“I’d say we’re talking four or five days, at least.A lot depends on whether this is an infection, and if it is how quickly that infection resolves, and how that kidney is healing.And whether you can be assured of complete bed rest when you return.”
Mom frowned.“Kyle, I’m not sure if that apartment is the best for you.There are so many stairs.”
“It’s got an elevator, Mom,” Kyle reminded her.
“Still, I don’t like it.Perhaps we should get a place here and look after you.”
“I’ll be fine, Mom.The team’ll likely send trainers around to check on me.”
“Well, I know they’ll want to ensure their best asset is healing as he should, but still.It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Dr.Winthrop’s smile was edged with what looked like understanding.“I’m sure you’ll figure it out between you.Suffice to say we need to ensure you aren’t going to push yourself too hard, Kyle.”
A memory flashed of someone who used to do exactly that, ensuring he didn’t reinjure himself.He’d once had so much pride that he’d wondered if it was her treating his injuries that had galvanized her into studying medicine.
“Kyle?”Mom prompted.
“I mean it, doc.I’ll be sensible.Promise.”
“Well, I hope so.Ah, I see your team is keeping tabs on you.I’ll be back to check on you later.”
“Thanks.”Kyle nodded to Gerry, who paused and asked the doctor what the verdict was.
“Well, that’s good news, isn’t it?”Mom said brightly.
“Yep.”
And as he settled back against the pillows he figured he didn’t need to tell his folks about Gen.It was unlikely they’d see each other anyway, especially as he bet Gen would go out of her way to avoid seeing them if at all possible.But would the same hold true for him, too?Was the pain from the past insurmountable so she’d go out of her way to avoid him, and he’d never see her again?
* * *
Sunday off was sucha rare phenomenon that Gen would love nothing more than to snuggle into her bed all day and catch up on all the missing hours of the past week.Or attempt to catch up, anyway.Make a start, at least.Her shifts had been a little changeable lately, her contract seeing eighteen or so shifts a month, but somehow she’d been rostered on every Sunday.Until today, anyway.
She stretched, yawning, as sunshine slipped past the curtains to pool on the carpeted floor.
Then the door opened, and she braced as a rocket propelled from the door.
“Mommy!”
She opened her arms and Bella dove in, snuggling against her side.
Gen closed her eyes, breathing in the soft scent of baby shampoo which Mom still insisted on buying for Bella to use, saying she loved the fragrance.And yes, there was something comforting about the scent of simpler times, even if those times of a newborn hadn’t felt easy or simple at all.Gen balancing studies with pregnancy then a newborn had seen Mom enter tigress mode, stepping into mothering tiny Bella so Gen could use her brains and focus on fulfilling the requirements of the scholarship that would see them escape the trailer she’d grown up in.
She drew Bella closer, marveling that she still let her.Their closeness felt like a privilege, even more so as Gen’s shifts meant that often days could pass without them really talking.
“How was school this week?”
Bella explained about a science experiment involving balloons she enjoyed, and a ping of pride released within at how her daughter seemed to hold similar interests to Gen’s own at that age.It wasn’t pride to know your child was smart.Bella’s teachers all agreed that she was made for great things.Even if some of Bella’s classmates didn’t understand why she wasn’t interested in spending hours painting her nails or fixing her hair.
“I’m so proud of you,” she murmured.
Bella sighed.“Jake was picking on me again.”
Bless him.“Hmm, he’s probably jealous.Wishes he had your brains.”
Bella’s dark-gold head nodded.“That’s what Monique said.Boys can be so weird.”
“True.”
