Page 133 of Forever Wild
“Nothing is going to happen to you,” I say, knowing it will regardless of how much I try to fight it. He’s my only family and when he’s gone, it’ll just be me.
The nurse comes in for her hourly check before we can continue our conversation. I let him know I’ll be back and head down to the first-floor café for coffee.
Bridget’s walking in as I fall into the back of the line.
“Hi,” she says, stopping beside me. “How is your dad doing?”
“Awake. Talking.”
“Those are good signs.” The smile she gives me increases the hope starting to bloom in my chest.
“Yeah. I think so.”
“Is Everly here?”
“No. She left last night.”
One of Bridget’s brows rises.
“She didn’t want to, but I didn’t want her to have a sleepless night too.”
“I’m sure she’ll be back first thing.”
“Yeah.” I smile. “Probably so.”
“I’m up on pediatrics all day, so if you need anything, don’t hesitate to text me.”
“Okay.”
She takes a step away, but says, “Really, though, text me if there are any changes. I’ll come down on my lunch break and see how you’redoing.”
Before I can tell her that’s not necessary, she’s walking away toward the elevators. I get coffee and two muffins and head back to Dad’s room. The doctor gives me an update on his progress, followed by a rundown of the weeks to come. He’ll stay here for a few more days at least. They’ll start therapy to hopefully regain the motor and verbal skills that were impacted by the stroke. His memory seems to have returned on its own, which is another good sign.
I feel like I’m staring down months of recovery all over again. He has everything he needs now, but when he goes home, he’s going to need help. I want to be there, if only so we can keep arguing over every little thing.
Everly arrives a little while later, appearing in the doorway with donuts and a breakfast sandwich wrapped in foil. Egg whites on wheat with spinach and turkey bacon – my usual.
“Hi,” she says, sounding more shy than I’ve ever heard her as she glances at me and then my dad.
“Hey, pretty girl.” Dad grins at her.
She hands off the food with a kiss and then steps to his bedside. “How are you?”
“Old and too sober to feel this shitty.”
She laughs, and then he does too.
“Jackie boy knows your secret.” He tips his head to me.
Ev blushes but focuses on Dad instead of me. “I brought a new book for you.”
“Another bodice ripper?” He lifts one brow.
“It’s one chili pepper at best.”
The nurses come in again, this time to get him up walking. I offer to stay and help but they shoo us away so Ev and I head outside to getsome fresh air.
“How come you didn’t tell me?” I ask her.
