61
Chris
“Ms. Morgan?”
I open my eyes and blink, trying to follow the voice.
“Welcome back to us,” it smiles at me – I think. I’m not sure. “Tell Martin,” it says, turning to someone next to them. “How do you feel?” it turns back to me.
“I’m not sure…”
“Do you know where you are?”
The unmistakable white nightgown tells me that I’m in hospital.
I nod, painfully.
“Do you remember what happened?”
“More or less…I think someone hit me around the head…is that right?”
“We believe you have a concussion to the brain. We’re going to keep you in overnight for observation. There are two police officers outside who’d like to ask you a few questions.”
“O-okay.”
“I’ll let your son in first. But only two minutes, okay? He’s in shock at the moment.”
The doctor leaves the room, followed by a nurse, and a few seconds later, Evan appears in the doorway. I hold my hand out to him, and he flies over to me, hugging me tight.
“Hey, watch it…Everything hurts right now.”
“God, Mum…you could’ve…”
“I’m fine.”
He slowly releases me and looks at me, his eyes wide and bloodshot.
“They’ve gone to look for Dad,” he says. “We’re in his hospital. He’s been called in for an emergency just now, but he’ll be back as soon as he can.”
I nod, my mood immediately dipping.
“But outside, there’s…”
“Me,” Ryan finishes for him, standing in the doorway. “I’m here for you.”
And just like he emptied me out completely, he fills me back up again in an instant.
* * *
“So, the café…?”
“I’m sorry, Chris,” Martin squeezes my hand. “The important thing is that you’re okay.”
I nod, sinking into all the pillows.
“I have to go, I’m still doing the rounds. Evan’s just outside, but he’s asleep across the chairs. I’ll be back later, okay? Don’t tire yourself out.”
“Thanks, Martin.”
