Page 76 of When Love Is Lost and Found

"I'm sorry," says Rick. "That's my fault. I should've warned you. She just had major surgery. She needs all the help she can get to keep her alive and to make sure she heals."

"She's still sleeping," Sharon says.

I think that answered all the questions. We can't know how she's doing if she's not awake.

I sit with Sharon, holding her hand until we see a doctor coming this way.

Rick approaches the doctor, followed by Caleb and Sharon.

"Are you Mrs. Alonzo's family?" the doctor asks.

"Yes," says Rick. "I'm her husband; this is her brother, Caleb, and her daughter, Sharon."

"I recommend you all go home and get some rest. Chances are, Carol is going to sleep through the night. We'll know more in the morning. You will be more help to her if you're well-rested."

"Thank you, Doctor," Rick says.

The doctor walks away, and Rick turns to talk to the group.

"I'm going home, sleeping for a couple of hours, eating, and showering. I'll be back this afternoon and stay with her as long as they let me."

"Can I take you all out to eat before we head home?" Caleb asks.

"We have to go check on the kids," says Rick's sister. "Thank you for offering, though. We appreciate it."

"Rick, what about you?"

"I'm exhausted. I'm literally falling asleep as we speak. I'll take a rain check."

"Sharon, can I take you out to eat?

"Yes, I would like that."

"I will go back to the house," I say.

"You're not coming?" Sharon asks.

"You two have a lot to catch up on. I'll see you back at the house."

***

I leave the hospital and stop by the supermarket to buy groceries to stock up the empty refrigerator and pantry at home.

After I put everything away, I call my parents and fill them in.

"Take as long as you need," Dad says before handing the phone to Mom.

"That poor girl," Mom says, "She's losing all the people she loves. Keep us posted, Sweetheart."

"Can you do me a favor?" I ask. "Can you check in on Loren every day? Just call her and make sure she doesn't need anything."

"Yes, of course. We can do that. You don't need to worry about anything here. Sharon needs you."

"Thanks, Mom."

When Sharon returns home, she looks tired but happy—her time with Caleb helped her feel better.

"What are you doing?” she asks, sitting beside me on the couch.

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