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I make a face, and she notices. “Your brother already warned me that you don’t tend to take breaks, but it’s doctor's orders. You don’t want any complications, and if you push yourself too hard, that could very well be the case,” she informs me in a stern motherly tone.
Tyler stands beside her with his arms crossed over his chest and nods in agreement.
“Fine. I’m just not sure how I’m going to survive being down for weeks.”
Her eyes soften. “I understand, but it’s necessary. You’re very lucky, Everleigh. Just a few inches to the left and it could’ve been a lot worse. Luckily, your roommate was home, and you were able to get to the hospital quickly. I’ve seen people with stab wounds come in too late and not make it out of surgery because of severe blood loss.”
The room grows quiet, and I think about the what-ifs. When I meet Archer’s gaze, I know he is too.
“Welp, glad that didn’t happen.” I didn’t realize how serious it was. Maybe it’s a good thing I can’t remember because it sounds like it was painful.
“I think everyone can agree. Once you’re released, you’ll be on restrictions for at least two weeks. The first ten days are crucial. But it could take months before you’re completely back to normal.”
“Months?” My eyes go wide.
“Yes. Your body went through something very traumatic, and strenuous activities need to be avoided.”
She says strenuous as if to imply something else. “Well, that sucks. What about wound care?”
“Your bandage will need to be changed every four to six hours, depending on the drainage. There’s always a risk for infection, so you’re on an antibiotic.”
“And when can I take a shower and go home?”
“You can sponge bath today, but no soaking in water for a while. As far as getting discharged, it could possibly be tomorrow or the next day. I want to make sure you’re stable before releasing you. Though the risk is low, there’s always a possibility of sepsis and with your blood pressure a little spiked, I’d feel better watching you a bit longer,” she explains.
“Okay. Well. That was a lot to take in at once.” I laugh, though I’m not joking.
“I understand completely. You’ve been through a lot. Do you have any other questions?”
“Not that I can think of right now. Thank you so much. I really appreciate all that you’ve done,” I tell her genuinely.
“You’re welcome. If you think of anything else, don’t hesitate to call for a nurse. They’ve got my number, and I’m happy to answer anything else. I’ll stop in tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. Thanks again.”
She grins, then leaves.
I swallow hard at everything she said, then remember my dog. “Who has Sassy?”
“Mimi and Pops,” Tyler says. “I’ve kept them up to date with how you’ve been doing. They’ve been here every day.”
“Wow, I hate that I worried them,” I say just as Gemma and Katie rush into the room. They lean over the bed and hug me.
When they pull back, Gemma’s wiping her cheeks.
“Don’t start that,” I tease because I hate seeing her emotional over me.
“We were so upset! It’s not easy seeing you like this.” Gemma frowns
“I was ready to track someone down,” Katie admits. “Especially after everything we’ve all been through these past few years. I was worried to death. My PTSD couldn’t handle it.”
My eyes soften. “I know. I’m sorry that I worried you guys.”
“We were ready to murder someone,” Gemma admits.
Tyler speaks up. “I’ve already gone to prison once, and I’d do it again.”
“Same,” Archer adds.
“Add my name to that list too,” Gemma says.
“Sorry, but I’m not built for prison life.” Katie snorts. “But I’ll provide y’all with an alibi to keep you out of jail.”
“Oh my God, you guys. Poor Scarlett. She’d have to come live with me.”
“Never mind, I take it back.” Gemma laughs.
I look around the room, grateful and happy to be alive. I’m lucky to be surrounded by so many people who love me. With all that being said, once I’m better, I will find out who did this.
After an hour, my body grows tired, and Katie notices. It wasn’t that long ago when she was in the hospital after being kidnapped. “We’re gonna let you get some rest.”
They take their time telling me goodbye before they leave. Then finally, it’s just Archer and me.
“You can go if you want,” I tell him, not wanting him to feel forced to stay. “You look exhausted.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Everleigh.”
My heart flutters. “Thank you.”
He adjusts my pillow. “You really do need to get some rest, though.”
“Will you lie with me?”
A smirk hits his lips. “What do you think the nurse will say when she walks in and sees us?”
“She better mind her own damn business,” I say matter-of-factly, patting the space beside me.
Archer hesitates but doesn’t make me beg. He gently lies on the mattress and carefully loops his arm around my shoulders. The weight of him feels like home, and I let out a content sigh. “You’re exactly what I’ve been missing.”
