Dad winked.
“Love you both.”Even if days like today made it a struggle to like his mother.
Was that unchristian to admit?He sighed after they left, glancing back at his phone’s Bible app where he’d read a verse not so long ago about honoring parents.And while he knew he was supposed to show them respect, he didn’t feel like it meant kowtowing to their every whim.Especially when they were wrong.
Another nurse checked in on him, then Gerry returned, the sight of him like a breath of fresh air.
“Good to see you.”They gripped hands.
“How’s it feeling?”
“Still a little tender.”
They small-talked for a while, as the shadows pooled across the floor.It was a blessing to have a private room, but he kinda wished he could be someplace he had others to talk to.Although, now he thought about it, it was probably a good thing nobody had been around to overhear any of his former encounters with his parents.
“So, is there anything I can get you?”Gerry said.
Suddenly something became clear.“Actually, yeah.”But how to ask this without sounding pathetic.“That doctor who first treated me in the ER, Dr.Rivas.Remember her?”
Gerry smiled.“The pretty one, right?The one you said you knew.”
“Yeah.”He shifted up on the bed.“We were in school together, grew up in the same small town.I hadn’t seen her for years.”
Gerry nodded.“So you want me to see if I can get her to come visit you, is that it?”
“That’s about the sum of it, yeah.If she’s willing,” he added.
“I’ll see what I can do.Do you know what time her shift finishes?”
“No.But my mom was down there not so long ago, so I guess she’s probably still there.”
“And you reckon she’ll want to come?”
“I’ve got no idea.But I know I owe her an apology.”For his mom’s behavior if nothing else.
Sure enough, that last word seemed to soften Gerry’s reluctance as he nodded again.“I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thanks, Gerry.If she’s able to swing by after her shift I’d really appreciate it.I’d go down there if I could but I think she’s had enough visits from my family today.Which reminds me.You might need to let her know that my folks have gone home, so she knows the coast is clear.”
Gerry’s eyebrows lifted, and Kyle realized what he’d said.
“This just gets more and more interesting.But hey, nice to see that Tinks has a lady friend.”Gerry winked.“And a smart one at that.”
“I don’t know if she still counts herself as my friend, but I need to find out.So if you could help out a brother I’d be really grateful.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
Gerry exited, and Kyle’s prayers chased him.
Lord, help Gen to forgive me, and to forgive my mom.I know Mom thought she was helping, but I think she’s just made things worse.You know it’s way past time for Gen and I to talk, and I can’t help but feel like You have somehow made this happen by bringing us together at this time.So if not now, please make it soon.He gulped, as unfamiliar emotion cinched his throat.“I… I miss her, Lord.”
He closed his eyes, as more images of their time together stole through his mind.
Gen helping him study, prodding him to use his brains to be more than the sports jock others assumed.Gen encouraging him.Teasing him.Laughing.Kissing him.Gen, entwined in his arms…
Maybe he dozed for a little, because when he woke the room was dim, and a tray of untouched food was on the portable overbed table.
He eyed it, dissatisfaction streaming through his pores.This runny food diet was fast growing old.
