Page 24 of Words Unspoken

“Well, you are handsomer. Plus, your voice is much nicer than his.”

Suddenly he felt a little hollow.

Ann immediately realized her mistake. “I am so sorry Michael. I didn’t mean…”

He placed a finger on her lips then gave her a hug. He would forgive her anything. He slowly released her, and Ann tilted her head.

“It is different. I have never seen you wear anything remotely like that hat, but I do like it.”

He smiled.

“Did the doctor tell you it was not cancer?” she asked.

He nodded.

Ann sat beside him and took his hand. “I am so thankful. You have been through enough.”

He squeezed her hand. He was thankful too. Michael was also thankful that she was there beside him through this whole thing.

“I have a confession,” she said.

He looked at her curiously.

“I looked at the cards they gave you.”

He had a grimace.

“I think we can get rid of probably half of them. Maybe a few more,” Ann looked a little mischievous. “Unless you would like to go to the zoo sometime?”

Against his will, Michael gave a smile and shook his head. He had no need to visit the zoo.

Ann and he sorted through the cards, good-naturedly arguing over a couple of them. She put the toilet in the keep pile. He would sneak it out later and throw it away.

Chapter Five

A couple of days later Dr. Hemmond held a final meeting with Michael and Ann.

“The swelling around the tumor site has gone down. Michael is headaches have decreased dramatically and there was no dizziness this morning,” Dr. Hemmond checked his notes. “From the scans and your blood work, everything looks good. I am going to ask you not to engage in any vigorous exercise for the next two weeks. Rest when you are tired. You are not allowed to drive or operate any heavy machinery. You are on vacation, no working. If the headaches come back and do not improve with the prescription I am giving you within four hours, I want you to call my office. If the dizziness returns, call my office. If my office is not open, come to the hospital. If you experience stroke symptoms or have a seizure, call nine-one-one immediately.

“You are doing extremely well, Michael. Most people would not be recovering as quickly as you. I am very pleased by your progress. We will set up an appointment for when to take out the stitches,” he signed a form. “I am releasing you into Ann’s care.”

Michael breathed a sigh of relief. He could go home.

Ann was given another stack of forms and papers detailing appointments, the prescription and what signs to look for if something went wrong. She added it to the collection in her purse to sort out and organize later.

Dr. Hemmond shook both their hands then left the room. They collected their possessions from the hospital room. It did not take long. Michael gave the room one last look and then they were greeted at the nursing station by the many nurses who had helped during his care.

Kelly came forward and gave him a hug. “We heard you were leaving us!”

Michael gave her a nod and she hugged Ann as well.

“I think we will be happy to go home,” Ann offered. “Thank you for everything you have done for us.”

Kelly smiled. “He was an easy patient. All the nurses got together and we signed a card for you, Michael, so that you will remember us. You can have it right after you sign your discharge papers.”

She handed him the pen and clipboard. Without thinking about it he started to write his name but then the letters became difficult and confusing. He hesitated over them then simply scrawled something unintelligible. Michael knew he would not be able to read the card. However, he could appreciate the sentiment behind it he decided.

Everyone congratulated him on his recovery and finally, he and Ann were able to leave. It was a relief to climb into the back of the car, a private driver waiting on them. He could sit beside Ann. The trouble began when he realized they were driving toward the condo.