“You will need to take a leave of absence.”
Heather’s mother held her hand. “You need to rest and I will make sure you get it. Your sister can help me with the festival. There are other people in town that can get the job done.”
“You need to slow down,” Sonia said.
Rubbing her forehead with her free hand, Heather tried to put the upsetting information out of her mind. She asked Dr. Boyer, “What do I need to do?”
He stuffed one hand inside his white coat. “Rest is key and put little weight on it as much as possible. I’ll send you home with some crutches to help you get around. Ice your knee for only twenty minutes at a time. Also, be sure to wrap it when it’s not iced and keep it elevated to minimize swelling.”
“I’ll make sure she follows your directions doctor,” Heather’s mother said.
“Can I at least stay at my house? I don’t think I need round-the-clock care.” The last thing she wanted was her mother to hover over her.
“For the first forty-eight hours, I recommend you stay with family. As you heal, you can do things on your own, but in moderation,” Dr. Boyer answered.
Sonia took Heather’s hand. “It’ll be okay, sis. It won’t be for long.”
“I want you to come back in two weeks so we can check the swelling. You can also take anti-inflammatory medication over the
counter to help with the pain,” the doctor said.
“Will I need rehab?” she asked.
He shook his head once. “It’s possible. There are exercises you can do at home, but we’ll check your progress in two weeks and move on from there.”
Heather shielded her face with her hands. “This can’t be happening.”
“It’ll be fine.” Her mother rested her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “You’ll take it easy.”
Heather blew out her cheeks.
***
Allen paced the waiting room. He glanced at the coffee table covered with newspapers, rows of chairs lined the walls, and a TV mounted on the wall with the volume on low. Chairs creaked. Low whispers and throat clearing filled the room.
He wrung his hands together as he caught a whiff of the deodorizers and cleaning products. His palms were sweaty as he waited for the news on Heather. He could leave without hearing her diagnosis.
Her sister Sonia had sent Terrance home after they arrived, assuring him Heather would be fine and needed space. He had opened his mouth to object, but Terrance did what she asked. She’d then told Allen he could go home, but he instead, excused himself to the men’s room. By the time he returned to the waiting room, Terrance had left along with Sonia. She must have returned to Heather’s side. Allen rubbed at his lips as he waited, his protectiveness kicking in. Why? Heather was not his concern.
“Allen?”
He pivoted to see Sonia once more, wrapping her arms around herself. He couldn’t help but wonder. “Is she okay?”
“You stayed?” Sonia asked. “I thought you went—”
“I didn’t feel right leaving so soon.” It was the truth.
“You were right, it was a sprain. Doctor’s putting her on bed rest. She might need therapy.”
He stared down the hallway. “At least she doesn’t need surgery.”
“I agree.” Sonia rubbed at her arms. “Would you like to see her? You stayed this long.”
He stepped back. “No, that’s unnecessary. I hope she feels better soon.”
Sonia touched a hand to his arm. “Thank you for taking care of my sister.”
He bobbed his head. “You’re welcome.” He backed away and headed out the automated doors. Heather would be okay. That was what was most important. He didn’t need to see her. What would they talk about, anyway? He helped her and that was it. Nothing more.