Page 72 of The Freshman

Tia nodded. “Yeah, they want to askyou questions, but every time they do you shut down and say youneed sleep.”

“I don’t remember seeingthem.”

“Your boss has been intoo. What’s his name, Riley?”

“Ryan.”

Tia nodded. “He’s got the mostannoying beard ever.”

Alfie snorted, remembering how Natehad said it looked like a dirty arse crack. Tears suddenly swelledin his eyes, and he couldn’t stop his bottom lip fromtrembling.

“Is Ryan the guy you’vebeen…”

“No.”

Tia bunched her lips and blew.“Phew.”

Alfie blinked rapidly and got hisleaking eyes under control. Tia didn’t comment and didn’t try tocomfort him. He knew if she did he would cry harder, and hesuspected she knew it too.

“Has anyone else visited?”he asked.

“Some old man, but I doubthe’s your lover.”

Alfie squeezed his eyes shut andgritted his teeth.

Tia gripped his fingers carefully. “Itthe pain again?”

Alfie opened his eyes and turned toher. “No, just—I don’t… My head is just a mess.”

“Yeah and the rest of ya.”She laughed, but Alfie didn’t join in. She stopped then pulled aguilty expression and shifted in the chair. “Sorry, toosoon.”

“Wh-when will they let mego home?”

“They said hopefully in aweek, but you’ve got to stay off your feet as much as you can. It’sa hairline fracture, but you’ve still got to becareful.”

****

Ten days later, Alfie swung his legsfrom the bed with an impatient growl. The crutches leaning againstthe bed clattered to the floor, and Tia wagged herfinger.

“You’re going to hurtyourself more and end up back here.”

She leaned down to get the crutchesand set them against the bed again.

Alfie clutched the back of his neckwith a huff. “Does it really take that long to sign meout?”

“They’re busypeople.”

“I’ve been waiting forhours.”

His nurse, Sally, poked her headthrough the curtain. Her hair was black and curly, and many timesAlfie had found strands on his sheets and hoped they were from herhead. She wore a professional smile that didn’t reach her eyes, andAlfie didn’t blame her for faking it. He wasn’t a happy sight tolook at. “It’s the day you’ve been waiting for,” shesaid.

“Yeah, and I wanna leavein the day, not at night.”

Tia flicked the back of his hand.“Stop it. You’re a terrible patient.”

“Yeah, I am. I just wantto get home and take care of myself.”

“Your keys and yoursmashed phone are at reception, along with your prescription, butwhat do you want to do with this?”

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