Page 69 of Shadows of Recovery

Chris Skylar palmed the tabletop. “We also need to be prepared for any breakthrough moments. If she suddenly starts remembering, it could be overwhelming. Having a solid support system in place, with all of us on the same page, will be critical. Kay, I don’t want you to speak with Sophie anymore. I agree with Matt; I think you two are a bad match.

“I expect a family member to come for a visit today. I’d like to have an idea when they will be coming in. This can take some of the weight off you, Tristan.”

Matt nodded. “Chris, I’ll inform the nursing staff to keep a close eye on her physical health and be alert to any signs of emotional distress. We need to continue the team approach. Sam, how do you want to treat the arrhythmia?”

“If it lasts more than a minute, I want to be paged. Also print it out and document what was going on at the time.”

James stood. “I’m sorry, folks. I have a surgery. If all goes well, I should be back by noon.” He grasped Tristan’s shoulder and nodded.

Tristan blew out a breath. “Kay, I have rounds here and then an ER shift. But we need to talk again. I’ll call you with a time.”

The meeting continued with the team discussing detailed strategies for Sophie’s care. They planned to increase the frequency of her therapy sessions, introduce art and music therapy, and maintain a closer watch on her physical and emotional health. They also decided to involve her family more, as their presence might provide a secondary emotional anchor Sophie needed. After Sophie, they discussed the Institute’s other patients’ needs and progress.

The team dispersed, each member returning to their duties. Tristan lingered for a moment, lost in thought.

Chris walked over and took the seat beside him. “We’ll get through this, Tristan. Just like the other battles.”

Tristan nodded, taking a deep breath. “I know. I just... I want to see her smile again, genuinely. To see her happy.” He shook his head. “And then there’s Kay. Am I coddling Sophie?”

“No, you’re not coddling Sophie,” Chris replied, his voice filled with conviction. “We just have to be patient and keep supporting her. She’s healing from a critical head injury. The fact she’s able to form sentences is amazing. And as far as Kay goes, you owe her nothing more. Yes, she helped you when you were suffering. I’m not underestimating what she did. But she was in love with you then, and, frankly, I think she still is. But that was five years ago. And you didn’t toss her to the curb; you gave her an impressive job. Now she’s throwing all your dedication in your face because she’s jealous. Maybe it’s time for the board to reconsider her position here.”

Tristan gave Chris a small grateful smile. “Thank you for everything.” He checked his watch. “My patients hate me with five-thirty rounds, but I’m due at the hospital at seven-thirty. See you later.”

Twenty-Six

Sophie awakened to a soft knock on her door. The morning light filtered in through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on the room. She rubbed her eyes and sat up as a perky, curvy blonde woman entered with a bright smile.

“Hi Sophie, I’m Renee, a nurse’s assistant. We met yesterday. I need to check your vital signs, take an ECG and draw some blood,” Renee said cheerfully, setting down her tray of supplies.

Sophie glanced at the clock on the wall. “What time is it?” she asked groggily.

“It’s 7:30,” Renee replied.

Sophie sighed. “Does the day always start so early?”

Renee laughed. “While you’re listed as an acute assessment and care patient, yes.”

The door opened again, and a tall brunette walked in, exuding calm professionalism. “Good morning, I’m Janine. I’ll be your nurse today. How are you feeling? How are the panicky feelings?”

Sophie swallowed hard, her anxiety already simmering. “It’s building,” she admitted.

Janine nodded sympathetically. “I’ve got your Prozac, ten milligrams, for the panic. You’re in a new place. You ring if it builds, okay?”

Sophie chewed her lip nervously. “Where’s Tristan? Or James? Matt?”

Janine sighed, setting the medication on the bedside table. She watched Sophie take it. “I’m sorry, I’m your day shift nurse. Matt worked the night shift, but he had an emergency with another patient, so I haven’t received report yet. I just checked the medication list. He’ll come see you later when he finishes up, I promise. We usually do report with the patient.

“Dr. Tristan Blackwell is at the hospital today. He will be back when he finishes there. And Dr. James Blackwell has an AM surgery. He anticipates being back by noon.”

Sophie’s eyes widened with desperation. “What about Dr. Skylar?” she pleaded.I need to see someone familiar.

Before Janine could respond, the door opened again. A beautiful woman with jet-black hair and laser-focused green eyes entered, exuding an air of authority.

Sophie remembered her from the hospital and the day before—Dr. Birdham. She didn’t like her. And she knew she upset Tristan.

“Hello.” She tried to focus on her breathing.

“Good morning, ladies. Hi, Sophie, I’m Dr. Birdham. Remember me? I need to do an assessment to welcome you.” Her smile made Sophie uncomfortable.

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