Page 53 of Doctor Second Chance

I'm jolted awake by Dr. Hampton's cheerful voice. Blinking groggily, I squint at the clock. Do these surgeons ever sleep?

"Good morning, Elle," he says, flipping through my chart. "I've got some good news for you."

I struggle to sit up, wincing as my hand throbs. "Hit me with it, Doc."

"Your stats are amazing. The infection's practically gone." He smiles, but I sense there's a 'but' coming. "We want to keep you on high-dose antibiotics for another two weeks, just to be safe."

I nod, relieved but also impatient. "So when can I get out of here?"

"Well, we'll be removing your IV today. The antibiotics can be oral from now on." He pauses. "And I think you're well enough to restart therapy for your hand."

My heart leaps at the prospect of getting back to normal. "Great! When do we start?"

"I've put in an order to look into rehab facilities again. Unfortunately, we have to restart the clock on that front due to the setback with the infection."

My excitement deflates like a punctured balloon. "What about the rehab here? Is it back open?"

Dr. Hampton shakes his head. "I'm afraid not."

"Can't I just do therapy back home in Florida?" I ask, desperation creeping into my voice.

"Eventually, yes. But I want to keep you close for the first couple weeks, especially considering the infection.”

I slump back against the pillows, frustration bubbling up inside me. All I want is to get out of here—out of this hospital, out of Birmingham, and out of Shep's orbit. But it seems like the universe has other plans.

"I understand you're eager to leave," Dr. Hampton says gently. "But your health comes first. We'll reassess in a week or so, okay?"

I nod, not trusting myself to speak without letting loose a string of curses. As he leaves, I stare out the window, feeling trapped and more alone than ever.

As I ponder what my life has come to, the morning sunlight filters through the hospital blinds. I hear the familiar click of my mom’s heels coming down the hall. She bustles in with a fresh cup of coffee and her usual determined energy.

"Morning, sweetie," she chirps, settling into the chair beside my bed. "How are you feeling today?"

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. "Well, I've got some news. You just missed Dr. Hampton."

Her eyebrows shoot up. "Oh? What did he say?"

"Good news is, I'm doing great health-wise. The infection's pretty much gone." I pause, bracing for the next part. "Bad news is, I have to stay in Birmingham for at least another week, probably two weeks.”

Mom's face falls slightly. "Oh, honey. I know you were hoping to get out of here soon."

I nod, frustration edging up again. "Yeah, he wants to keep me here through the critical period after surgery and the sepsis. Just to be safe."

She reaches out, squeezing my good hand. "Well, your health comes first. It makes sense, and I want to know you’re in good hands."

There's a moment of silence, and I can see her gearing up to say something else.

"Your father and I have been talking," she starts, her voice gentle. "We were thinking of heading back to Jacksonville soon. Then we'll come to Gainesville to help you get settled after you're done with rehab."

I feel a strange mix of relief and sadness wash over me. On one hand, I've had more time with my parents in the past week than I've had since high school. It's been nice in its own way. But on the other hand, the thought of them leaving makes my chest tighten with anxiety.

"That... that makes sense," I manage to say. "You guys have lives to get back to. No need for all of us to be tethered to this place.”

Mom squeezes my hand again. "We're here as long as you need us, Elle. But we also don't want to hover. And it sounds like you’ll be pretty busy with rehab every day.”

I force a smile. "I know. It's okay. It'll be good to have you guys in Gainesville when I get back."

As we sit there, I realize how bittersweet this moment is. I'm ready for some independence again, and the thought of facing the next two weeks alone in Birmingham makes my stomach churn.

---