Page 39 of Carnal Urges
He moves to my chest and listens to my heart. Then he produces a blood pressure cuff from his bag and wraps it around my arm.
As it’s inflating, he asks me about my periods.
“They’re regular. Like I said, it’s my head that’s the problem.” Though my ovaries have been acting strange lately, I’m not about to tell Declan’s doctor that.
When he’s satisfied my blood pressure is normal, he shines a light into both my eyes.
“Ow. That’s really bright.”
“Your pupil response is normal. Where is this lump Mr. O’Donnell mentioned?”
“Here.” I show him. When he touches it, I wince.
He makes a soft sound of sympathy. “Yes, I’d imagine that hurts. You’ve got quite a lot of swelling. Have you had any headaches?”
“Yes.”
“Nausea?”
“No. Actually, I take that back. I felt sick on the plane when I woke up. But I figured it was from the ketamine Declan gave me.”
If the doctor thinks it’s strange that Declan administered me a drug that made me pass out, he doesn’t mention it. That’s probably the least strange thing he’s seen treating one of Declan’s patients.
“Are you seeing flashing lights? Any problems with your hearing?”
“No and no.”
“Recent memory loss?”
“Yes… and apparently, I fainted. But I don’t remember that.”
“Ringing ears or double vision?”
“No to both. Am I dying or what?”
“You are, but it will take four or five more decades.”
At least he has a sense of humor.
He packs up and puts his hat back on, preparing to leave.
“Seriously, though, what’s the verdict?”
“A mild concussion. Nothing to worry about, but make sure you rest for a few days. If you experience any more symptoms, or if your headaches get worse, we’ll need to get you a CT scan to ensure there’s no bleeding on the brain. In the meantime, ice that lump. It will help the swelling and discomfort.”
“Bleeding on the brain? That doesn’t sound good.”
“It isn’t. So please tell Mr. O’Donnell immediately if you continue to feel unwell.”
“I will. Thank you.”
When he leaves, I feel restless and unsettled. So of course, I have to send Declan a text.
The doctor said I’m dying.
I pace until his response comes back.
So my luck has finally changed.
