Page 59 of Sparking Sara

“I’m just hoping you’ll give me a reason to recommend you if anything ever comes up on Engine 319.”

I cock my head to the side. “Is there something you’re not telling me, Captain? Is Noah not coming back?”

“Noah is fine,” he says. “He’ll be back in a few weeks as planned. Just give me a reason, Andrews.”

“I’ll try my best,” I say.

After he leaves, I’m excited and pissed at the same time. Excited because he wouldn’t have mentioned it unless he thought there was a possibility of an opening. Pissed because, clearly, I haven’t proven myself to be the obvious choice.

~ ~ ~

I’m getting in a workout at the gym in the firehouse to pass the time between calls when my phone rings.

“Hi, Joelle. What’s up?”

“I hope I’m not bothering you. You said you wanted me to update you if anything happened,” she says.

“It’s never a bother. Tell me.”

“Well, the therapists told me this afternoon that she’s not progressing as much as they’d like.”

“What do you mean? She killed it yesterday. She stood up and even took a few steps.”

“I know. They told me. They also said that once that happens, things usually move along quickly. Sara should be making improvements in leaps and bounds, but she seems to have stalled. They think she may be suffering from depression.”

“Depression?”

“They said it’s not uncommon. But whatever it is, it’s affecting her motivation. And she’s still not talking much at all.”

“Damn. I’m sorry to hear that. Was Oliver there today?”

“He was here when I showed up about an hour ago. He and Sara were watching TV when I arrived.”

“What do you think of him, Joelle?”

“He’s very charming,” she says. “I can tell he’s not all that comfortable being around hospitals and such, but it does look like he’s trying.”

“I’m glad he’s showing up every day.”

“Me, too. Oh, hey, there is a bit of good news. They took out Sara’s catheter today.”

“They did?”

“Yes. Apparently, she started fussing about having to pee, something she hadn’t done until today. She still can’t walk to the bathroom, but with help, they can get her there so she can take care of things.”

“I’m sure that will help her feel more normal.”

“Let’s hope,” she says. “But if there is anything you can think of to help her out of her funk, please let me know.”

“You’re her cousin, Joelle. You’d know more than I do what would help her.”

“That’s not true, Denver. I’m not sure how it happened, but it seems you know Sara better than anyone at this point. And she seems to respond to you over everyone else.”

I sigh. That wasn’t my intention. I just knew she needed someone to be there until Oliver showed up.

“Maybe I should back off,” I say. “Let her get more accustomed to Oliver.”

“Please don’t,” she says. “You are playing a huge part in her recovery. That’s more important than anything at this point.”

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