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“He suffered a fracture of the distal tibia. There was potential that the nerves to his foot were compromised, but we have good news. Everything is going to be fine. It was much easier to repair than we expected. He should be able to come home tomorrow.”
My phone starts beeping. Someone’s trying to call in. Ignoring the other call, I ask, “Is he awake?”
“He’s in recovery right now and he’s still pretty groggy.”
“But he’s okay?”
“He’s fine. He’s a brave young man.”
I swallow down the tears that have clogged my throat. “He is.”
There’s a deep breath on the other end of the phone. “Mr. Roman, I know his story. I was working when his father died. And small towns, being what they are, I heard about your beautiful story.”
I don’t know what to say.
Doctor Daniels continues, “You’ve done a wonderful thing by adopting Marcus. He’s going to grow up to be a fine young man.”
“Thank you. I hope I can give him what he needs.”
“Oh, you already have. He was talking about you non-stop when we were taking him to the OR. He is excited to show you his scar.”
I laugh. “That’s Marcus for ya.”
“Well, I need to go. I have to go back to the waiting room to talk to his grandmother. She had a million questions.”
“That’s Sheila for you. Thanks again... for everything.”
When the call is done, I take a big breath. I can finally breathe. Relief is like a balm, soothing all the agonizing uncertainty that was bound up in my muscles.
“Hey, kiddo.”
“I’ve got a sore throat.” Marcus points to his neck.
I ruffle his hair. “No need to talk. Just rest.”
“You came fast.”
“Of course.”
“I’m gonna have a cool scar.”
I laugh. “Yes, you are.”
The nurse comes in and gives him a tiny cup of water. “Just a bit for now.”
Marcus grins when the cool water slides down his throat.
“We’ll be transferring you to a room later.”
“Can I stay over as well?”
She chuckles. “Sure, if you like sleeping on sofas made of concrete.”
Marcus thinks this is hilarious. He’s obviously still loopy. I grin. “I’ll manage.”
The rest of the evening is a blur. Marcus is moved to a room. He talks non-stop.
A woman delivers some weird combination of foods that he makes faces at.
