Page 97 of A Long Way Back
“Did people die?” Ink whispered.
“Probably fewer than would have done, if you’d not stepped forward.”
Ink wrapped his fingers around the T-shirt.
“Your brother came in and left that.”
Brother? Clever thinking, Tay.“I need to call him.”Go away.
“Do you want anything for the pain?”
“No thank you.” He did, but he needed a clear head.
“The doctor will talk to you tomorrow. No more trying to get out of bed. Press the button if you want anything.”
As soon as the nurse had gone, Ink called Tay.Shit, it’s two in the morning.
“Oh God,” Tay whispered.
“No, only me.”
“Fuck, fuck, fuck.”
“Good thing I’m not God. Your conversation skills need work.”
“Are you okay?”
“I will be, apparently. I currently feel like shit. I was really looking forward to that steak.” The effort of talking was exhausting, but Ink didn’t want Tay to worry. “I hope you ate something when you got home.”
“I had a sandwich.”
“What sort?”
“Shit, I didn’t feel like anything. I was… Oh fuck, I was so worried.”
“Hey, I’m fine. They’re letting me out tomorrow. Can you bring some clothes? I’m guessing mine are covered in blood. And bring a wide bandage too.”
“A what? What for?”
“I’ll tell you when you get here. In your chair. Soon as you can in the morning, right?”
“I looked online. Visiting isn’t till nine. And I’ll have to go and buy a bandage. What the hell do you want that for?”
“To gag you.”
“Hmm. I wish I was there with you now. I didn’t want to leave, but they don’t have guest beds. God, Ink, you… You could have been killed.”
“I had my trusty sword which I think I might have lost. Sorry.”
“I can manage with one crutch.”
“Good, butpleasecome in your wheelchair tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
“Sorry I woke you.”
“I’m not. I miss you.”
