Page 19 of Stolen Kisses

A nurse wearing scrubs covered in baby sloths, calls out, “Austin Miller.” We both stand to make our way forward as she smiles in our direction. “Hello, Austin. I believe you’ve had a bit of a nasty fall.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“That’s not good. That’s a great sling, Mom.” She looks up at me with a reassuring smile. “Let’s take a look. Follow me,please.”

We sit down in a small, sterile room and she works through what needs to be checked, asks the same million questions we were asked before, and then sends us back out into the waiting room. Even though she was as gentle as she could be, she still had to move Austin’s wrist to investigate, which caused him more discomfort. His little body shakes as his tears return, but he’s trying his best to be brave and hold them back. I snuggle with him on my lap, doing my best to distract him with a game of eye spy. Minutes tick by, the time seeming to drag. Our boredom is broken by a new text message.

Mom: Any news?

Me: Not yet. We’ve seen the triage nurse, just waiting to be seen by a doctor

Mom: Right. It always takes a while. I wanted to update you on Lachlan. He’s calmed down and he’s had some vegetables to eat. He’s now watching some TV

Me: Thanks Mom x

Mom: You’re most welcome

Tucking my phone back in my purse, I brush Austin’s hair away from his forehead, placing a tender kiss there. My boys are my world and I hate it when they’re hurt or sick. It’s the worst part of being a mom. His breaths have slowed and deepened, which is great. It’s better for him to sleep.

After an hour and ahalfa different nurse, wearing scrubs covered with cute little koalas, calls us through. I manage to pick up Austin and follow her without disturbing him. She gives me a sympathetic smile. “Poor cherub. We’ll have him fixed up in no time, so you can get him home to bed. I’m Amy and I’ll be coordinating Austin’s treatment today.”

“Thank you so much, Amy.” Austin wakes as I place him on the stiff hospital bed. I sit beside him wrapping my arm around his shoulders, carefully avoiding his injured wrist.

“No problem. Let’s take a look.” Amy gently unwraps the sling to observe Austin’s wrist, thewhole timemaking conversation with him about one of his favorite topics,The Avengers. “I’m pretty sure it’s a moderate sprain, but the doctor will be in shortly to take a look. He may want an X-ray to confirm.”

Amy leaves the room. Laying on the bed next to Austin, we talk quietly about school and what his injury will mean for him.

We’re not waiting too long until an older gentleman, whom I assume is the doctor, enters our cubicle with a sunny smile. “Well, I hear we have anAvengersfan in our midst this evening.”

Austin instantly perks up, a smile touching his lips. “Yeah, that’s me. I loveThe Avengers, especiallySpider-Man.He’smy favorite!”

“Oh yeah. I’m a Hulk man myself. Been reading the comics since I was about your age.”

Austin’s whole face lights up. “Really? That’s so cool.” He looks at me. “Mom, can we get comics?”

“I’m not sure you can still buy comics, but if we can, sure thing.” I’ll do just about anything to get my boys interested in reading.

The doctor checks over Austin’s wrist as he shares, “There’s a great comic shop in the city. I’ll write the address down for you.” He smiles at me as he finishes.

“That’d be great. Thank you.”

“Now, Austin. Did you hear any popping or snapping when you landed?”

“No, Doctor.”

“Okay, I’ve dealt with many sprains over the years. I’m certain that we’re dealing with a moderate sprain. We’ll need to use ice on the injury for twenty to thirty minutes, then off for three to four hours. Austin, you’ll need to rest it for two whole days. Do you think you can do that? That means you can’t use this hand to do anything.”

With eyebrows drawn down low and a serious expression on his little face, Austin answers, “I can try.”

“Great.You know, even superheroes have to restsometimes.” He looks at me. “We’ll put a splint on it to keep it stable and if possible, elevate the wrist tonight while he sleeps. A couple of pillows should do the trick. Some Advil to help with the pain and a good night’s rest. It’s important to keep it as still as possible for the first couple of days. Follow up with your GP in a few days. Any questions?”

–theo–

“Do you think Austin’s going to be okay?” Kenny’s been so worried about her new friend. I think she’s asked me the same question half a dozen times.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine, Munchkin.” I follow the brush down the length of her long hair with my hand. I actually find brushing Kenny’s hair quite therapeutic. “He probably just landed on his hand and bent it back. His mommy took him to the hospital and I’m sure they’ll do everything they can to help him.”

She’s silent for long minutes as I follow the YouTube tutorial showing me how to braid my niece’s long hair. I’m slowly getting the hang of the basic braid, so I thought I’d try the French braid. It’s not looking too bad. I’ve noticed some of the other girls have these fancy braids with ribbons woven through as well. I’m not sure I’m at that level yet, but I’m working my way up in skill. Kenny’s hair is so silky that it glides through my fingers, making it difficult to keep the rest of the braid secure as I weave in a new lock. Finishing the braid, I tie off the end feeling quite pleased with the result. Not bad for a guy who’s only recently taken guardianship of his niece.

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