Page 33 of Shadows of Before

“I don’t care.”

She closed her eyes. At least she wasn’t alone in this. Whateverthiswas.

* * *

“Put this gown on. The doctor will be in shortly.” The fire department had wheeled her into a curtained-off area in the ER and set her on the bed.

“Bye, Katie.” This from Joe. “Hope this isn’t anything.”

“It won’t be. Thanks.”

After they left she said, “Can my friend come in?”

“After the doc sees you.”

She was unsteady on her feet when she stood. The nurse had to help her undress.

“Sit back down. I have to get your vitals.”

Turned out her blood pressure was high and her breathing heavy. “Can I have some ibuprofen first. My head hurts.”

“After…”

The doctor came in.

“Katie. I recognized your name on the paperwork.”

“Hi, Lucy.” They’d been friends in school. Kate was a social person back then.

Lucy scanned the chart. “I’m sorry you hurt your head.”

“It’s pounding. Can I have some ibuprofen?”

“No, not until after the head CT. I’m going to check you for other injuries. Lie down.”

Lucy checked her eyes, her chest, felt her neck and extremities. When she turned Kate to her side, she said, “Ouch. You must be sore.”

“I am. What does it look like”

“Very black and blue. You have to go to imaging. Some aides will be in to take you over.”

“Thanks, Lucy.”

Will appeared at the door.

“Hey, sweetheart.” He smiled at her but his face was lined with worry.

“Hi. You remember Lucy Kramer?”

“Yeah, hi.”

“Hi, Will. How’d you get back here?”

“I was tired of waiting.” His gaze softened when he caught sight of Katie. “And I’m worried about her.”

“Hmm. I’ll go out and write up my orders. Good to see you both again.” She and the nurse left.

Will came to the side of the bed and she sat up. “Before we talk about this, how are you feeling? The ceiling stuff that came down on you was heavy as hell.”

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