Page 47 of Starting Anew

The nurse pulled something up on the computer. “Ah, yes. She was moved to a different room. You’ll find her in 823. Go down the hall, take the first right, and then the room will be on the left.”

“Thank you.” Lynn hoped this meant Perry was doing better than the doctor expected. When she found the room, her parents were inside. They glanced at her, and immediately her father shifted his attention to his phone.

With some effort, Lynn ignored it, offered her mother a small smile, and then walked up to the other side of Perry’s bed. To her relief, Perry was sitting up. She waved, and Lynn gave her a gentle hug. “How are you feeling? Any better?”

Perry nodded. “A little bit, but I keep getting tired.” As if for emphasis, she yawned. It wasn’t for show, though. There were dark circles under her eyes and a sleepiness about them.

Lynn leaned over again and gave her another hug. “I know. It’s a good thing, though. While you’re sleeping, your body is working overtime to help you feel better again soon.”

It was still really hard to see her normally-energetic sister so quiet and still.

The door opened and a nurse came in with a smile on her face. “How are we doing in here? Are you ready for me to change your bandages? Then we’ll have some food brought up for you.”

Originally, the mention of changing bandages had a frown on Perry’s face, but the idea of eating dinner seemed to erase some of that.

The nurse gave them all an apologetic smile. “If I could have everyone step outside for a minute, that would be great.”

Lynn led the way into the hall and then their group of three shuffled a little to get out of the way while they waited. She lowered her voice. “So is she really doing okay?”

Mom nodded, although there was a shadow of concern on her face. “She is. I hate seeing her so tired after doing any little thing. Just the act of eating wears her out.”

Dad spoke from his position, nearly startling Lynn. “The doctor said it’s normal, and that it can take as long as six months before she’s feeling herself again.”

Dad said actual words to her. To relay something helpful. Lynn could hardly believe her ears.

He looked at her then. “You shouldn’t come tomorrow after you get off work.”

Lynn’s eyes widened. “Look, I get you don’t want me here. But I’m coming by every day she’s in the hospital no matter what you say.”

Dad held up a hand to stop her. “I’m not trying to get you to stay away. I’m just saying to wait and come by around seven. Last night she struggled to visit while eating and then fell asleep. By seven, she’ll probably be awake again and on her second wind.”

Lynn’s gaze swiveled to Mom because she wasn’t entirely sure she should believe her dad’s suggestion. It was almost nice of him.

Mom smiled and nodded. She hid it well, but even Lynn could see that Mom was surprised by her husband’s words as well.

“Okay.” It actually made a lot of sense. “Sure. That’ll give me time to go home, eat some dinner, and change clothes. Then maybe I can guarantee I don’t have baby spit on my shirt.” She’d washed the spots off, but that was never quite enough.

Mom chuckled. “Do you like your job at the day care center?”

“Are you kidding? I get paid to cuddle and play with a bunch of babies. What’s not to love?” She meant that, too. There were always little things she’d like to change, but they were just that: little. “I take care of Nathan’s daughter there. That’s how we met.” Just thinking about them made her heart flip flop in her chest.

“Are you two serious?” There was genuine interest in Mom’s voice, and even though Dad wasn’t commenting, it was clear he was listening.

“I hope so.” She couldn’t imagine not having them in her life. Her voice sounded wistful, even to her own ears.

The nurse came out then and motioned for them to go back inside. She gave them a quick report, assured Perry they’d be having food delivered soon, and left.

Lynn remembered what her dad said and told Perry, “I’m going to leave when your food gets here so you can eat.” When Perry looked disappointed, Lynn added, “I’ll be back tomorrow, but probably around seven, and I’ll stay longer. Deal?”

“Deal.”

While they waited for her food to be delivered, she mostly listened to Perry tell them all about a weird dream she’d had while she was asleep earlier, and how she couldn’t wait to eat a cheeseburger again.

This time, when Lynn told her sister goodbye, she didn’t feel nearly as sad about leaving. Thankfully, it was still light outside so finding her car was easy.

She was hungry again by the time she got home. After pouring herself a bowl of cereal, she got comfortable on her couch and quickly dialed Nathan’s number.

Her pulse quickened the moment his voice came over the line. “Hey, you. How was your visit?”

---