Page 80 of Doctor Second Chance

"Will she have big machines like on TV?" Opie asks, his eyes wide.

"She'll have some machines helping her, but not as many as before. She'll have a small tube giving her air through her nose, but that's all."

Opie nods, processing this information as best a four-year-old can. "Can I bring her my new Legos?"

My heart swells with love for my son's innocence. "Of course you can, buddy. I'm sure she'd love that."

I pull Opie into a hug, grateful that he doesn't fully grasp the gravity of the situation. For now, this understanding is enough.

Pappasito’s Cantina

Richmond Avenue

5:14 pm

The colorful decor and lively atmosphere seem to lift his spirits after our hospital visit. I told him he could have anything he wanted to eat, and he said chips and guacamole. So, chips and guacamole it is.

"How'd you feel about seeing Mommy today, Buddy?" I ask gently as we settle into our booth.

Opie munches on a chip, his legs swinging. "She looked like she was having a good nap. Do you think she liked my Lego spaceship?"

My heart clenches. "I'm sure she thought it was super cool, Champ."

"When will she wake up, Daddy?" His innocent question hits me hard.

I take a deep breath. "The doctors aren't sure right now, Bud. They are trying to let her brain heal. You know, that’s why I always tell you to wear your helmet when you ride your bike. Our brains are so fragile, we want to protect our noggins."

Opie nods seriously. "I'll always wear mine now. I understand, Daddy.”

"Good man," I say, ruffling his hair.

"Can Mommy come home soon?" he asks, hope shining in his eyes.

I swallow hard. "Right now, the best place for Mommy is at this hospital. They have special doctors and machines to help her."

"But you're a doctor, Daddy. Can't she come to your hospital?"

I struggle to find the right words. "My hospital is very far away, Buddy. And the doctors here know exactly how to care for Mommy's specific injury. It's important she stays here for now."

Opie seems to accept this, turning his attention to the kids' menu. I watch him, my heart heavy with the weight of everything left unsaid. But he seems satisfied with seeing her and the answers for now. We can delve a little deeper as things progress or when he is older.

For now, I feel like this was a success. I think it was good for both of us.

Friday, July 26

As we round the corner, I spot Elle waiting for us near baggage claim. I’m beyond happy to be back in Birmingham. Her face lights up when she sees us, and a warmth spreads through my chest. She appears to be glad we are back, too.

We took the early flight out of Houston this morning. It is a pretty easy two-hour flight, so it is nice to get back with most of the day ahead of us. I’m off until Monday, mainly because I wanted to give myself enough time in case things didn’t go as well when we went to see Ari. So, I’m looking forward to a weekend of hanging out.

"There's my favorite boys!" Elle calls out, waving as we get closer.

Opie breaks into a run, nearly tackling her with a hug. "Elle! Elle! Look what I got!"

She kneels down, examining the Lego box he's proudly holding up. "Wow, that's so cool! Is that a spaceship?"

I catch up to them, smiling despite my exhaustion. "Hey," I say softly, pulling her in to hug her tight. She feels so good in my arms. I take a big inhale to drink in her scent.

"I see you got a new and improved cast for your arm."

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