But present.
“Coffee?”
“Decaf.”
“Cruel hospital.”
“Medical conspiracy.”
He drank half the bottle before Dr. Venn came in.
The examination took nearly an hour.
Strength.
Language.
Attention.
Memory.
Balance once they allowed him out of bed.
Noah moved slowly, but the major functions had returned.
“This is encouraging,” Dr. Venn said.
“That means discharge?” Noah asked.
“It means perhaps later today.”
“Excellent.”
“It also means a strict reduction in demands for at least a week.”
Noah’s expression flattened.
“No work?”
“Not initially.”
“Define initially.”
“Several days.”
“That is vague.”
“Intentionally.”
Dr. Whitcomb arrived after rounds.
She looked relieved despite trying not to show it.
“You frightened everyone.”
“I was busy being unconscious.”
“You were not unconscious.”
