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“If this isn’t in you, then don’t do it,” he uttered baldly, his voice full of pain. “Don’t be the one to finish the job.”
Daphne pulled her arm away and walked down the hallway a few feet, seeing two nurses talking, arguing, about which was going to go in and sedate him.
“It’s your turn…”
“No, I went last time, and he called me awful things…”
“He’s not even my patient!”
“Well, I really don’t need to hear…”
“Excuse me,” she said bluntly, moving past the women and stepping into the room, allowing the door to close behind her. The cloth curtain was drawn, blocking her view, and the blinds were closed, giving the room a grim, depressing atmosphere.
“Don’t hide out of sight while you are preparing the next dose to shut me up because you know I’m right! You took my leg while I was under, you bunch of freakin’ butchers and sadists!” he snarled angrily, and she had no idea what to expect from behind the curtain but drew in her breath and took a step forward.
She moved directly to the miniblinds without looking at him, almost afraid to see some monster lying there in the bed, and heard a slight whimper of pain.They were so busy trying to shut him up. Was anyone looking out for his well-being?she mused – and turned, hesitating, meeting a pair of bright hazel eyes that were shining with unshed tears.
“Who the heck are you?” he spat hotly. “Where’s the tray and your dumb uniform?”
“I’m not a nurse,” she said quietly, pulling up a chair. “I’m a friend.”
“I don’t have any friends here,” he growled, yanking at the padded tethers around his wrists holding him there. “Get out of here, and don’t look at me.”
“Are those hurting you?” she asked gently, pointing at the holds, and then saw his untouched meal. “Would you like some water or apple juice?”
“Why? …Who are you?” he hesitated and then frowned. “Am I high? Did they change my medication?”
“No,” she smiled faintly, looking at him and moving to hold a cup under his mouth, angling the straw toward him as she looked at him curiously, avoiding his eyes.
He wasn’t the type she normally went for, but he wasn’t bad-looking. He was covered in sweat and smelled rank and knew that had to be from the fever or the infection he was fighting. He had a long straight nose, long lashes, and high cheekbones that were slightly sunken. His coloring was off… again, probably from the infection, but he wasn’t a bad-looking man – except for that overwhelming fear in his eyes.
“Am I dead?” he whispered, sounding suddenly frightened.
“I’m afraid not,” she murmured, feeling a smile tug her lips. “I’m no angel, and if I were the one escorting your soul outta here – we’d be in serious trouble.”
Both froze as the door opened in the distance and Daphne left his side to see the nurse entering the room with a tray carrying a needle.
“What’s that?”
“Who are you?” the nurse asked baldly.
“His wife,” Daphne said angrily in frustration for the stranger lying helpless and tied down in the bed. “Now, what are you giving him?”
“Something to help him sleep.”
“He doesn’t need someone to shut him up,” she snapped. “He needs someone tolistento him. When is he due for pain medication again? I want a clean gown for him, a bath, and I want those restraints off his wrists. Can you get him a fresh tray of food? –And why are you still standing here?”
The nurse was staring at her in shock, her mouth working silently, before turning back around.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good,” Daphne began and yelled after her. “And hurry!”
A moment later, she walked back around the curtain and met his confused eyes as he stared at her.
“My… wife?”
“I’m here to advocate for you, to help you… and it's easier if we are married,” she whispered, looking him in the eyes. “I know you don’t know me, but I promise I’m not going to hurt you. I’m here to help.”
