Page 32 of Resolutions

“Telling you.”

“Yeah? Sure, it sounded like the other. Wanna explain what happened in the shower?”

“Colton,” my voice cracks. “I was thinking about Mel and what she could be going through and,” I pause for a moment, looking at each of them, “everything just got heavy, really heavy.” I decide to come completely clean. “This waiting is killing me. Nobody knows anything. I can't handle it. I feel completely useless, hopeless. The woman I love needs help and there's not jack shit I can do.” I cut myself off before I completely lose it again.

My family exchanges loaded glances before turning back with identical expressions of sympathy. My stomach drops.

“What? Did you hear something?” I look between them frantically, searching their faces for news.

“No dear, we're just as worried about Mel... and you.” Mom's voice wavers. “We just tried to keep our feelings from you. We didn't want to make it harder.”

“We understand the waiting is brutal; we love her too.” Dad says gently. “We should have talked about it. And for that, we're sorry.” He looks at Colton. “All of us. But Cameron, you have to stay strong. What good are you going to be to her if you're in the hospital when they find her?”

“I know.” I look at the stark white sheet. “I started thinking in the shower about what he could be doing to her, if he hasn't killed her already.” The words spill out before I can stop them.

“Oh honey,” Mom's eyes well up, “we've all been there, had the same thoughts. We promise we'll talk about our feelings with you. We don't know when she'll be found, so we have to support each other until then. Mel is tough, she's smart and that's what we have to cling to.”

Dad and Colton nod solemnly. The solidarity should help, but it just highlights Melanie's absence. She should be here, part of this circle. She would know exactly what to say to break the tension - probably something that would make us all laugh while rolling our eyes.

“Want something to help you sleep or something to take the edge off?” Colton's offer comes from both brother and doctor. “I can prescribe-”

“No.” I cut him off sharply. “Dad's right, I need to be clear-headed for when they find her.” The thought of me not knowing when they find her because I'm getting a drugged, cozy night's sleep makes me shudder.

“Offer stands if you change your mind. Any of us can write it.” He means well, but I can't.

“Thanks. Can I go now?” The walls feel like they're closing in.

“Once this is done.” Colton flicks the dripping bag.

“I'm not doing anything useful here.” Frustration bubbles up. “I hate hospitals. I don't know how you all work in them.” The words come out harsher than intended.

“Not all doctors work in hospitals.” Dad's well-worn argument surfaces again.

“I know. Believe me, I've been told.” I fight an eye roll. Not this discussion again. Colton dramatically sucks in a breath.

“You brought it up.” Dad's voice carries that dangerous edge. The one that reminds me he's not only my doctor, he's my dad and I better not forget it.

“Sorry, sir.” The automatic response kicks in. Dad may be gentle usually, but his military background rears its head when we boys show disrespect. Especially to Mom. We three might be younger and in better shape, but none of us have any doubt that Dad could still kick our asses.

“I'll get the discharge paperwork started.” Colton's eyes dance with mischief. “Unless we should keep him for observation, Doctor?”

I sneer, “asshole.”

“Language, we're in the hospital.” Mom's fingers snap like a rifle shot.

“Well, he seems to have quite the attitude.” Dad cocks his head, studying me. “Maybe he should stay.” His expression softens. “No more hiding in bed. We know you're hurting, but lying there won't help. AND, you'll eat what your mother cooks - you need your strength. Do you agree?”

“I'd take Dad's offer.” Colton's smile turns wicked. “The alternative is psych hold and regular shrink visits.”

“Aww, come on, I don't need to stay. Any attitude is just because I'm here.” And because every minute feels wasted when Melanie's out there somewhere.

“Right, your attitude started here. Sure!” Colton's sarcasm could strip paint. “Aren't you the same one we had to drag out of bed?” He smacks my leg.

“Boys.” Dad's warning tone hasn't changed since we were kids. Both Colton and I shut up and snap our heads in his direction. “Cameron?”

I sigh heavily. “I agree to the terms, sir.”

Colton bursts out laughing. The sound echoes off the sterile walls.

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