Page 86 of Chasing Honor

“She has a good life,” I told her. “Ethan and his family love her very much. She has all of them wrapped around her finger. Lily has taught her how to bake. Lenox takes her fishing. Levi has taught her how to throw a football. Ethan has provided her with everything she needs. Carson wants for nothing.”

I don’t know why it felt necessary to reassure Chrissy that Carson was well cared for, but I knew she needed it. She may not have wanted to be a mother, but it was easy to see she did care for Carson. Perhaps it was because of her love for her daughter she was willing to give her up for adoption. If she knew she wasn’t in the position to be a mom, and never would be, giving her child to a family that could provide all the things she couldn’t would be the ultimate sacrifice. Chrissy was lucky Ethan had been ready and able to keep Carson.

“Thank you.” Chrissy swiped at tears as they rolled down her cheeks. “I needed to hear that. Even though I know I made the right decision, it doesn’t mean I don’t think about her. That I don’t love her.”

“How long do you have? You know . . . before . . .” Ethan awkwardly asked.

“Maybe a year. Two at most. Retinitis Pigmentosa is aggressive and most patients are legally blind by forty. I’m one of the lucky ones that will be blind before thirty.” Chrissy tried to laugh off her discomfort but failed miserably. “My night vision is all but gone. And within six to nine months my vision will no longer be correctable.”

“Lucky for me, you didn’t need your vision to save my life.” My attempt to lighten the conversation fell short, just as hers had.

“That’s true. I’ve put in hundreds of chest tubes. I don’t need my sight, I can do it by touch alone.” She smiled. “Though, I don’t think I saved your life. I’m fairly confident the paramedic would’ve been able to insert the cath if I hadn’t been there.”

“I don’t think that’s the case. The EMT was more concerned with putting in Honor’s IV, not her breathing and heart rate. You picked up on the signs, and, because of your quick assessment, she’s leaving the hospital four days later with a promising recovery. You did that.”

“How are you feeling?” Chrissy asked.

“Better. Still sore when I take a deep breath or laugh but I’ve been told it can take four to six weeks for the pain to subside.”

There was a knock and then the door opened, and Dr. Levine walked in.

“Dr. Krier, nice to see you. Stopping by to double check my diagnosis?” Dr. Levine chucked good naturedly.

“I wouldn’t think of it. I was only stopping by to say hello.”

Dr. Levine set the laptop he was carrying on the counter and pointed to the x-ray on the screen. He motioned for Chrissy to look at the black-and-white image, pointing out areas of interest. Their conversation faded into the background while I concentrated on Ethan. He looked conflicted. I could sympathize, I, too, felt the same way. I wanted him to find closure, however I was afraid the news of Chrissy’s disease was going to leave him feeling more guilt.

“Everything looks great, Honor. You’re healthy and active. I bet you’ll be closer to the four-week spectrum as long as you take it easy,” Chrissy said, not taking her eyes off the screen. I wondered how well she could see the image. How much longer did she have before she’d have to give up doing what she loved.

“She’s going home and getting into bed. I’ll make sure she doesn’t overdo it,” Ethan vowed.

I wanted to argue that I didn’t need help, but the ache in my chest told me I did. And I didn’t want any lasting damaged that would prevent me from living a full life.

“That’s good,” Dr. Levine said. “I left your discharge papers on the counter. The number to my call service is on there. Use it if you have any questions, and I’ll see you in my office to remove your stitches.”

“Thank you, Dr. Levine.” I smiled at him. I was so happy to leave I could barely stand it.

“You’re very welcome. Oh, and wait for the nurse to come and get you.”

“Yes. VIP wheelchair service, she already told me.”

He picked up his laptop and headed for the door, turning back to smile at Chrissy. “Nice to see you again, Dr. Krier.”

“You too.”

What? Did I sense some mild flirtation and interest between the two doctors? Ethan’s smirk confirmed my suspicions. He sensed it too.

“What?” Chrissy asked when Dr. Levine closed the door.

“Nothing,” Ethan laughed.

“Come on. What’s funny?” she tried again.

“I think the good doctor was flirting with you,” I offered.

“I think you bumped your head harder than we originally thought. He was being nice.”

“Right,” Ethan laughed harder. “He wasn’t that nice to me, or Honor.”