Page 16 of Sweet T

“I’m not a trucker. You may have misunderstood me.”

“But you brought me here?”

“You got that part right. Me and some friends of mine. They went home after we knew you were OK. I stayed. I didn’t want you to wake up alone.”

“So, you didn’t find me on the road?” Evan asked.

Tucker shook his head. “No. I own a tavern. My friends Ben and Shelly found you in the parking lot.”

Evan’s eyes strained with concentration. He was having a hard time piecing things together.

“Let’s not worry too much about it now. Let’s get some food into you. You’ll feel better soon enough.”

“Thank you... Tucker.”

Tucker’s eyes brightened at Evan’s use of his name.

“You’re welcome... Evan.”

At the mention of his name, the dam broke, and the memories came flooding in. Evan’s eyes welled. Tears spilled.

Tucker instinctively reached out to hug him as best he could in the hospital bed. Evan accepted his embrace, caving into his emotions, a sudden rush of release in which he found himself spinning and helpless.

“There, there,” said Tucker. “You’re fine. No one’s gonna hurt you. I’m here. You just let it all out.”

* * *

Ten minutes later, Juanita returned. She brought the tray in, rolled it up to his bed, and lifted the cover. The smell of eggs and grits was heavenly.

“You can have that pat of butter for the grits,” Juanita said. “But no more salt or greasy stuff until we know you can hold it down. And that’s a Sprite and some more water. No caffeine for now, either.”

She used the beds controls and raised him up some more so that he could eat comfortably.

“I’ll leave you two alone for a while.”

“Don’t believe her,” said Tucker, chuckling. “She’s been in here every half hour since her shift began.”

Juanita gave him a stern look. “Just doing my job, mister.”

“I know. And we appreciate it.”

She left, pulling the door partially closed behind her.

“I don’t remember her,” Evan said. “Only you.”

“The trucker?”

Evan smiled. Tucker’s face mirrored his.

“Do you need some help with that?”

“Are you hungry too?”

“No. I meant getting it from the plate into your mouth.”

“I can handle it. But thanks.”

“You’re welcome. The minute they’ll let you have something more substantial. I’ll get you a cheeseburger. Those eggs and grits look pretty boring.”

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