Word got around that there was a chance that Herman wouldn't make it through.

Frank visited Herman in the hospital.  Herman did not respond when he entered the room.  Frank just stood there, looking at Herman attached to all these machines.  He didn't notice the gentleman that entered the room behind him.  It sort of startled Frank when he realized someone was behind him, and wondered for how long.

The gentleman asked, "Are you one of Herman's co-workers?"

Frank hesitated, then answered, "Yes, I was just seeing how he was doing ...I was about to leave."

The gentleman insists, "No, you don't need to rush off ...I am glad to see one of his co-workers found time enough to come here."  He extends his hand, "My name is Joe ...I'm Herman's dad.  Even though Herman can't verbalize it, I'm sure he knows we are here ...and I'm sure it makes a big difference.  I do hope you come back to visit, I really appreciate your concern."

Two things bother Frank.  Even though the incident had been written up as a machine accident, Frank knows he is as responsible as the others for what had happened to Herman. And the other thing that bothers Frank is that he feels that he has seen Herman's dad somewhere before ...but can't quite place where he remembers him from.

Frank doesn't visit the next two days, but something draws him back the following day.  Herman's dad greets him enthusiastically.  Frank can see how Herman had been so friendly ...he probably got it from his dad.  Frank asks if there was any improvement, but sadly there was no change.

The next day, Frank shows up for work earlier ...and uncharacteristically, works harder than he ever has.  His co-workers feel uneasy about this ...asking him if he remembered it was his turn to stay home.  Frank very directly responds, "Yes, I remember ...but I wonder if any of you remember what we did to Herman?  I am as much responsible as any of you ...for his being in critical condition.  And what seemed like a good thing we had going here, turned bad, only because someone came along who wanted to do things right.  I'm sure he was aware of all the games we were playing, but he never reported us.  Now, he's in the hospital because we all didn't like the fact that he was being honest and we weren't."

Frank returned to the hospital after work.  Herman's dad was there, and was very happy in greeting Frank.

Frank asks, "Has there been any improvement?"

Herman's dad replies, "Yes, there has been significant improvement."  But, during the entire visit, Frank does not see any response from Herman.

Frank continues to come in early to work, and even works through his lunch break ...and he continues to visit Herman in the hospital.  After a couple days, Kyle begins following Frank's example ...and comes in early, going straight to his job station.

Frank finds Herman's dad reading a Bible when he enters the room.  Frank asks, "Has there been any improvement today?"

Herman's dad smiles, "Much improvement!"  But, Frank wonders why Herman appears to be sleeping each time he visits.

Frank decides to visit on Sunday.  He will be able to stay longer, and he figures he will be able to see Herman ...when he wakes up.  Herman's dad said there was even more improvement, but throughout the entire afternoon, Frank sees no indication of any response from Herman.  

It is too much for Frank, "Each day you say your son is improving more and more, but I am never here at the right time."

Herman's dad smiles, "You are here at the right time."

Frank is confused, "But ...."

Herman's dad smiles, "Haven't you asked each day whether there was any improvement.  There was more improvement each day.  You started to come to work on time ...that's improvement.  Then you started getting your co-workers attention by your hard work, and you shared with them about your guilt about what you had done ...that was improvement. Then your influence caused Kyle to follow your example ...and that was improvement."

This was all too wild for Frank, he blurted out, "How do you know all this?"  He hesitated, then began to cry, "You mean, when I asked if there was any improvement, you were saying yes ...because you were referring to me?"

Herman's dad walks over to Frank, and puts a hand on his shoulder, "I'll answer your second question first.  Yes, I was referring to your improvement.  My son has shown no improvement ...they don't feel he has long to live."

Frank hangs his head and continues to sob, even more so upon hearing of Herman's hopeless condition.

Herman's dad continues, "To answer your first question, I have to first ask you a question.  Do I look at all familiar to you?"

Frank looks up, not really being able to see a thing through the tears, but it finally dawns on him.  He cannot speak.

Herman's dad says, "Yes, I'm not only Herman's dad, but I'm your employer.  And I know this was no accident what happened to Herman.  But, I also know that you've tormented yourself with it long enough.  I was a terrible thing that you all did to my son, but even worse is if you live your entire life tormented with the guilt of it."  

Frank kneels beside Herman's bed, "I'm sorry ...I'm so sorry!!"

Herman's dad kneels beside him, "I forgive you.  And Herman would be proud of you too.  Sometimes it takes one to make a difference ...and sometimes it takes two."