Page 4 of Found By You
Suddenly, I was under the microscope. He checked my pulse, heartbeat, throat, and ears, and then he gently touched the back of my head. I pulled away, wincing as pain shot through my skull.
He frowned, the lines in his forehead deepening. “I know you’re a bit beat up. Your head has a bump and a slight gash,but it’s not too bad. A couple of stitches. The rest of you seems bruised too, but nothing’s broken.” His face went somber as he glanced at my chart. “Do you remember anything?”
I shook my head slowly. “All I remember is waking up in that storm and walking around and freezing, and then I remember getting picked up by that cop. And then my stomach started hurting and I passed out.”
Dr. Chavez nodded, making a note on his clipboard. “That’s what McCrae said.”
I was putting everything together. “And he’s the nurse’s brother-in-law.”
He nodded again, a slight smile playing on his lips. “Yes, that’s him.”
“Does he know anything about what happened to me?”
Dr. Chavez shook his head as he continued to inspect my body. “I don’t think so.” He nodded to my gown. “Can I take a look?”
I nodded, although I hated it. “Yes.”
He gently pulled up the gown and then pressed on my ribs and then down one side of my leg.
I winced.
He pushed the sheet back down. “Well, you’ll be okay.”
Ella walked back in, carrying a tray loaded with food—some mashed potatoes, crackers, what looked like some peaches, and a pudding cup. She moved a cart over and put the food down. “I thought we’d just start you simple. I don’t know what you can handle, and I don’t want you to get sick.” She opened up the crackers and offered one to me.
I took it. It tasted good. “Thank you.”
“Of course.”
Dr. Chavez picked up the tablet and seemed to be making notes.
“What else did McCrae say?” I asked.
Ella walked over to the monitor and pressed some buttons, the machine beeping in response. “Nothing.”
“I need to talk to him.”
She nodded. “I can text him.”
My mind blitzed. “I had a note card. I think it said ‘Pete’s Trucking.’ I remember seeing that before I passed out.”
Ella looked concerned. “I’m letting McCrae know you’re awake and that you want to see him.”
Worry flickered through me again. “Why can’t I remember anything? Who am I?”
Dr. Chavez frowned. “Your car was on its side. That explains the trauma to your head and ribs and the right side of your body.”
Panic swelled up inside of me. “Will I be able to remember soon?”
The doctor frowned. “I’m not sure, but you woke up, that’s good news.”
“What do you mean that’s good news? I have to remember.”
Ella nodded, adjusting the IV line that ran into my arm. “You’re going to be okay.”
Panic overtook me again. “Who am I?” I started full-on crying. “Isn’t anyone trying to find me?”
Chapter 3
