“Fell off a cliff, huh?” Dr. Reagan repeated. “That’s impressive.”
“It was something. Definitely a life-altering experience.” Nick darted a reassuring glance at his mom.
“Let’s hope so,” Evelyn retorted.
“You go hiking a lot? Or was this your first time?” Dr. Reagan conversed.
“I go all the time. I’d probably live outside if I could. I’ve missed it, being stuck in bed all these weeks.”
“Well,” Dr. Reagan went on, setting down the pliers and picking up a power drill. An actualpower drill.Like the kind you buy at any run of the mill hardware store. “It’ll probably be a while before you’re out on the trails again. But at least now we can get you moving around again. We’ll put this leg in a boot, and that way you’ll be able to use crutches.”
He placed the drill on one of the screws and Nick clenched his jaw.
“Ready?”
“Go for it.”
Within about fifteen seconds, the screws were out, the rings were off, and the torture device was officially a thing of the past.
“The bleeding is normal. It’ll stop here real quick,” Dr. Reagan assured him, dabbing the small holes with gauze. “Feel better already?”
“Hell yeah,” Nick grunted enthusiastically.
Dr. Reagan and James chuckled while Evelyn gave a reserved smile.
“You’ll be on crutches,” Dr. Reagan added. “But try to stay off your feet as much as possible. You don’t want to put too much stress on that other leg. Give the physical therapy a couple of weeks to help get your strength back. If you can take it easy, you should be able to ditch the crutches in another month.”
“How long will I be in this boot?”
“Few weeks,” Dr. Reagan guessed. “It’ll be your therapist’s call, so do what he says.”
“Can I drive yet?”
“Probably not for a couple weeks, but that’ll be the therapist’s call too.”
“But I can move back home, right?” Nick asked hopefully.
“You should be able to get around fine on your own now. I’d say you’ll be all right.”
“Is staying with usthat bad,dear?” Evelyn asked in a slight teasing voice.
“Mom, of course not. I know I’ve been a royal pain in the ass. I’m sorry.”
She laughed demurely and shook her head.
“I don’t blame, him, sweetie,” James retorted with a chuckle. “Besides, I think Nick has plans for a special conversation with Sammie.”
Evelyn’s eyes lit up and darted to Nick’s face, and Nick groaned.
“Dad, seriously?”
“What kind of conversation?” Evelyn demanded.
“Notwhat you’re thinking,” Nick insisted, then laughed. “I can practically see the gears turning in your head.”
Evelyn gave a small huff as she lifted out of her chair. “It’s the least you could do after everything she’s done.”
“Do you guys have any idea how premature that is?” Nick pointed out. “Things likethat?It’s just too early.”
