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After one play, all of that could be taken away from him. I’m shaken to my core when that thought hits me harder than any linebacker ever could.
“Can we see him?” Debbie asks.
“He hasn’t fully woken up yet, but I can bring you back so you’re by his side when he does.” The doctor motions for her to follow him.
She turns to my dad, who speaks before she does. “I’ll go to your house and grab you some things, then come back tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Tom.” She gives him a hug and then leaves with the doctor.
Dad turns back to us. “Let’s get you guys home.”
We walk in silence back to the car.
My thoughts are all over the place the entire drive home. I’m sitting in the back with Beau, so I’m cuddled in his arms, and my dad doesn’t even balk at the idea. Right now, we all need any type of comfort we can get.
* * *
The next day, Dad and I drive separate cars so we can leave Debbie’s car there. When we get to the hospital, she’s curled up on a chair in the corner, but Aaron is wide awake.
He gives us ashhmotion with his finger to his lips, and we quietly enter, trying not to wake her up.
“How are you?” I ask barely above a whisper.
He shrugs.
When I get closer to his bed, Debbie wakes up with a jolt.
“I’m sorry we woke you,” I say.
She stretches out her body, looking even more uncomfortable than before. “It’s okay. If I stay too long like that I won’t be able to walk.”
“Here.” My dad hands her a bag. “We brought you some things.”
“Thank you.” She takes it from him and stands up.
“How about we go get some coffee?” Dad motions for the two of them to leave the room, and she obliges.
She places her hand on Aaron’s other leg. “I’ll be right back.”
Aaron nods, then watches them leave.
Once we’re alone, I place my hand over his. When our eyes meet, I can’t tell if this makes him happy, mad, indifferent, or what. He just stares at me stoically.
We’re friends again but nowhere near what we used to be. I don’t think we’ll ever get back to that. I hurt him too much. But whatever is in our past is behind us. There’s no way I wouldn’t be here for him now.
I hope he knows that.
“Are you in pain?” I ask, taking the seat next to his bed, but not letting go of his hand.
He doesn’t move it either, which gives me a sign that at least he’s okay with this small gesture of love because I do still love him. I always will.
He takes in a deep breath, then lets it out slowly. “A little, but it’s bearable. They have me on some pretty good meds.”
I look to where his leg is propped up in a sling. I can’t believe his injury was this bad.
I’ve been around football players my entire life, and never once have I seen an injury like this.
I stare into his blue eyes, noticing something about him doesn’t look right.
