Page 52 of Unexpected Danger
Aileen zipped into the closest parking spot, down and around the corner of the L-shaped complex.
“Since your appointment is a half hour after mine, I’ll just meet you there,” suggested Londyn.
“Sounds good. If anything changes, let me know.” Aileen put an arm around her. “So glad you’re back in Pronghorn Falls.”
“Me too.”
They dodged mud puddles and went their separate ways. The spitting rain dampened and humidified Londyn’s hair, and she wondered why she’d even bothered to fix it. But the smell of fresh rain was glorious, and the vividness of the plush green grass recently planted in and around the buildings sharply contrasted the gloomy gray sky.
The primary care clinic boasted a spacious waiting room and a counter extending the length of the front office. After checking in, Londyn met with the nurse, then waited for Dr. Murnane.
The older male doctor, who still looked the same as he had when Londyn was a teen, with his snowy-white hair, mustache, tiny eyes behind glasses, and thickset build, entered ten minutes later. “Haven’t seen you in a while, Londyn.” He shook her hand, then took a seat across from her on a cushioned stool with wheels.
“It’s good to be back.”
“Staying long?”
“I hope so.” So many factors would affect that decision.
“I see in your records you were in a car accident a couple of days ago and suffered a concussion, several lacerations, rib contusions, and whiplash. They performed a non-contrast CT scan to rule out more extensive intracranial bleeding and monitored you for signs of internal and peritoneal bleeding. That’s quite the laundry list. How are you feeling overall?”
“I feel much better. Still sore, and I do have headaches and some difficulty concentrating from time to time, but improving every day.”
Dr. Murnane asked her to sit on the exam table, where he inspected the bruising on her face, torso, and ribs and checked to see how the lacerations on multiple parts of her body were healing. “Good. There are no signs of infection.” He then shone the light into her eyes and subsequently tested her balance. “Any problems with vision?”
“No.”
“Are you more sensitive to light or even sounds?”
“No.”
“Good. What about fatigue? Or sleeping. Any concerns there?”
Londyn surmised any difficulties with obtaining a restful night of sleep weren’t due to the injuries, but rather to the fear that Dustin would find her again. “Not really.”
Dr. Murnane arced a fuzzy gray eyebrow. “I’ve known you since you were a teen, Londyn. Honesty helps me evaluate you more thoroughly.”
“Yes, Doctor, I know. It’s just that I don’t believe my insomnia has as much to do with the injuries as it does with all of the changes and concerns for the future.”
“Understood. Sometimes even though we know the Lord is in control, it’s still a challenge to thoroughly comprehend that.”
One of the things Londyn always appreciated about Dr. Murnane was his strong faith. He served as an elder at the church she’d attended in Pronghorn Falls and filled in a time or two for the youth pastor. “That’s true, and I do try.”
“Anything I need to add to my prayer list?”
“Just safety. There’s a man from my former place of employment who has been a little challenging.”To say the least.But Dr. Murnane needn’t know all the details.
The doctor nodded. “I assume if there’s anything concerning, you’ve told Brodie?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good.” He asked a few more questions before completing the appointment. “I do want to see you again in a couple of weeks for a final follow-up.”
“Can I drive?”
“I want you to rest as much as possible, as fatigue can linger, and your body heals best when it’s not stressed with activity. As far as driving, let’s give it another couple of days, and if your symptoms continue to lessen, you can drive.”
The relief flooded her. “Thank you.”
