Page 54 of Linc
I hold out my hand for his and he takes it.“Thanks Dad.I know I can always count on you.”
“You sure can, honey,” he says, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.“I’ve got to run a few errands down the street, at the store, and to get you a phone replacement.Are you going to be alright here by yourself for two hours?”
I nod, “Yeah, the meds are kicking in.It’s weird that I only just woke up not long ago and now I’m getting tired again.”
“That’s your body trying to heal itself.Listen to it and rest.You’ll see the doctor tomorrow, to make sure the long drive didn’t harm anything, and then we see Dr.Brewer in four weeks for a follow-up.I’ll make sure you have all your favorite junk food.”
“Thanks again, Dad,” I say with a yawn, as my eyelids start to grow heavier.
“You never have to thank me, Everly.My whole life is about making sure you have everything you need.”He stands, then leans down and kisses my forehead.“Get some rest and I’ll be back with popcorn and chocolate.”
The sound of nature lulls me to sleep before I hear the back door close.
Everly
Week One Recovery
“How’s the arm today?”Saylor asks over the phone during one of our many daily phone calls.
“‘Bout the same as it was three days ago.The meds make me sleepy but it does dull the pain.I’m starting to feel like I’m part of the living.I get to shower tomorrow so that’s an achievement, as long as I don’t get the sutures wet.”
“I bet you smell ripe,” she giggles.
“Dad’s been a godsend.I think he’s been around more now than he ever was when he was in the service.”
“I bet,” she agrees.Her Dad still vanishes for months on end without a word.I know it’s hard on her sometimes, especially when my dad pops in occasionally to say hi when he comes into town.
“Have you heard anything from yours?”
“Nope, but I don’t expect to.I sent him a few texts but who knows where he went off to,” she scoffs.“Have you heard from Linc?”
“Verbally, no, but he is still sending little care packages every day,” I tell her.
The first full day I was here, a delivery man came with a large box of goodies in it.It had a facial ice pack mask for my swelling, along with moisturizing products to hydrate the skin.There was also a pair of silk pajamas to wear that is easy to take on and off.The second day, the same guy delivered another box full of crossword and sudoku puzzles.He added in highlighters and my favorite pens, along with another set of silk pajamas to change into.
“Sounds like he’s giving you the space you wanted,” she says.“But still making sure you don’t forget him.”
“Yeah, I guess.I’m not taking as many pain meds now so I feel like I can focus on everything ahead of me.”
“Just know that whatever you decide I’m with you.”
“I know,” I say.“How are you and your man from the hospital?”
She lets out a dreamy sigh, “He’s great.I can’t wait for you to meet him.I’ve got some big news to tell you but I want to do it in person and not over the phone.”
“Is it good news or bad news?”You never know with Saylor.She can sometimes get herself in a pickle but think it’s the best thing to ever happen to her.
“I’m not saying until I see your face, sweet cheeks.”
“Okay, okay, call me tomorrow after work.I’m living vicariously through you at the moment while I’m laid up here.”
“You got it.Oh, Glammy and Granddad are coming to see you next week.So, make a list of treats you want from the bakery and I’ll make sure to send all the goodies with them.”
“I’d love that.I spoke with Glammy yesterday about their trip up here.They were going to head out to their place in Montana in a few weeks, but thought they’d leave sooner to stop by and see me for a bit.”
“Not having you down the hall is killing me, Everly,” She states.“We’ve never been apart for long periods of time and I hate not physically seeing each other.”
“I know but I’ll be back in three weeks.Think of it as a small vacay from being grilled about your secret new man.”
