Play Along

I turn my eyes straight ahead again and stare into space.

The doctor comes through the door. “Well, hello.” He smiles broadly. “You are looking much better.”

He picks up my chart and checks my vitals that the nurse has just taken. “From one to ten, what is your pain level?”

“Ten.” I wince as I try to move.

“I will give you some stronger pain medication.” He turns to the nurse. “Can you give her some morphine, please?” He turns back to me and smiles. “We operated, and thankfully the bullet has made no permanent damage. You will be up and about in no time.”

My eyes hold his. “Do you know where the man who saved me is?” I whisper.

The doctor’s eyes flicker to Todd.

“He didn’t save you Shelly. He was the man who kidnapped you,” Todd replies. “You’re confused, angel.” He bends and kisses my forehead.

I frown. “No.”

The doctor takes my hand in his. “You have been to Hell and back over last month. I don’t want you to think about it now. I need you to concentrate on getting stronger, getting well.”

“Where is he?” I whisper. “I need to see him—”

“Shelly, listen to me,” Todd interrupts as he brings my face to meet his. “You are traumatized. I’m here. I’m going to get you through this.”

My eyes fill with tears. I feel weak. I’m confused. “Where is my love?” I whisper.

“I’m here, angel,” Todd replies. “I’m right here.” He picks up my hand and kisses the back of it.

The nurse injects me, and as the tears roll down my face, I somehow drift into sleep.

* * *

I wake in the early hours of the morning. My room is darkened and the hospital is silent. I buzz for the nurse and stay staring at the ceiling for a while until a new nurse comes in. She’s young, younger than me.

She smiles sweetly. “Hello. You buzzed.”

“I feel like I need to go to the restroom,” I whisper.

She checks my catheter. “I will just empty your bag.” She fusses about and empties my bag and then tops up my meds. “You are a nurse?” she asks.

I smile softly and nod. “Yes.”

She stands at the side of my bed in the darkness and picks up my hand in hers. My strength breaks down and my eyes fill with tears.

“Do you want me to sit with you for a while?” she whispers in the darkness.

I nod, unable to speak.

She pulls up a chair and sits with my hand in hers. The tears start to run down my face.

She doesn’t speak and neither do I, but having her here with me is enough.

* * *

I am woken up by Todd. “Good morning, Shelly.” He smiles broadly.

“Hi.”

“You look better today. How are you feeling?”