Page 32 of Fractured Grief
“Seb, oh my God! Are you okay?” Indy was on his knees in front of me, hands hovering over my body, eyes darting around. He placed his small hand on my shoulder to halt my movements. I collapsed onto my back and closed my eyes.
“Seb! Talk to me?” Indy’s voice sounded shrill.
“I t-think I’m okay,” I croaked out.
“Daddy, there’s blood,” a small voice whispered.
“There’s blood?” I asked, confused. I didn’t think I was that injured, but I was still taking stock. My muscles would ache from the quick movements and jolt to the system soon enough.
More weight was applied to my shoulder. “Seb, your leg is cut. I’m going to apply some pressure.”
I could feel the weight of all the people around me watching and muttering, pressing in on me.What a sight I must make.I wanted to disappear into the ground.
“I’m s-sure I’m fine.” Opening my eyes, I tried to sit up despite Indy’s protests.
Taking in the crowd around me, my stomach churning as I leaned forward to talk to Indy. “Can we get out of here?” I pleaded, my stutter more pronounced.
Indy bit his lower lip as his gaze assessed me. “I’m not sure you should move yet.”
“Please. I can’t be here like this,” my voice quaked. I hated being stared at. People noticed me wherever I went because of my size, and being the center of attention was making me nauseous.
“Okay,” Indy hesitated. “We’re right near my office. We can go there. Will you be okay for a second while I grab a wheelchair?”
“What?” I screeched. I could almost feel my eyes bulging out of my head at the thought of being left here and having to use a wheelchair again. My mind was reeling, and my hands started trembling.
I can’t have another setback.
“Hey. It’s okay. Take a breath.” He gripped my shoulder. An even smaller hand touched my other shoulder, catching my attention. Glancing to the side, I was struck by the young, brave face looking at me. Her scarlet waves were held back in a messy braid, and her pale blue eyes bore into me.
“It’s okay. My Daddy will take care of you.” She was so matter-of-fact; my body immediately calmed.
I glanced between Indy and the sweet little girl next to me, a small smile finally lifting my lips.
“This is Hazel. Hazel, this is my friend, Seb,” Indy smiled at me knowingly before addressing Hazel. “Can you stay right here with Seb and hold his hand while I run to my office?”
“Yes, Daddy. I’ll keep him company until you come back.”
Indy quickly darted off.
Glancing at the little girl holding my giant hand in both of her tiny ones. She was dressed in leggings and a thick winter coat. A character shirt of some sort flashed as she shifted, and her fluffy skirt moved in the breeze.
“Who’s that?” I asked, gesturing at her shirt.
“This is me. Well, it’s my Minecraft avatar. Daddy made it.” Beaming at me, she showed off her cute as hell gap-toothed smile.
“Your Daddy made it? That’s s-so cool.” I was impressed.
Her smile widened even farther. “Oh yes, my Daddy is very clever.”
Indy was back in a flash before we could continue our conversation.
I took in my leg and noticed the dark jacket that must’ve been Indy’s wrapped around my calf and tied off. I was about to lift the fabric and take a look when Indy’s hand halted mine.
“Let’s get you inside first.” He locked the wheelchair. “Would you like some help up? Wait, where’s your cane? You’ve been using it, right?”
“Of course,” I grumbled, rolling my eyes. “It flew out of my hand when the cab hit me.” I didn’t know where it was and didn’t want to think too much about the state it was in if it was found.
Indy glanced around but quickly dismissed the idea of finding it to help me with the chair.
