Page 76 of The Leaves In Autumn
We pull into the empty space.
* * *
Two hours later, my head is pounding, and Barbra looks worried.
“I’m going to ask the nurse what’s taking so long.”
“Stop. He already told us. It’s busy. They’re triaging this shit show.”
“I just think it needs to be cleaned out and closed as soon as possible.”
I motion to the row of hard chairs to the right.
“You think my cut is more important than that woman, or the guy sitting a few chairs away?”
“No.”
I give another look at the poor fuckers deeper in trouble. Her breathing is shallow, and the guy has a possible broken leg. They took vitals, put oxygen on her, and left him in a wheelchair.
“I’m just gonna check. I’ll be nice.”
Women. I watch her walk away, with purpose. She’s going to fight for me even though odds are against her. Funny.
Like how she walks. Boom chaka laka. A rhythm appears in my mind. I need no imagination to picture more. It’s burned in my memory. The whole night.
The sound of double glass doors sliding open grabs me. Teddy and Sam walk through, carrying a cooler and a large paper sack. I give a wave.
“You still waiting?” Sam asks.
“No. They stitched me up. I asked for the same huge dressing I walked in with.”
Teddy chuckles at his cousin’s expense. A true Lyon.
“Yes, we’re waiting! What’s in the sack?”
They take a seat on either side of me.
“She wouldn’t let us leave! Grandma had to make you guys sandwiches and some other shit she put in there.”
“You want yours?” Teddy asks.
“No. Go ahead.”
He knew I’d give it to him. He’d give me his too, if I asked.
Sam looks around and spots Barbra.
“What’s she doing up there?”
“Annoying the nurses.”
Sam laughs. “I had to talk Grandma out of coming.”
“Thanks.”
“Do you wish Barbra didn’t come?” Teddy asks.
What is he getting at?
