Page 8 of Hidden Nature

She managed four sips before she wore out. “Sorry, that’s it.” She could feel herself drifting, going under again. “Go home, Joel.”

Instead, he set the bowl aside, then rubbed his knuckles over her cheek before he sat down. He picked up his book, stretched out his legs, and read.

The next time she woke, the open curtains let sunshine pour in. Her sister sat beside her, hair loose and shining around her shoulders as she worked a crossword puzzle on her tablet.

Sloan said, “Oh, man.”

Drea glanced up, shot out a big, bright smile. “It’s good to see you, too.”

“How long was I out this time?”

“It’s just after nine on this sunny November morning. I kicked Joel out—which wasn’t easy. Mom and Dad will be in this afternoon. Want some breakfast?”

“Maybe. I want out of here, Drea.”

“Who wouldn’t? I hear you’re taking the first steps toward that—literally—this morning. Let me see about getting you some food.”

When her sister went out, Sloan managed to find the controls and brought the back of the bed up a couple more inches. And took her first good look around.

A lot of flowers. That was nice—she’d be grateful. She’d be more grateful if she and the flowers had been in her apartment, but she’d be grateful.

She had beige walls, no surprise there, a lot of machines, a couple of chairs, a door she assumed led to a bathroom. Through the window she could see some buildings, some trees, a parking lot.

For the first time it occurred to her she didn’t know where she was.

“Where the hell am I?” she demanded when Drea came back in.

“Hagerstown. Closest hospital, and they’ve been great. Angie’s bringing you breakfast, and news! The doctor will be in to take out the catheter. You’re going to take a walk.”

“Outside?”

“No.” In the professionally cheerful voice she used with clients and customers, Drea continued, “We do have a wide variety of indoor activities lined up for your entertainment and amusement.”

“Kiss my ass.”

Ignoring that, Drea rolled right along.

“Physical therapy. Whee! Blood tests, urine tests. Such fun! We also have a book of crosswords, just for you.”

“You’re the crossword addict.”

Drea, in her tend-to-you way, eased Sloan up, smoothed and plumped her pillow. “And I’m assured they’re an excellent way to exercise your brain. We also have my spare tablet. You can stream movies, TV, whatever.”

Reality, and the dread that ran with it, leaked into hope.?

“Jesus, Drea, how long am I going to be stuck here?”

“A few more days anyway, but ask the doctor. He’s adorable, by the way.”

“Are you hitting on my doctor?”

“I would, but he’s wearing a wedding ring.” She turned as Angie came in with a tray.

“How are you feeling this morning?”

“Better. Like it’s time to go home.”

“Let’s see how you handle breakfast.”

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