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She nodded.
“Sounds good. I appreciate that.”
“I’m going to go ahead and have the pharmacy prep some antibiotics, just in case,” the doctor began again, looking once more at the television that was beeping again. “We don’t have the greatest generators here, and this hospital is actually in the process of being bought and refurbished within the next few years. If that blizzard hits and we lose power for a day like last year, the generators are iffy.”
“What?” Daphne balked in shock. “What do you mean?”
“It might get chilly, and the generators will be for surgery only. All the medication is packaged in pill packs by a robot in the pharmacy, and I don’t want anything to delay or stop his treatment.”
“Are you freakin’ kidding me?” Daphne blurted out in shock as her phone beeped in her pocket.
“I’ll get things started,” the doctor said again – and left before she could ask more questions. Instead, she glanced at the television and pulled out her phone in surprise.
Jill had texted her.
We’re keeping an eye on the weather, keep your phone near you in case things get bad out. Make sure to charge it overnight.
How’s Collins doing?
Daphne winced.
Her phone was at seventeen percent charge, and she didn’t have a cord with her because she didn’t anticipate staying overnight. No, right now, she was feeling pretty rough. Her teeth were in dire need of being brushed, she could use a shower and a change of clothes. It was just not her finest moment… combined with a storm headed this way. That would make it even harder to leave if her truck was ready – and the cell phone would be an Issue If It died.
I need a charger – and could use a change of clothes.
Why don’t I have my sweet Babe pick you up for a little bit?
Sounds good. I can get a few things for Max, too.
His bag is being shipped from Afghanistan, and some of the guys donated a few things for him in the meantime.
Thank you.
“Is everything all right?” Max said quietly from the bed. She looked up to see his eyes watching her warily, and she nodded, not wanting to hide anything from him.
“Jill, Houghton’s wife, was texting to tell me to plug in my phone in case the storm hits here… but my charger is in my cabin. I thought I would go get a shower, brush my teeth, charge my phone, and…”
“I don’t need you here,” he whispered, looking away. “I don’t want you to see me fumble around as I try to use the crutches.”
She walked to his side and stared down at him, realizing just how hard this had to be on him – and how proud he’d once been. This had to be so humbling to be lying bare buns in a hospital bed, unable to do anything without help.
“I thought I would grab you a few things to wear so you feel normal,” she whispered gently, putting her hand in his. “Your bag is being shipped here from Afghanistan and…” she paused as his eyes closed tightly as a tear slipped past them.
“Max,” she whispered. “It’s going to be okay – I promise.”
He didn’t say a word, only nodded and then cleared his throat, before looking away. He had a bad habit of looking anywhere but at her when he was upset, hiding his eyes, almost as if he knew it gave away his inner thoughts.
“Yup. They discharged my butt, right? I mean, it’s not like I get a choice, or my leg just magically grows back. Suck it up and deal with it like a champ, eh?” he retorted, but the pain was there in his voice. “Go home, Daphne. I don’t need you to babysit me, and we both know this isn’t real.”
“You’re right,” she said quietly. “You don’t need a babysitter, and we don’t get a choice in what happened. Your leg won’t grow back, and yes, you have to figure out a way to deal with this all but you aren’t alone.”
He stared out the window in the distance, not saying a word, as he pulled his hand away from hers and crossed his arms. He was withdrawing, and she wasn’t going to let him.
“It might not be an ideal situation,” she began. “And I will be gone for a few hours, so I’m not a total wreck and can charge my phone, but…”
Daphne paused, hoping Max would be curious at what she would say next… and sure enough, he turned slightly – and she pounced.
She leaned forward, bracing both arms on either side of the hospital bed, and moved in to kiss him. His eyes widened in surprise, and she changed her mind at the last minute, instead nipping at his lower lip.
