Page 2 of Saving St. Nicolas

I shake my head.

"He's gone, and you never have to worry about him again. In fact, forget about him," Mike says, and something about his words has me breathing a sigh of relief.

Then, Leia and the doctor walk in.

"How are you feeling, Riley?" the doctor asks.

"Sore, tired, but okay."

"You have a couple of broken ribs, a broken wrist, and it may take a little longer for all the bruises to go away, but other than that, you will heal."

"Yes, I think I will," I say, looking over at Mike and watch him nod slightly.

"Get some rest, and I'll have some food delivered to your room later this evening."

"Thanks doctor."

He leaves the room, and Leia sits back down in the chair beside me.

"I'm so sorry, Ri. I should have never brought you into my mess with Josh."

"Hey, it's okay. I knew the risk, he caught me on a morning where I was exhausted and not paying attention. It's not your fault."

The door opens, and Noah walks in.

“Hey, Riley, I’m so glad you are back with us.”

“Thanks Noah. Seems I’ve missed a bunch since I’ve been out.”

“Nah, your girl has been here every day. Couldn’t get her to go back to the cabin to rest.”

I look at Leia and say, “No wonder you look like shit. Go, get a shower, get some sleep. You can come back and tell me everything tomorrow.”

“I don’t want to leave you now that you are awake.”

“I’ll stay with her,” Mike gruffs out. “Go get some rest, you need it.”

“Are you sure?” Leia looks at me, and I nod.

“I’m sure, go on.”

Leia gives me a hug, and then walks out with Noah.

"How do you feel about those two?"

"Apparently, it's love, and as long as he doesn't hurt her, I'll deal."

"So brotherly of you," I say with a chuckle that causes me to wince.

"Probably best you don't laugh for a while. Want me to ask the nurse for some pain meds?"

"No, I'll be okay. I'm tired, so I think I'll sleep some more," I say, unable to stifle a yawn that takes over me.

"Sleep. You're safe, I'll be here," Mike says.

I nod and close my eyes.

A few hours later, I wake up, and Mike is still sitting in the chair with his eyes closed. The same chair that he was in when I fell asleep. I don't understand why he is, but I do feel safe having him around. I look at him while he is sleeping and take in the changes I see.

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