Page 86 of Finding Forever

“I think I do. It’s amazing how much your spirit can be lifted by a colorful shirt, a toothbrush, and a clean pair of underpants. I did a little shopping on the way here. The clothes aren’t boutique quality, but they’ll be better than your hospital gown.” Jonathan handed me a pale blue shirt. “What about this one? The buttons will make it easier to get it on and off, and the color will look great on you.”

It might have looked great two days ago, but smashing into a wooden door had left its mark. At the moment, my bruises were a mix of violent red, yellow, and black.

“That’ll be perfect. Thanks.”

“And here are four new pairs of underpants. You can’t go wrong with black cotton briefs. And to finish our hospital fashion extravaganza, I chose a couple of pairs of shorts that I think will work. They have elastic sewn into the waists, so they’re easy to pull on and off.”

Tears filled my eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”

Jonathan sighed and wrapped me in a gentle hug. “You don’t have to say anything. It’s hard being in the hospital without having some nice clothes and toiletries with you. Are you ready to get changed?”

I didn’t hesitate. “I am, but I’ll have to ask the nurse to unhook me from the monitor.”

“I can ask her. Don’t move. I’ll be back in a minute.”

There wasn’t much chance of me going anywhere in a hurry. At least I wasn’t hooked up to the IV drip anymore. Hopefully, by the time the doctors did their rounds, I’d be able to leave the hospital and go home to my own bed.

sixty-two

RILEY

“Is this my favorite son’s room?”

I opened my eyes and tried not to smile. “Mom? I thought you weren’t arriving for another hour.”

“The flight landed ahead of time.” Kathleen walked across the room and gave me a hug. “How are you feeling?”

Tears stung my eyes. “Not too good at the moment.”

She kissed me gently on my unbruised cheek, then sat on the edge of the bed. “Eric said you were very brave.”

“If Granddad’s hideout wasn’t there, I don’t know what would have happened.”

“He was keeping you safe. I’ve been so worried about you.”

We sat in silence, holding each other’s hands. All I could think about was how lucky I was to have so many people who loved me.

Mom rubbed my arm. “Have you talked to the police about what happened?”

“They left a little while ago.”

Someone knocked on the door. “Is it all right if I come in?”

As soon as I saw Eric, my heart squeezed tight. Each time I woke during the night, he was beside me. He held my hand when I couldn’t get Chapman’s evil face out of my dreams. When my arm throbbed, he told me stories about his family and, when I was thirsty, he brought ice cubes for me to suck.

“Did you find a parking space?” Mom asked.

“I did. As it turned out, there was one fairly close to the hospital’s entrance.” He smiled at me. “I like your shirt.”

I tried to smile but gave up. “Jonathan bought me some clothes. It makes me feel almost normal.”

“Has the doctor said anything about discharging you?”

“Not yet,” I sighed. “The nurses don’t think he’ll see me until later in the day.”

Mom frowned. “Are you tired?”

I shook my head. “I had some sleep before the police came to see me.” I studied Eric’s exhausted face. “Did you get some sleep this morning?”

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