Dan
Everything hurt.Between the pounding of my head, my throbbing temple, the scratching at my eyes that felt like piercing shards of glass, all I wanted to do was sleep.
And I did, except for when what seemed every five minutes I was prodded, vitals checked, all surrounded by enough noise that I was sure I was going to hurl.
Through it all, Ross remained at my side, vigilant, speaking softly, and offering a familiar press of his skin against mine.
I recalled all that had happened, was even mildly aware of being admitted and moved to a private room. I was grateful as fuck, knowing there wasn’t a chance I could cope with the added noise from other patients.
With no clue what time it was but sure it was something o’clock in the morning from the growing light seeping between the slats of the closed blinds, I risked a peek.
It took a couple of times to force my eyes open properly, exhaustion feeling like super glue against my lids.
Ross slept in a chair that looked sort of comfy, well, at least more than I expected in a hospital. His face was pale, drawn. Soft whiskers decorated his cheeks from a couple of days of not shaving.
I blinked a few times, marvelling that he was here, had managed to get to my side, not really comprehending how he’d made that happen. That thought was followed swiftly by a flash of pain in my head, causing me to wince. I bit back my groan, but not fast enough, apparently, since Ross jerked awake. His eyes flashed open, focus immediately on me.
“You’re awake. You need a drink?” Despite his voice being thick with sleep, the sound still pressed against me like a healing balm.
“Yeah.” I licked at my lips, not having realised just how thirsty I was. “Please.”
A soft smile was shot my way, and even though I had no idea why, I accepted it eagerly, storing it away with the thousands of different smiles I’d earned.
With surprising efficiency since he’d just woken, Ross got busy pouring me a cup of water, placing a paper straw in for good measure. “The nurse said to take your time and sip.” He pressed a button on my bed. “I’m just going to raise this so you don’t struggle, okay?”
I hummed in understanding, simply wanting the refreshing drink the water offered. By the time the bed was more upright, I was about to pounce on the liquid, my mouth feeling Sahara-dry. With a gentle pull, the slightly tepid water filled my mouth, and I didn’t give a shit that I’d usually scrunch my nose and complain. Instead, I savoured every drop, appreciating the relief it offered.
Easing back after taking a couple of sucks, I sighed and closed my eyes.
“I’ll organise you to have some more painkillers.”
I blinked my eyes open. Ross stood at the end of the bed, concern etching deep lines between his brows.
“As long as they don’t make me sleepy.”
When he pursed his lips as though to argue, I couldn’t resist smirking.
His gaze narrowed at me.
“What?’ I asked innocently.
“You need plenty of rest and will take the meds that the doctors prescribe.”
There was no chance I’d risk rolling my eyes. The fear of the damn things falling out of my sockets seemed far too likely with the intensity of the pain.
He left without a word, returning I wasn’t sure how long later since I’d closed my eyes once again. A middle-aged nurse was with him.
She offered me a broad smile, the corners of her eyes crinkling, lighting up her previously tired-looking face. “Morning, Dan. I’m Susie. How’s your pain today on a scale of one to ten, one being you’re ready to run a marathon, ten being you want to curl up in a ball and rock while throwing people off a cliff if they make too much noise?”
My snort was quickly followed by a fresh slice of pain. “Maybe a seven.”
She bobbed her head as she checked my vitals, then passed me a few pills. “Here’s an Endone and a couple of ibuprofen to get you started. The doctor has already started her rounds, so should be with you soon.”
“Thanks.” I swallowed back the pills, Ross at my side, helping me up and hovering. He then helped ease me back against my pillows.
Susie left us to it then. Ross settled on a different chair, one closer to my bed, his phone in his hand. “Just texting your mum, letting her know you’re awake and we’ll be seeing the doctor soon.”
“Is everyone okay?” I asked, my throat nowhere near as scratchy as a few moments ago.
