Page 115 of Loving the Legend
I whip around and am immediately sandwiched in a hug by Tommy and Kieran.
“We came as soon as Sid called. We brought food and toiletries for you and your uncle’s boyfriend…Ishan, right?” Kieran asks as we pull away.
“Thanks…yeah, that’s his name. I appreciate it. We haven’t eaten.”
“Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and greens. Vegetable pot pie and some water, cold brew, and juices,” Tommy says, handing me the bag and clasping my shoulder with his free hand.
“Wow. Thanks.” My stomach rumbles as I peer into the bag.
“Can we get you anything? You or Ishan need a change of clothes?” Kieran asks.
“I’m good. I have a duffel with me, and Adam’s bathroom has a shower, but let me check with Ishan. You sure you have time?”
“Of course. Go ahead and ask him. We’ll be here,” Tommy says.
Ishan makes a quick list of things that he needs and where to find them. Even though Ishan recently moved in, the list is ninety percent stuff for Adam. His shaving kit, loose-fitting clothes, laptop to watch movies, puzzles, pillows, and linen to make Adam more comfortable. I read through the list with gratitude for Ishan being in our lives. During times like this, the quality of people in your life matters more than anything. My chest pangs, thinking of Sid. God, I miss him. How’s it only been a day?
By the timeKieran and Tommy return with the list of items and more food, I’ve cleaned up and changed into fresh clothes. I grab a quick coffee with them in the hospital diner. When I return to Adam’s room, Ishan’s in the shower. I drop into thechair and rub my eyes, desperate for the caffeine to kick in. I pull out my phone to text Sid when Adam groans. I fly out of my seat.
His eyes are finally open. “You’re awake,” I say, more to myself than to him.
He raises his hand. His movement is sluggish.
“Wait, there are tubes,” I say, reaching for his hand. He gestures to the tube in his throat.
“It’s to help you breathe. The doctor said it’ll come out once you’re awake and they’ve had a chance to check you. I’ll push the button to call the nurse.”
His eyes flood as he tightens his grip on my hand.
“It’s okay. You’re going to be okay. The nurse is on his way.” I try my best to sound confident despite my voice breaking.
Ishan emerges from the restroom.
“He’s awake. I pushed the button for the nurse.”
The nurse walks in just as Ishan jets around to the other side of Adam.
Adam’s eyes widen when he sees Ishan.
He recognizes us…I think.
“His eyes are open,” I tell Nurse Ford.
“That’s great!” the nurse replies. I try to release Adam’s hand to swap places with the nurse, but he doesn’t let me go.
“Mr. Washington, my name is Rob. I am your nurse. You are in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital. Today is Monday, July 2nd. You went into cardiac arrest, but you are stable and recovering.”
“Can you squeeze your nephew’s hand if you’re in pain, Mr. Washington?”
He tightens his grip on my hand.
I nod to the nurse.
“Okay, we’ll take care of that right now. You’re doing great.”
“I’m going to let go of your hand so that he can check your vitals. I’ll be right here,” I tell him.
He releases my hand slowly.
