“Good.”
“When can I get out of here?”
“I can answer that question.” A man in scrubs appeared. “Dr. Shannon. I’m Dr. Cook. Do you remember me tonight?”
“I do.”
“You’re feeling better?”
“Yes. Did you up my meds?”
“A bit. On a scale of 1-10, what’s your pain level?”
“Maybe a 5?”
“That low?”
“From the meds, probably. When can I go home?”
“It’s nighttime now. If you feel well enough, I’ll discharge you tomorrow. Don’t be in a hurry to leave us, though.”
“We won’t let her.” Her mother walked in with coffee. “I’m Dr. Eve Shannon, Noreen’s mother. I’m able to go home with her.”
“But—” Nick cut himself off. “That’s probably for the best.”
Noreen frowned. “You said you wouldn’t leave me.”
“He can move into your house, too,” Eve suggested. “You have three bedrooms.”
Nick smiled. “Sounds like a plan.”
Dr. Cook said, “I recommend some counseling, Dr. Shannon.”
“I know. I’ll think about it.”
Eve said, “You agreed to that earlier.”
“Let’s see how this goes.” Noreen remembered something. “Mom, you’re supposed to be in the Caribbean.”
“I’m supposed to be here.”
Suddenly Noreen was tired again. “I have to sleep more.”
“Go ahead darling. You need to rest. Nick and I will chat some.”
* * *
The next day, Noreen was discharged and Nick drove her and her mother to Noreen’s home on Lakeland Drive. The day was spitting rain and roads were slick all the way to her house. With each of them on her side, they led Noreen inside from the garage. Eve said, “I think you should go into your bedroom. You’ll rest better there.”
“I agree.”
They led her to the last room down the hall. It, too, had a soaring ceiling, skylights and a wall of windows. Painted a palesage with white trim, it fit well in this beautiful environment she created when she moved to Westwood.
Eve let go of her and turned down the bed. She wore her mother’s light knit pants and matching top that Eve had brought to the hospital. “After you sleep, you should put on different pajamas. Cozy ones.”
“Yeah, these were meant for the Caribbean. I’m sorry to have ruined your vacation.”
“The Caribbean will always be there.”
