Page 61 of Life To My Flight

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Four hours later, I helped Audrey to the shower.

“Okay, honey. You’re welcome to shower and wash whatever you want. Do you need any help?” I asked softly.

She shook her head. “No ... but will you stay? In that seat right there? Don’t leave me yet, okay?”

I nodded. “I’ll stay right here and start on my paperwork, okay?”

She nodded gratefully. “Thank you.”

I started writing out exactly what I’d found. What evidence I collected. Her statement. Anything and everything I’d collected now had to be documented, time stamped, and handed over to the police.

I wouldn’t be doing that, though, until I got Audrey home to her brother.

The one whom she’d refused to call, until just a few moments ago, because she didn’t want him to know what exactly had happened to her until after she’d had it all taken care of.

Bowing to the patient’s wishes, I’d conceded and did what she’d asked me to do.

I’d finished seven pages of paperwork before she finally turned the shower off.

“I need a towel,” she sniffled.

I stood, placed the paperwork on the table in the room, and got her some towels.

“There’re some scrubs here for you to wear. The clothes you had on will now be in evidence,” I explained as I handed over the towels and the scrubs.

She took them and closed the door quietly while I gathered up the evidence.

I’d just finished packing it all in evidence bags when she exited the bathroom wearing only hospital issued non-slip socks and surgical scrubs two sizes too big.

“You ready, Audrey?” I asked.

She nodded, but her legs stayed put.

I held my hand out to her, the evidence bag and my paper work under my other arm, and she reluctantly took it.

Her grip was tight.

Almost like if she let go, then her whole world would be gone.

“I’m ready,” she confirmed.

I opened the door and sent quelling glares to each and every member of the ER staff that’d stopped and stared.

They moved quickly, but Audrey still felt the curiosity on her and started to move faster.

“Hold on, honey. I have to drop this off with Mona, and then I’ll walk you out, okay?” I asked.

She nodded and we walked quickly to Mona’s office.

She was sitting there drinking a cup of coffee, staring blankly at the wall.

“Oh, Audrey,” she whispered as she stood and walked slowly to Audrey.

Audrey never let my hand go, but she managed a pretty good hug regardless.

“I’m not going to be at work tomorrow,” Audrey stammered.

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