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I wokeup just after five in the morning, hungry and determined.
I was going home today.
I knew it would be tough, and I would need to take precautions and be sensible. But I was determined to get the all-clear from my doctor.
I’d missed the family dinner last night—well, Tully’s family and my father—and I didn’t want to miss another thing.
I was certain everything went well. I knew my father would be overwhelmed but gracious, and of course the Larsons would take the very best care of him.
I just wished I’d been there to see it.
So, if I was going home today, I needed an early start.
I had a new nurse now, along with the new room, new ward, new everything. When I buzzed for an attendant, a middle-aged, robust woman came in with a smile. “Everything okay, Mr Overton?”
I didn’t bother correcting her on my title. “Yes. I’d like to use the bathroom and perhaps have a shower. Before the breakfast rush, if that’s okay. It’s been an embarrassing number of days since I last showered.” I tried sitting up on the edge of the bed, my feet on the floor. “My... husband... and my father will be here first thing and I’d like to be presentable. And preferably not have swamp breath.”
She laughed. “Then let’s get you showered and minty fresh.”
And if I thought having a hot shower after five days at the bunker was heaven, then this shower was out of this world.
Even if I was sitting in a chair stark naked and had a nurse checking in on me.
That hot water, the razor, the soap, the toothpaste...
Heaven. On. Earth.
But by the time Tully and Dad came in, I was sitting up in bed, with freshly washed hair, a new gown, eating some wholemeal toast.
Tully did a double take when he saw me. He put a bag beside the bed and looked me up and down. “Uh, excuse me, while you’re incredibly good looking and the, yes, dress is flattering, I’m looking for Jeremiah Overton.”
I snorted at his term for my hospital gown.
“Who is this new man?” he said, kissing my head.
I laughed. “I found him in the shower. It was the best shower of my life.”
Tully was very much about to comment on that—in all likelihood something rude—but I made a point of ignoring him and looked at my dad instead. “Morning,” I said. He was standing at the end of my bed and smiling, which made me incredibly happy to see. “How was dinner last night?”
He glanced briefly at Tully but then back at me. “It was very nice.”
I looked between them. “What was the look for? What happened?”
Tully laughed. “Nothing. It was all great. Mum made sure everyone was gone by half eight and Ellis was on his best behaviour.”
Dad smiled, nodding. “I thought Ellis was polite and well-mannered.”
“Well-mannered?” I studied Tully’s face for a hint of humour. “No name-calling, no wrestling, no belching? No threats of grievous bodily harm?”
Tully laughed. “The threats of bodily harm were all given before we arrived. Mum made it pretty clear. Ellis was good. And when everyone left, he ducked out to see Grace.”
“Oh? Things going well, I hope?”
Tully clucked his tongue. “We all hope. For all our sakes.” Then he rubbed my arm, my shoulder. “You feelin’ okay today? How are your feet?” He took a look at my soles. “They look good. Was standing and walking okay?”
“It was manageable. I’m just letting them dry properly. Apart from my feet, showering and walking took considerable effort and energy, and I will be taking a nap soon, I think. But...” I met Tully’s gaze. “I’d really like to go home today.”
Tully grinned and picked up the bag. “I packed you some things, in case today was the day.” Then he looked at my dad, then at me. “I’ll go grab us a coffee. Mr Overton, black with one sugar?”
