Page 80 of Fall With Me
“This could have happened to anyone. This is not an indication you’re like your mom.”
Of course, she knows exactly what’s running through my mind. “I’ve got to go, Kate. I’ll call you later.”
“Remember that, Chloe!”
I hang up, focusing on driving a crying Finn to the doctor. I feel awful. “How are you holding up, Finn?”
“There’s a heartbeat in my foot.”
“I’m sure it’s a weird sensation. We’re almost to Instant Care. They’ll do an X-ray and make sure you’re up and running in no time.”
“Do I still have to go to bed early tonight?”
I’m sure he’ll want to because of the pain, but I’d give him anything he wants right now. Guilt gnaws at me. I can’t shake the tightness in my chest. “We’ll worry about bedtime later, okay?”
We pull into the parking lot. I carry Finn into the office, settling him on a chair. “I’m going to check you in. I’ll be right back.”
“Hi,” the receptionist says. “How can I help you?”
“My friend hurt his ankle at the park. It’s swelling pretty bad and he can’t bear any weight on it. We need to get it checked out.”
“Oh no. Poor little one. If you’ll fill out this form, we’ll get him back as soon as possible. Do you have a copy of his insurance card I can scan?”
“I don’t. But his dad will be here soon with it.”
“Okay. Fill out what you can and I’ll let the doctor know he’s here.”
Reading the form, I fill in Finn’s name and birthday. I know where Dawson lives, but I’ve never paid attention to his house number, and I have no idea of Finn’s medical history. “Can I bring this back up in a few minutes?”
“Yeah.”
“Thanks.” I sit next to Finn. “Hey, bud. Do you know your address?”
His voice is tight as he tells me. “Are you allergic to anything?”
“Sport sunblock.”
I’m impressed Finn knows as much, but I doubt the doctor will be using sunscreen today. “Have you ever had surgery or stayed in a hospital?”
“No.”
“Thanks.” I pat his knee then take the clipboard back to the front desk.
“It’ll be about twenty minutes. Just have a seat and we’ll call him back.”
Twenty minutes? He should be seen now. There’s only one other person in the waiting room, and they don’t look like they’re dying or in excruciating pain like Finn. “Thank you.”
I sit next to Finn again. “I’m going to text your dad, then you can play a game on my phone while we wait.”
He sniffles. “It hurts, Chloe.”
Every whimper, tear, and word Finn speaks is another sword of guilt stabbed into my chest. Wrapping an arm around his shoulder, I give him a squeeze. “I’m sorry.”
Me: Hey. Finn hurt his ankle at the park. We’re at Granger Medical on 39th. Can you meet us when your meeting is over?
Me: And I’m so sorry [cry face emoji]
I hand Finn my phone, letting him play whatever game he wants. Not that I have a lot of them downloaded, but it’s enough to distract him for a while. Twenty minutes later, a medical assistant opens the door leading to the exam room, calling Finn’s name.
