Dude, stop.These jokes are kid-ney bad.
Movement outside drew his attention to the door, but no.No visitors.His parents had left yesterday evening, and he’d finally let himself sink into the disappointment that Gen had been a no-show.Did she hate him that much?How could she not?
His thoughts flicked back to the cesspool of his memories he’d wallowed in during the early hours this morning, of just how hard it must’ve been for Gen to cope when he’d left.She’d said she was fine, that he was right to pursue his dreams to play pro hockey, that she’d supported him.He’d known she was equally passionate about chasing her dreams of medicine, so he’d always thought their break was mutual.Of course it was hard, but it was what they’d both agreed on, as they’d both known their differing paths would make sustaining a relationship too hard.He’d been given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play pro hockey, while she had finally been accepted to a west coast pre-med program complete with an awesome scholarship.How could either of them give that up?
So, had she missed him more than she’d admitted?He’d thought it strange after years of being each other’s best friend to suddenly hear crickets.They might’ve broken up as boyfriend-girlfriend, but he hadn’t realized she’d meant as friends too.Or was that because reverting to friendship was too hard when they’d been more, somuchmore?But when he couldn’t get through on her phone and realized she’d changed her number, he’d wondered if she thought it best they didn’t contact each other at all.He’d even tried to find her a time or two, but she wasn’t on social media, and when he’d finally gone to visit her old place had learned from her neighbors that the Rivas family had packed up one night and disappeared without leaving a forwarding address.Which still made him wonder why.This silence wasn’t to do with their last night together, was it?
Footsteps drew his attention to the door, and Gerry appeared.“Hey.”
“You’re looking better than the last time I was here,” the team’s trainer said.
His nose wrinkled.“Not sure I feel better.”
“Why?What’s happening?”
Kyle described his latest symptoms, which drew Gerry’s frown.“Sounds like you have an infection.”
“That’s what the doc said yesterday.He thought it might be that or an allergic reaction to something.They did more tests yesterday but I haven’t heard anything.”Kyle shrugged.“I don’t seem to be top of the need-to-know peeps, despite it being my kidney.”
“They’re wanting you to rest so you can recover properly,” Gerry assured.“So if the doc hasn’t given specifics then I guess it’s much the same.”
“Great.”
Gerry offered a small smile edged with sympathy.“So, are your folks still about?”
“They said they’d be in this morning.”
“That’ll be nice.”
“Yeah.”
Gerry’s head tilted.“Do I detect a little frustration?”
“Maybe.Don’t get me wrong, I’m super grateful they came all this way, but I’m not really looking forward to having my mom smother me with kindness when I get home.”
“Does she need to?Or can you hire a private nurse or something?”
“Huh.I hadn’t thought of that.”
Gerry shrugged.“It’s what some do.A private nurse or doctor.”
His mind flashed with the image of someone who had medical training enough to fit that role.Except there seemed no way of her ever agreeing to such a thing.Gen Rivas wanting to help him felt as out of reach as a distant sun in a galaxy far, far away.Impossible.
Then the verse he’d been reading earlier slid to awareness:With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible…
He sighed.Lord, if there’s any way You can bring about reconciliation with her, I’d really appreciate it.Actually, I know You can do that.So I guess I’m just saying that I’d really like it if that could happen soon.
Gerry was still looking at him, so Kyle nodded.“Thanks.I’ll give it some thought.”
The sound of heels tapping tugged his attention to the door.But no, not Gen.His parents.“Hey Mom, Dad.”
“Oh, sweetie, it’s good to see you.”Mom pecked his cheek.
“How are you feeling, Son?”Dad asked.
“Yeah, not great.”
Gerry made his quiet excuses and escaped, and Kyle settled in for more small talk, relieved when Dr.Winthrop finally appeared.
