on Monday,” Rose said warmly.

Monday morning came with clouds and a threat of rain. Rose was still filled with the joy of Saturday’s dinner and well wishes. The weather did nothing to dampen her mood as she walked into the hospital to a just-arrived, smiling Peter.

“Good morning, Rose. Looks like we are still flying high on our hard work’s achievements. Ready to start our shifts? Looks like a long day ahead for both of us,” he chirped.

“I sure am. See you at lunch later in the doctor’s lounge?”

“You’re on,” he said, with a wave and a smile.

The next six hours were a bit chaotic, to say the least. Peter had three deliveries, one difficult, but healthy. The mothers and babies were doing well. Rose had two deliveries, both healthy, and one three-hour surgery. That patient would be fine, thankfully, but with a long road to recovery ahead.

Passing each other in the hall, she told Peter she had to stop in her office quickly and would see him for lunch. When she arrived ten minutes later, her face was pale and she had been crying.

Peter sat her down next to him and he asked what was wrong. She could hardly speak at first, so he waited patiently for her to compose herself enough to talk. It took another ten minutes before she started.

Sobbing bitterly, she stuttered, “I…I’ve…I’ve been fired from my pos…ition!” Tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Why?! How?!” Peter responded in shock.

“I… I received a dismissal notice from the head of the hospital. H.R. was in my office and they handed this to me!” She gave it to Peter to read.

He opened the folded letter, reading it carefully.

Miss Rose Black,

It has come to our attention that you have been misrepresenting yourself and your history. We can no longer have you in our employ, or on staff at our prestigious hospital. Maybe you should find another line of work. There is no place for your kind here or any other hospital in the state of New York. 

We will no longer be utilizing your services, effective immediately. If you don’t make any waves, you will receive your entire pay with vacation accrued thus far.

Goodbye, Miss Black.
James McAdams
Chief of Staff, Hospital Services

Shaking his head in disbelief, Peter said, “Oh my God, Rose! I’m so sorry!”

“Someone must have found out about my heritage, I just don’t know who! I’ve been thinking back. The only thing it could be was someone in the restaurant. They must have overheard us over dinner or maybe before that, I don’t know!” She sobbed again. “I don’t know what to do now. My parents are old and I wouldn’t ask them anyway. Without work, I can’t stay in my apartment for long. I’m good until the end of the month, but after that…my lease expires.”

Peter, still in shock, composed himself enough to think, suddenly remembering. “When do you have to go?” he asked urgently, afraid of the timing of it.

“Now. Why? I have to grab my things and my pay, which will be left in my office.” She looked questioningly at him.

“Okay then,” Peter replied animatedly. “Please, Rose…please, meet me at the coffee shop tonight at 6pm, okay?!”

“Why?” she asked.

“I’ll explain later, promise. Promise me you’ll come?”

“Okay, 6:00 then.” Standing, she turned to go.

***

Peter was frantic. He made a quick call to Megan, letting her know about Rose’s situation. Megan sent her support, sympathy and love, saying she’d talk to him later.

He wrote a hasty note and went to the barber shop, telling Lou it was urgent and Jacob needed to see it ASAP. By 4:30, Peter received a response.

Peter, hello my dear friend.

It’s so good to hear from you again. I held an emergency Council meeting explaining your situation. They have unanimously agreed, due to our knowing Rose and her medical knowledge. She is most welcome to our community.

Please explain the need for secrecy, and we will arrange for her pick-up in two days. If she agrees, send a message via Lou. Please address it to me, “Jacob”.

Your friend.

It was now 5:00. Peter checked his schedule. He had filed his last report at 4pm while waiting, and now he was free for the rest of the evening. Grabbing his coat, he made his way to the cafe, praying Rose would show.

He arrived just before 5:30. Rose hadn’t arrived yet. After asking for a cup of coffee when the waitress came, he sat staring at the front door.

Fifteen minutes later, Rose showed up, the strain of the day’s events etched on her sad face. A small smile graced her face when she saw Peter waiting for her. “Hello, Peter. When did you get here?”

“I got here a little before 5:30. I’m glad you came, Rose. Coffee?”

“Yes, please.”

He waved to the waitress, and waited until her coffee was served, then he began to explain. Hoping she would agree, he began…

“I spoke to Jacob today about your situation. I explained to him what happened to you today at work. He’s agreed to help you begin again. Where he is, they could really use your skills and knowledge, and there won’t be any discrimination or prejudice to deal with. Jacob has vouched for you and could definitely use your help.”

“Is he well? He’s been gone for over a year without a word. Since he lost everything, he disappeared.”

Peter looked thoughtful before answering. “I know where he is, but I was sworn to secrecy. Now he has given permission for you to join him. However, there are conditions.”

“What kind of conditions?” Rose asked, confused.

“The number one condition is secrecy. You are to tell no one where you are going. It is imperative you say nothing to anyone. It’s a special place for people this world doesn’t want or care about. The hurting, the neglected and rejected people of society, of New York and other boroughs. If you agree, you will be free and unhindered, however, you will be more challenged than when you were working at the hospital. I believe you can handle it. Jacob and the people there will help you, as will I, whenever I can. I have for some time now,” Peter finished.

“I have nothing here now, so what do I have to lose? Okay, I’m in. How much time do I have to prepare?”

“I’m supposed to contact him for pick-up once you’ve agreed. Pick-up is in two days.”

“Two days?! That’s Wednesday.” Her mind moved quickly. “I think I can be ready by then. Will you be there? It would be easier if I had someone I knew with me. Do you think Jacob would mind?”

“I have to send him a message anyway to let him know you’ve agreed to come. I’m sure they can pick a secure place for everyone. You can pack anything you wish to take with you. You’ll understand when you see the place.”

“Okay, contact me by phone, I’ll start packing when I get home. I’ll pack my medical books, too. I’m sure they will be needed as well.”

“Megan sends her love and apologies as well. She really feels bad for you.”

“Send her my love, and thank you. Talk soon.”

Rose waved and walked home. Peter left a tip and walked home as well.

***

Wednesday arrived and Rose was packed and ready to go. Peter had called her the night before, letting her know everything was arranged, and that he would pick her up at 7pm.

As Rose paced with nervous excitement and anticipation, her mind raced over the last two days and the future ahead. What would she face? What was she walking into with blind faith and trust? I guess I’ll find out soon enough, she thought.

She gave her place one more visual go-over to see if she forgot anything. She wasn’t a materialistic person; growing up as she had, she learned to live simply. Having her things packed and ready – clothes, medical books, a few dishes, and her family photos – she waited for Peter.

A sudden knock on her door startled her momentarily. She looked at her watch and noticed it was 7.

“Rose, it’s Peter, are you in?”

Opening her door, she saw Peter and two other men with him. While she looked quizzically at the gentlemen with him, Peter introduced them.

“This is John and Simon, they will be helping with your things, an extra pair of hands. I see you’re ready to go,” said Peter.

“I am, thank you for the help and for coming with me.”

“No problem, Rose. We need to go, they will be waiting for us.”

“Where are they picking me up, Peter?”

“You’ll see, it’s not far from here, only a couple of blocks.”

Picking up the suitcases and boxes, they left for their next destination. Rose picked up one of the suitcases and grabbed her purse, while Peter and the others grabbed the rest. A few blocks later, they stood in front of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. It was beautiful, built in 1902 and situated between Central Park West and 65th Street.

When they entered the church, Father Andrew met them with a warm smile. “Hello, Peter, hello, John, Simon.” Turning to Rose, he said, “Hello, Rose, nice to meet you. Follow me, please.”

Walking to the church’s rectory and then to the back steps, they descended to the basement. Once there, he opened an almost hidden wooden door, leading to nowhere. After tapping on a large pipe, Father Andrew waited for a response, which returned almost immediately.

“They are coming for you, Rose. Peter has explained everything to you about where you are going?” asked Father Andrew.

“Yes, he has. It’s to remain a secret. It’s for society’s outcasts and unwanted, a place to begin again.”

“Yes,” he said as they heard and saw two more people coming.

“Good luck, Rose. I’ll keep in touch with you,” said Peter.

“Thank you for everything, really.” She smiled warmly.

Peter gave her a huge warm hug, then released her. The helpers took her suitcases and boxes as she turned to wave goodbye. Then she followed the long paths to her new home and new beginnings.

Peter and Father Andrew returned upstairs, then Peter went home to his beautiful Megan.

***

~ By Tunnel Belle

As one of the helpers took Rose’s luggage, the other one said, “Follow me.” He led her to a large room filled with tables.

Rose arrived in the dining area of the tunnels. Jacob was there, welcoming her with plenty of hugs. “So glad you’re here,” he said.

Rose spent the next couple of days in her new home getting used to the routine of the tunnels – when meals were served, when people were working and doing their duties, etc.

Rose was given a very comfortable chamber that she insisted was too big for her. She said she could room with one of the other women down there, but Jacob insisted she keep the beautiful chamber so she could have a restful and quiet place to relax. She met Grace, Jacob’s wife, and learned she was 5-6 months pregnant. She also met Mary, who was a sweet woman, and always willing to help wherever she could.

There were all walks of life in her new home. Everyone was very welcoming and kind to her. Had she finally found a place where, no matter what your ethnicity or station in life, you were equal and accepted? At least, she dearly hoped so.

***

One morning, Rose was having breakfast with Jacob and Grace, and Jacob said to Rose, “Are you ready?”

“Ready for what?” she replied.

“Time to familiarize yourself with the Hospital Chamber,” Jacob said. “With your skills and knowledge, we sure can use your help.”

“Yes, Jacob, I’d love to see the hospital!” Rose could barely hold back her inner excitement. “But first, Jacob, I need to grab something from my chamber. Maybe Mary could show me where the hospital is in a few minutes?”

“Okay, that would be great, I’ll meet you there.” Jacob was already heading out the dining room entrance.

Rose did double time toward her chamber, with Mary in tow. When she entered, she went straight for the medical books on her desk. These will come in really handy, she thought, if Jacob does not already have them.

Mary showed Rose the way to the Hospital Chamber within five minutes. Rose had a glowing look on her face as she entered. This was exactly what she always wanted to do, help people that really needed it! She felt blessed being here.

***

Jacob began right away showing her around. She set her books on a small cabinet by a row of beds. Jacob said they kept most of the supplies they had in that cabinet.

“Well, we’re going to have to get more supplies, that’s for sure! Maybe we can put in an order with our wonderful friend Peter!” Rose mentioned enthusiastically.

Rose also began setting up a more comfortable Birthing Chamber, as she called it.

It had more comfortable beds, and lighting that was a little softer than a regular maternity ward. Also, she found softer linens and a couple of beautiful quilts that the women’s quilting group had made. The chamber would see its first tryout when Grace was ready to give birth.

Mary, Rose thought, is a very promising nurse to be. She was very nurturing with her patients, especially the children. They seemed to gravitate to her, with her soothing voice. She also loved to follow Jacob around, tending to anything he needed.

***

Life in the tunnels was so good for Rose’s state of mind. She would go so far as to say this was home now. Rose was thinking about her chamber and how people were always bringing her special things like quilts, and little pieces of furniture here and there.

She was in her chamber late at night when she heard a voice calling out to her. It was Mary, telling her to come to the birthing chamber… immediately! There was an emergency! It was Grace…

***

~ By Tunnel Muse

Mary called out once more, hoping Rose wasn’t asleep yet. “Rose, are you up? You’re needed, Grace is in labour, please come quickly.”

“I’m awake, Mary. I couldn’t sleep, so I was reading.”

Grabbing her bag and sweater, she left with Mary for the Hospital Chamber. They arrived in less than five minutes to a pain-stricken Grace and a stressed-out Jacob.

Grace’s contractions were intense and frequent. Jacob could only pace the floor, now on the receiving end, a soon-to-be father, not only a doctor. He would assist if asked, but it was now up to Grace and Rose, with Mary in attendance.

Grace was on the bed trying to breathe between contractions and Rose’s examinations. Everything was moving quickly, with Rose telling Grace when to push or relax between each contraction. Things progressed smoothly, and in about half an hour their child arrived with a short cry. Grace and Jacob exhaled simultaneously, letting out a breath that neither knew they were holding.

“It’s a boy, congratulations to both of you,” Rose said warmly as she laid the baby across Grace’s chest.

“Hello, Devin,” Grace said through her tears of joy.

“Hello, my son,” Jacob added in awe, stroking the baby’s wet black hair.

“Let me clean him up and weigh him,” offered Mary. “I promise to return him to you.”

After a clean-up, he was placed back on Grace’s chest.

Rose said positively, “Despite being a couple of weeks early, he’s a healthy 6 pounds, 5 ounces.”

Jacob smiled widely, as Grace gave a tired yet joyful smile of her own.

As everyone was admiring the newest arrival and Rose was cleaning her tools, there was a sudden change. A quiet Devin suddenly shifted and cried uncontrollably. A sudden chill was in the room. All three turned to look at Grace’s face.

Rose ran to Grace as Jacob grabbed his son and handed him to Mary, who had frozen when Devin had nearly fallen from the bed. “Take him!!” Jacob said in a panicked voice.

Rose shook Grace gently. “Grace, Grace, wake up!”

With no response from her, Rose checked her pulse, thinking she was asleep or unconscious. After pulling the blanket off her, they all stood in horror at the sight in front of them. Grace was hemorrhaging.

Everything became a blur from that point.

Rose grabbed her surgical tools, then turned to a stunned Jacob. “Jacob! Suit up, I need your help…NOW!”

As if in a trance, he stared a moment and then moved almost robotically. “Yes, yes…of course…” he stuttered as he moved to assist.

Mary put Devin in a nearby crib and returned to help where needed.

Rose worked frantically, trying to keep up with suturing one artery then another. Jacob helped where he could, while Mary passed them the instruments and cleaned others as quickly as possible. After an hour, their efforts were to no avail. Grace was gone. At that instant, Devin cried once more, sensing his mother’s passing and his loss, a spiritual connection now severed.

“Damn, damn, damn!” Rose shouted in exasperation. “I’m sorry, Jacob.” Her last words were spoken more calmly than her first, but there was a hint of frustration still in her voice.

“You did all you could, Rose.” His response was dull.

“We just don’t have the equipment here, or the blood needed for transfusions,”

Mary jumped in to say calmly and gently. “We will pitch in to help you with Devin, Jacob. I’m sure everyone will help you.”

In confusion, Jacob looked from Rose to Mary to Grace, then back to Mary. “Thank you, Mary,” he replied slowly.

“Both of you should get some rest, it’s late. I’ll take Devin and see that he is fed and cared for. There’s nothing we can do for Grace right now.”

“Thank you again, Mary,” they both said, as she quietly left the Hospital Chamber.

***

A year had passed since Grace’s unfortunate death and burial in the catacombs. Devin, now one year old, was a cute, healthy boy with no memory of his mother. Jacob had tried to do his best as a doting father, however he had been overwhelmed as a single parent. Rose had helped him navigate this new reality. Devin seemed to adore her, showing his obvious affection.

In that year, Rose and Jacob’s bond grew, her infectious smile, her beauty, not to mention her love of medicine, which matched his, helping their relationship grow. Their long-standing friendship and the respect they had as colleagues also helped. Devin’s love for Rose as a mother grew, as well, just as her love for him.

Jacob found his courage one spring evening, asking her to marry him, and she accepted cheerfully.

It was a small, intimate wedding with only a few in attendance. Rose, having no immediate family there, asked if Peter and Megan could come, to which Jacob happily agreed. Peter was their closest friend from medical school, after all. John Pater and his wife Anna were also there. Father Andrew officiated the wedding, which pleased them both. The guests also included Mary, Samuel, and a few others.

Jacob and Rose exchanged vows to each other, then Father Andrew read an Apache wedding poem, finishing the ceremony, then returned it to Rose, who smiled warmly. Congratulations and hugs were given to the happy couple, who then left for their private chambers. The guests also returned home to their respective homes. Before leaving, Peter promised to help with supplies when possible.

***

The following year was full of happiness and hectic days. When they could, the tunnel community foraged for what they needed. Hospital supplies were found at night in hospital dumpsters, as were other necessities, furniture, clothing and food. It was a case of feast or famine, a constant struggle, but they were strong and determined to survive.

There was a power struggle six months into that first year of marriage. Resources were scarce, and there were repeated squabbles over food and other necessities. The power struggle was dividing the community, Jacob on one side and John Pater on the other. John’s manipulation, fear mongering, and deceit nearly destroyed all that Jacob and John had built, over power and control.

With determination and persistence, and Rose by his side, they succeeded against John’s deceit and treachery. The fledgling community was saved, however, a friendship was forever lost. Over time, things settled down. Resources were still a balancing act, but things slowly improved, with Helpers contributing what they could.

A few months after that, there was another disaster – a huge flood in one of the access tunnels below the main hub. About a dozen families were living in the affected area. Panicked tapping began in rapid succession, overlapping messages of cries for help. Samuel, the Pipe decoder, tried to relay and answer as quickly as possible, letting them know help was on the way.

Samuel called “EMERGENCY” over the pipes, then tapped, “Need help…all able-bodied people.”

Adults came running. A few stayed with the children and hospital, as others pitched in. Jacob and Rose came running to assist, as well. The men dove into the flooded area and grabbed men, women and children. Soon everyone was found – wet and scared, but alive. However, just as everyone was presumed safe, Jacob came out of the water limping badly. Unable to move sufficiently, he had to be carried to the Hospital Chamber. Mary and a few women helped with the injured. Thankfully, most had minor scrapes and bruises, but Jacob had dislocated his hip and had a cut on his leg.

His hip pushed back into place and his cut bandaged, he looked around for Rose. He winced when he tried to get up, then slowly leaned back on the hospital cot. With a worried look he scanned the room, pain etched on his face, and he called out, almost shouting, “Rose! Rose! Where is Rose?!”

Mary and Samuel walked over to him, their eyes filled with sadness and sympathy. Looking from Jacob to Mary then back again, Samuel couldn’t speak. Mary nodded sadly. Gently and softly, she said, “I’m sorry, Jacob.” After pausing, she continued, “Rose has died…”

“NO! That’s not possible!” He stared at her, not wanting to believe her words. “How did it happen? Where is she?” His words were bitter in his mouth.

Slowly, Samuel explained, “Rose was rescuing one of the children. After she passed the child to one of the adults, she went to grab someone else in the water, and a rock hit her head and she went down. When she floated back to the surface, she was gone. We pulled her out, but…”

“But? But…what?” he almost yelled. “If you pulled her out, then where is she?!”

On the hospital cot one over from where Jacob was, a body lay covered, unnoticed, almost forgotten. Mary pulled the blanket away slowly, revealing Rose’s lifeless body. He buried his head in his hands, silent tears rolling down his face.

Samuel placed a comforting hand on Jacob’ shoulders. In a low voice he said, “I’m sorry, Jacob.” Slowly, he walked out of the Hospital Chamber, returning once more to the Pipe Chamber.

***

The next few days were a blur of pain and confusion. Jacob’s hip healed, but he would have a limp for the rest of his life, needing a cane for support.

Rose’s funeral was an especially somber one, and she was buried in the catacombs. Etched in stone was her name: Rose Raven Black Wells. Under her name was carved a raven holding a rose in its mouth and three feathers – a feather for each of them: a rose plus three. Jacob had come to find out that Rose was pregnant with their child, but now Jacob was a widow and a single father again.

***

Jacob’s mind returned again to the present, and he looked around momentarily, smiling to himself. He could now concentrate on being the founder, leader, Father, and strength of the community tunnels. The thirty-plus years had taught him much about community and family, remaining Father to all, present and future. He was not the despot or dictator his former friend had referred to him as being.

He would remember the women in his life with fondness and love. And maybe, just maybe, he would again find love, even in the winter of his years. Only the winds of time knew if and when…