Page 26 of Sparking Sara

“I had a bad feeling. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. But nothing had really changed. Have you heard anything different?”

“They got the results of the MRI.”

“And?”

“Well, it’s hard to say. I don’t know if they aren’t telling me something or if they really just don’t know. They said one important finding was that the brainstem itself was not compromised as originally thought. This is good news as that’s the part of the brain that controls the bodily functions we don’t think about like our heartbeat, breathing, and digestion. However, there is damage in other areas of the brain, but they said the extent of that damage won’t be known until Sara wakes up.”

I close my eyes. “Shit, Joelle. I’m sorry.”

“The other news, which I guess is good, is that today they are going to remove the wire coming out of her head that measures the pressure.”

“Yeah, they told me they would probably do that soon.”

“And she’s having a few minor surgeries today to put in a feeding tube and trach.”

“Why does she need those if the brainstem wasn’t affected?”

“The way they explained it to me is that she’s starting to take a few breaths over the ventilator, but they expect she’ll need help breathing for a while and that the risk of bacteria is high with the tube in her mouth. They said it will be far more comfortable for Sara to have the tube in her neck and not her throat. And to eliminate all tubes going down her throat, they will attach a feeding tube directly to her stomach with a bag outside her body. They claim that will be just temporary until she can progress to eating on her own.”

“So, they expect her to be able to eat on her own?”

“Like I said, they aren’t guaranteeing anything. I swear they talk in code half the time.”

“And did she move again?” I ask. “Has she woken up?”

“They didn’t say anything about that, so I guess not.”

“I’m sorry I can’t be there today. I’ll go as soon as I get off shift tomorrow morning.”

“Denver, you’ve gone way above and beyond. I don’t expect you to go back at all. You don’t need to sit with her.”

“Until Oliver shows up, I’m going back. She shouldn’t have to be alone.”

“I know, but it’s not on you.”

“It’s okay, Joelle. I want to. I don’t mind.”

“Well, thank you for everything you’ve done.”

My eyes find the floor. “I haven’t done anything.”

“Oh, but you have. Listen, I have to go. One of the kids is crying. I’ll let you know if they call me with another update.”

“Thanks, Joelle. I hope your kids feel better.”

I put my phone on the table next to my cot. As I lie back and lace my hands behind my neck, I notice Bass leaning against the wall not far from my space. It’s obvious he was listening.

I sit up and put my forearms on my knees. “How much of that did you hear?”

“Pretty much all of it.”

“And you didn’t think to mind your own fucking business?” I bite at him.

He walks over and sits on the cot opposite me. “Listen, Denver. I get that you’re struggling with something here. But your obsession with the girl in the hospital isn’t normal.”

My eyes snap to his. “You think I’mobsessedwith her?”

“Well, what would you call it when you spend every waking minute at the hospital with a stranger?” He nods to my phone. “And when you can’t be there, you’re asking her family about her.”

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