Page 3 of Fractured

“Well, everyone might get sick, but Kat doesn’t call out. Ever. She came to work with pneumonia and didn’t realize how sick she was. She almost ended up in the ICU. Something’s wrong. I can feel it. She’s off the next few days, so I think I’ll go check on her. I just can’t shake this feeling.”

“Fuck, man, now you have me worried.”

“Oh, sorry, Nick. It’s probably nothing. I’m just going all big brother on her, that’s all. Hey, speaking of big brothers, how’s your application with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization going? They find you anyone yet?”

“Ha. Funny you should mention it. I go Thursday. I have to admit, I’m a little nervous about the whole thing. Almost feels like I’m headed on a blind date.”

Chuckling, Jake continues, “Oh, you’ll be fine. Hopefully, you two will find some common ground, and this will be a good experience for both of you. I think it’s great what you’re doing…” Jake stops, swiping his hand through his hair nervously.

“Why do I feel like there’s a but in there somewhere?”

“It’s not my place. But I’m just going to say it. I think it’s a great thing you’re doing. But don’t let this take the place of having your own family. It wouldn’t be fair to you or the kid.”

Before I can reply, he slaps my upper arm and walks away. Just as well, I’m tired of this conversation anyway. Turning my head, I see room twenty-two. Knocking on the door, I enter to evaluate my patient.

* * *

Kat

Sitting in my bay window, warming my hands with my cup of tea as I look over my backyard, I recall the text from Mark. Every time I think back on that date and subsequent morning, I feel warier about what might have happened. I’m not sure how to address it with Mark. I don’t need to draw attention to the fact I’m losing control of my mind and my life. He’s a nice enough guy, but I honestly don’t know him well and don’t fancy my madness becoming the firehouse joke. I also don’t want to insult him in any way. If there’s a chance he thinks I’m accusing him of something… well, I think I’ll keep my questions to myself for now.

Getting up from my perch, I head to the kitchen for a refill. As I pour the hot water, I notice an email notification. My Nanny cam is on the way.Great, now I can start taping myself as I sleep. Gah! Closing the email app, I decide to send Mark a text, trying to make a clean break. The one thing I am sure of, no repeats of that evening are happening in the future. I walk over to my couch and sit as I begin to type.

11:15 a.m.

Kat: Hi. I’m ok. Sorry for the delay getting back to you. Feeling under the weather.

11:18 a.m.

Mark Snow

Mark: Well, I’d love to take you out again once you’re feeling better.

11:22 a.m.

Kat: Thank you. I’m not in a good place for dating at the moment. I’ve got too much on my plate. I’d like to stay friends though. I hope that’s ok.

I sit, awaiting a reply. Nothing.

11:30 a.m.

I refresh my screen. Hmm. Nothing.

11:45 a.m.

Refreshing my screen for the tenth time. No response. Maybe he’s at work? On a call? God, I hope he isn’t upset.Uh. This is why you don’t date your friends.

Sitting on my floor several hours later, my workout clothes and skin are both covered in a sheen of sweat. I’ve finished yoga and wish I could say I’m more relaxed, but I still feel like a human pretzel. The tension and lack of sleep are doing nothing to calm my mood. I need to bite the bullet. It’s going to take more than four or five days to get me to a place where I can function as a normal person again. Picking up the phone, I hit the contact button and hold my breath.

“Kat?”

“Hey, Jake. I need to ask a favor.” I wince at the thought of asking him to assist with my time off, knowing what a hardship this could cause.

“Sure. What’s up? You need some chicken noodle soup?”

“I need to take some time off. Could you help me?”

“More time off? What are we talking about, a vacation or something?”

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