Page 229 of The Bonus

“What?” I ask.

“You look like shit.”

I break into a broad smile, there she is. “You don’t look so hot yourself.”

Over the next hour, they unhook her machines and get her pain under control as I sit in the corner and watch on. “X-ray will be up soon to take you down, okay?”

She nods. “Thanks.” The nurse disappears and she looks around.

“What’s wrong?”

“I need to go to the bathroom.”

“Umm. I’ll call the nurse back.”

“No. I’m not using a pan, I’ll wait.”

“I’ll carry you in.”

“No.”

“Grace.” I widen my eyes. “You need to let me help you.” I reach down and pick her up like a bride. I carry her into the bathroom and carefully sit her down on the toilet.

“Okay, go out now.”

“What?”

“You’re not standing there watching me pee.”

“Grace…I’ve licked your asshole, I’m pretty sure I’m good with a tinkle on the toilet.”

“Eww.” She screws up her face. “Get out.”

I go and wait outside the door and look around the hospital room. What’s taking so long? “You okay in there?”

“Yes.”

“Can I come in?” I wait some more. “Are you ready?”

“Ugh…yes.”

I walk back in and pick her up, her cotton hospital gown is gathered on her lap. “I need to wash my hand.”

I carry her to the sink and she catches sight of her face in the mirror and gasps at the bruising. “Oh my god.”

“Did a good job of it, you clumsy oaf.”

I turn the tap on and she holds her hand under the water. “Can you go and get the kids?”

“Deb’s bringing them up this afternoon, let’s just get you sorted first, okay?”

I carry her back to the bed and carefully lay her down, and she winces. “What’s wrong with my hand?”

“Your wrist is broken and you need it pinned, we’ll know more after the x-rays.”

Her eyes well with tears, her injuries obviously overwhelming her.

“Hey.” I sit down on the bed beside her. “Don’t worry. You’re going to be okay.” I cup her face in my hand. “It’s all going to be over soon and you’ll be all better.”

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