“No.Oh, God, I feel nauseous. I hate this. Ifuckinghatethis.”
“It’sa boy.”
“Thetime is 8:07.”
“Oh,God, oh, God. I don’t like this. I don’t feel good.”
“Okay,Kendall, I’ll give you something to make you feel better. Do you want me to dothat?”
“Yes.Oh, my God. Yes, I can’t do this.”
***
“Hey,Kenny. How do you feel?”
“Thirsty…hungry…”
“Here,you can have some ice chips.”
“Haveyou seen him?”
“Notyet, honey.”
“Who… who’sgonnatake care of Mrs. Potter?”
“Wegot it covered.”
“Getsome rest, honey. You need to …”
***
Iopened my eyes to the sun streaming through the window. A nurse was already atmy arm, taking my blood and vitals for what felt like the millionth time. Shesmiled, acknowledging that I was awake, and I asked for some water through adry, scratchy throat. She obliged without question or protest, putting a stopto her work to bring me a cup and a straw. As the nurse held the cup for me, Idrank like I hadn't been given a sip of water in weeks, and when I wasfinished, I flopped back against the pillows, exhausted.
Andthere, snoring in the chair beside my bed, was Goose.
Isquinted at his figure and tried to remember everything that happened the nightbefore. It was all a blur, after the anesthesiologist had knocked me out. Icould only recall bits and pieces of what had happened the following morning.But what stood out to me, more than anything else, was that Goose hadn’t left.
“He'sso sweet,” the nurse whispered to me, following my gaze. “He ran out before andbrought back coffee and doughnuts for the morning shift.”
Lookingback at her, I cocked my head with confusion. “He did?”
Shenodded. “Yep. You're lucky to have him.”
Then,with the promise that she'd be back later to take more blood and to bring mymeds, she left, and I was alone with a man who wasn't really mine.
ButGod, I wished hewas.
***
Afterfalling asleep, I woke up again, unsure of how much time had passed and saw myparents entering the room. In their hands, they carried flowers and a stuffedcat that looked an awful lot like Mrs. Potter.
“Oh,she's awake,” Dad whispered to Mom, before grinning and heading toward the bed.“Hey, Ken, how youfeeling, honey?”
“I'mokay,” I croaked, not sure yet if that was a lie.
“Hasthe doctor been in yet?” Mom asked, dropping everything into a chair.
Ishook my head. “I don't think so.”
