Page 22 of One Sultry Summer

“Devin doesn’t take drugs!”

“I meant over the counter.”

“Oh. I don’t think so. Why are you asking so many questions?”

“I need to know before I can treat him.”

“You’re a doctor?”

“Yes. Can we discuss this later? I need to check if he has any injuries. He may have fallen.” I shook my head slowly. I didn’t realize I was crying. “Valerie, he’ll be okay.” Wyatt rubbedhis knuckles on Devin’s sternum and called his name. Receiving no response, he retrieved an item from a bag that he had previously placed on the floor. He put it under Devin’s nose.

It was at that moment Devin became conscious. He blinked his eyes and groaned, finding himself staring up into Wyatt’s eyes.

“Devin, are you all right?” I asked.

He slowly raised his head. “This was not the place I ever wanted to be found.” He laid back down and covered his face with his forearm.

“Are you feeling any pain?”

“No, just embarrassment.”

“Let’s get you off the ground, but we’ll move slowly. I don’t want you to pass out moving too fast.” Wyatt reached out his hand and helped him to his feet. Devin swayed some. Wyatt made sure he had his balance before helping him back to bed. Wyatt waited patiently until Devin was situated before he asked him more questions.

“Valerie, can you please grab the bag from thebathroom?” I moved without thinking about it. “Mr. Appleton, I’m Dr. Wyatt Woods, can you tell me what’s been troubling you?”

I sat quietly listening to their conversation and watched as Wyatt listened intently to Devin. Who knew that the guy I mistakenly took for a farmer was a physician? His bedside manner is better with patients than with regular day-to-day citizens like me. Or maybe it was only me who he felt compelled to be rude to.

Wyatt instructed Devin to stay still and take deep breaths. He gently placed a cool, damp cloth on Devin’s forehead to help him regain his composure. Meanwhile, I fetched a glass of water, hoping it would help Devin re-hydrate and recover. Wyatt continued to converse with him in a soothing tone. The timbre of his voice made me feel relaxed and, somehow, I knew Devin was well cared for.

Chapter 8

Wyatt Woods

After assessing and treating the patient, we were lucky enough to lower his fever. I called the pharmacist, and Debra agreed to deliver everything to Devin’s room. At this point, all we can do is have him get plenty of rest and fluids. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

I picked up my bag and stepped towards the door. I looked over my shoulder and saw that Valerie wasn’t following me.

“Valerie.” She lifted her eyes and met mine. “Let him rest. There’s nothing you can do for him right now. We have to let nature take its course.” She released his hand and gently placed it down. She said he’s not her boy toy, but that doesn’tmean she doesn’t have feelings for him.

As she passed me to exit the room, I got a whiff of sweet flowers blossoming. My senses, formally dormant for years, are now coming alive after meeting her. However, I refuse to let this temptress tear down my town. I closed the door behind me and made my way to the stairs.

Her footsteps were hot on my heels. I turned abruptly when I got to the landing, causing her to run into me. She quickly took a step back. “I’m so sorry, Dr. Woods. But I just want to know Devin’s prognosis.”

“He’ll be fine. It’s just a viral infection, or as some others call it ‘a bug’.”

“How did he get it, and I didn’t?”

“Viral infections are usually very contagious. Viruses can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or droplets from sneezing or coughing.”

“So, being in enclosed places, you have a higher probability?”

“Yes. That’s correct. Just because you’re exposed doesn’t guarantee you’ll catch it. Everyone’s immune system is different. What Devin has is a virus, but still, be diligent about taking care of yourself.”

She nodded and didn’t argue with me, which was quite nice. But I preferred her fiery passion from earlier. I gripped the handle of my bag tightly, reminding myself to keep it professional, and walked downstairs to head to the parade.

This time, I couldn’t hear the click-clack of Valerie’s heels. She proceeded to follow me down the steps to the first floor, where my mother was waiting for us with Emily.

“So, how is he?” My mother has always been considerate of others, even if they are strangers.

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