Page 81 of Doctor Hot Mess

I pull out my phone, and Harper’s name catches my eye. I sent her a quick text earlier, something about being stuck here for hours, and she replied with a simple line of encouragement that somehow makes it all feel a little less daunting.

Hang in there. You got this.

This is the first chance I've had to even look at my phone in two hours.

Hey, you. Hope you're Sunday is going how I imagined mine might. I'm living vicariously through you. Still have a few more hours here. Thinking about you.

Her words warm something in me, a reminder that I don’t have to carry everything alone. It's a nice feeling knowing I have someone outside of here who’s waiting for me when I finally leave. Different. New. But comforting.

For now, I pocket the phone and head back into the ER. There’s still work to be done.

12:39PM

I stepinto the break room and lean against the back of the leather sofa with my phone pressed to my ear. It’s been one hell of a day, but the text from Lila earlier caught my attention. Now that I have a moment to breathe, I call her back.

She picks up on the second ring. “Hey, Bro,” she says, her voice softer than usual. “You saving lives and taking names?”

“It's the only way I know how to do Sundays,” I say, keeping my tone light. “Sounds like you and Mom and Dad have been busy. How are you feeling?”

“I feel good,” she says cheerfully. “I'm still sore, but the bruises are almost gone. And I can take a deep breath without wincing, so... progress.”

“That’s good to hear,” I say, leaning back against the counter. “What about the ribs?”

“They’re still tender to the touch, but the doctor said that’s normal. He cleared me for travel, though. Which is good because... We’ve picked out the rehab program, and there is a bed for me next week.”

I blink, caught off guard. “Really? That’s great, Lila.”

“Yeah,” she says, and there’s a hint of nervousness in her voice. “It’s in North Carolina. Six weeks in-patient, then twelve weeks of outpatient therapy. Mom and Dad are helping me get there and get set up.”

“That’s amazing, Lila,” I say, cautiously optimistic. “You feel ready for it?”

“I don’t think anyone’s ever ready for this kind of thing,” she says with a small laugh. “But I know I have to do it. I can’t keep living like this, Jonah. I’ve hit rock bottom, and I don’t want to drag anyone else down with me.”

Her honesty surprises me. “Lila, that’s... I’m proud of you. Seriously. This is the right move.”

“Thanks,” she says quietly. “And thanks for letting me stay at your place. I know you’re not there much, but it’s been a huge help. I've noticed you've essentially moved out, so you should be happy to know you can have your bachelor pad back.”

“My absence has nothing to do with you,” I say, brushing off her gratitude, though her words do warm something in my chest. “You know I've been shacking up with a certain lady friend. When do you leave?”

That garners a good laugh. “Well, I'm glad you're able to get you some. Even though that's gross to think about. Anyway, I'm leaving Tuesday,” she clears her throat. “Mom and Dad are driving me up. I might need some rehab after all of this family time alone.”

“True, that,” I say, my voice softening. “This is all good stuff. You deserve a fresh start, kid sister.”

She lets out a breath, and I can almost hear her smile. “Thanks, Jonah. I’ll keep you updated, of course. Just wanted to tell you where things are.”

“Of course,” I say. “I'll see you before you leave. I've actually got to run now, but I'll call you later when I leave the hospital.”

“Sounds good. Toodles.”

I hang up and stare at the phone for a moment, letting the conversation settle. I never could have imagined these turn of events a month ago. I've never felt so happy for one of my family members as I am for her.

Maybe this is a turning point for all of us.

A light tap on my office door frame, and a nurse pokes her head in to let me know my last patient is stable. I nod and decide to take a few more minutes. I dial my mom’s number, fully expecting voicemail, but she answers on the first ring.

“Jonah,” she says, and there’s a warmth in her voice that catches me off guard. “How are you?”

“Busy,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “But I talked to Lila earlier. She told me about rehab. That's great news.”

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