She clucked her tongue. “Oh, you snarky little bitch.”
The brief moment of levity was gone under the realization Danny was never going to be the same and would likely need care for the rest of his life. Even the doctors were uncertain how much was permanent and how much function might return. He was doing well in physical therapy, but the motor function of his hands and legs was an issue. Hope was key, Mrs. B. had said, and though I wasn’t much for idealistic hope, I was one that got things done. Whatever Danny needed to keep him comfortable and happy, I’d see to it.
Mrs. B. steam-rolled on. “Tomorrow afternoon Ronnie and I will be going shopping so you and Jere will have everything you need. If there is anything specific you’d like, please text it to me.”
“Hot Tamales?” Danny asked hopefully.
“Already on the list,” Ronnie said and offered him a wink.
“And what about you?” Mrs. B. asked me. “Any special requests?”
“Protein powder, preferably whey or peanut based.”
She nodded and tapped on her phone. “Once shopping is done, we’re picking you up. The release paperwork should be completed by then. You’re not going to make a fuss about being ridden out in a wheelchair, am I clear?”
“I can walk, you know, with my crutches. The physical therapist has been working on it with me. I don’t need a wheelchair, I’m not a paraplegic.”
“It’s the rules,” I interjected. “You have to follow the rules.”
“When have you ever been a stickler for the rules?” He scoffed.
“When they’re for your benefit.”
He huffed indignantly and looked away. It made me sad he’d given up that quickly. I missed bickering with him. When we squabbled there was normally no clear winner because he was smart, but that wasn’t the point. Eventually, he said, “I don’t want a wheelchair. I’m going to be a baby about it because I can.”
“It’s just to get you out the door and into the car.” Mrs. B. leaned in and kissed his forehead. “I just want the best for you. Tell me you understand that, Daniel.”
And when Mrs. B. used your full name, you knew she was serious.
He blew out a big breath. “I know, Mom.”
I hated how he had a permanent frown on his face. Danny had always been a happy person and I liked the way his smile creased his cheeks, and the light entered his eyes, making them glow. Sometimes when he was happy, his smile touched the corner of his eyes. I’d got to briefly see that sunshine smile the other day when his friends had come by, and we’d shared a cake. I got pissed off all over again at those assholes for taking away his smile.
“Okay, so that’s all I wanted to say right now. Oh, I’ll be stopping by your place tonight to tidy up and do some cleaning. I’ll make your bed with those expensive sheets you like. I’m sure with Jere sleeping there for the past two months, the bathroom is a mess.”
I shrugged at the pointed stare she threw me. “Sorry, Mrs. B. Us men are terrible aimers.”
She rolled her eyes, but I could see she was amused.
When she and Ronnie were gone, Danny grabbed my hand and pegged me with terror-filled eyes. “You can’t let her in my apartment alone.”
“Why? She’s been there already.”
He bit his lip, color scattering across his cheeks. “Yeah, but when she is on a cleaning rampage, nothing survives unscathed. You have to get there before she does and hide my stash. It’s in a wooden chest at the base of my bed. I didn’t lock it before this all happened because I never imagined my mother going through my stuff. Please, Jere.”
“Whatever you need,” I said honestly. “I should get there now then. There is no stopping your mom when she’s on the warpath.”
“Just push it into my closet and throw some stuff on top of it.” He let go and I mourned the loss of contact. “I’m going to owe you a few beers for this.”
“You’re going to owe me a lot more than that,” I said lightly and got up. “Rest. You’re going to need your strength for tomorrow and while I’m gone, promise me you'll do everything the nice nurses say.”
He made another one of those miserable sounds that broke my heart. “But I don’t want to. I want to complain about everything.”
“Promise me, Danny. Or I’m not leaving.”
He growled and slapped his own thigh with his fist. “Fine, I’ll be a good boy, and do as I’m told no matter how much it hurts my pride.”
“Good boy.”
