A nurse runs into the room and studies the machine before pressing the button, silencing it.
“Nothing’s wrong honey. She’s waking up.”
Chapter 34
Independence Day
Callie
Everything hurts.
My head hurts.
My chest hurts.
My arm hurts.
What is beeping?
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
Is it my alarm? What do I need to get up for again?
BEEP BEEP BEEP.
“Nothing’s wrong honey, she’s waking up.” Who is that?
My eyelids feel glued shut. Am I hungover? How much did I drink that I can’t remember drinking at all?
I manage to unglue one eyelid; the white tile ceiling is confusing. I don’t recognize this place. I close the eye.
I smell the air; I need a clue. Disinfectant. Flowers.
Something rustles and I turn my head slightly. It hurts to move. I wince.
“Don’t move, baby. It willhurt.”
I recognize that voice. He comes to me in my dreams.
“Cash,” I croak out of my dry throat.
“I’m here, Hurricane. Don’t try to move. Don’t talk. Just relax.” It’s then that I feel his hands wrapped around mine. The points of contact are warm and vital. I squeeze his hand and get a squeeze in return.
“Hey, sweetheart. You squeezed my hand; I’ve wanted you to do that for days.”
Wait. “Duke?” My voice is scratchy but comes out a little clearer.
“Yes, Sunshine, I’m here.” He squeezes my hand again.
I try to open my eyes but it’s so difficult. I give up, breathing heavily from the effort. I take a few deep breaths before there’s another voice.
“Caroline? Can you hear me?”
I try to nod but it hurts. “Yes,” I breathe instead.
“I’m Dr. Jones. I need to examine you. I’m going to ask your friends to leave and then I will need to check you over while we chat. Can you open your eyes?”
Squeezing both of their hands, I hold on.
