Page 99 of Falcon’s Forever

She tries again. “Late tonight?”

Knox raises an eyebrow. “Do you want me to keep you for an extra day?”

Emily glares at him.

“Thought not,” he says.

He pulls a chair closer to the bed and sits down. “You’ll need dressing changes. Not by you, at least not yet. The location is awkward, and I want someone checking for signs of infection.”

“Somebody meaning you?” Emily asks.

“Me, if that’s what you want,” Knox says. “A hospital nurse if you don’t. Cara, if she wants the training. Frankie, Sarah, or anyone else you choose.”

I watch the tension leave Emily’s shoulders as he gives her choices instead of making the decision for her.

“Not you,” she says.

Knox nods without taking offence. “Not a problem.”

“I don’t mean...” Emily begins.

“You don’t have to explain,” he assures her.

He doesn't take it personally, doesn't try to convince her she should be comfortable with him because he's a doctor. That’s another small thing that means more than it should.

"Where am I going?" Emily asks.

Knox looks at me. I shake my head, it’s her call.

"Where do you want to go?" he asks her.

"I don't know."

"Then we've got until tomorrow."

She huffs. "Does nobody tell anyone what to do anymore?"

“Oh, sweetheart,” Frankie says, “if that’s what you want, I’ve got a list.”

Emily grabs a tissue and throws it at her. It falls two feet short.

Frankie looks down at it. “Pathetic.”

“I’ve been shot,” Emily reminds her.

“You’re going to use that excuse for months, aren’t you?” Frankie asks.

“Yes,” Emily says without hesitation.

Frankie grins. “Good.”

Knox’s phone buzzes. He checks the message. “Sarah’s downstairs.”

Emily looks toward the door. “Can she come up?”

“I’ll get her,” Knox says, slipping his phone back into his pocket.

He leaves, and Emily keeps watching the door for a moment before turning to me.