Page 34 of Defending What is Mine

“Who’s there?” I try to look, but the pain stops me from turning my head more than a degree or two in either direction. Movement feels impossible, I’m so bone-weary tired.

A figure appears at the side of my bed. My vision is blurry, and I have to fight to keep my eyes open, but judging by the voice, it’s definitely a woman. “Lieutenant Daniels, sir. I’ll be your nurse for the night. I’ve been your nurse every night since you arrived.”

“Since I arrived? Arrived where? What happened?” The force with which I speak sends the room spinning and I close my eyes with a groan.

“The answer to that last question is a story I wouldn’t be qualified to tell. I can tell you that we’re at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. As for what happened, like I said, I can’t really say. All I’ve heard are bits and pieces, and most of that is rumor. But, one thing all those bits and pieces seem to agree on, is that another soldier is alive because of your bravery.”

Another soldier? Does she mean Jonesy? Last thing I remember, we were stuck, and shit was getting real. But what the hell happened?

My memory is shot.I have a few flashes, but it’s like a jigsaw puzzle. A glimpse here, a piece there. But none of it fits together enough to make any kind of sense. “So he’s alright? The soldier. Do you know his name? Can you at least tell me he’s doing better than this?”

She’s quiet for a moment before answering. “I’m sorry Captain Wilde, I’m not his nurse and we’re not permitted to share medical information with anyone outside of immediate family, but I can tell you he’s alive. And like I said, from what I hear that’s because of you.” She carefully places her hand on mine, her touch as delicate as a hummingbird.

When I look down, I’m surprised to see my hand wrapped in gauze. “What happened?” I ask as I try to lift it.

Nurse Daniels takes a deep breath. “You’ve been through quite an ordeal yourself. There aren’t too many people who can say they’ve died and come back to life. Now please, try and rest if you can. I’ll update your chart to show that you’ve woken from your coma and I’m sure your doctor will be in early tomorrow. He should be able to explain everything.”

Oh so carefully, she lifts her hand from mine and turns to leave. But I don’t let go. I hold on and strain my eyes as I try to focus on her. To see the face of the person who’s dutifully watched over me for…for…how long did she say? “Nurse? How long have I been here?”

She turns back, still little more than a blurry outline. “You’ve been in a coma for eight days. Here for four. You couldn’t be airlifted here until you had stabilized.” She steps back in and places her other hand on top of mine. “I’m sorry Captain, that’s all I know. But don’t worry about any of that. The answers will come. It’s very late. Try and rest if you can. Your body has a lot of healing to do.”

Consciousness begins to fade as thoughts swirl around me.

I’ve lost a week?

A whole week?

What about Mom?

Did someone contact her like they were supposed to?

How is she handling it?

Good God, if all she’s been told is that I’m in a coma… In a week’s time she could’ve worried herself into a hospital bed of her own.

Oh shit…

…what about Sam?

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