“She collapsed when shopping.”
“Shit.” That couldn’t be good.
“Her blood pressure is low. Anyway, doctor’s doing tests and keeping her in hospital overnight.”
That didn’t sound like nothing.
“I’m sure it’s only a precaution, Max.”
“I hope so.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I’ll come now.”
“Good. I was about to tell you that you should.”
“I’m on my way.”
Max swallowed hard, trying to focus. He should really shower, grab a few things, but all he wanted to do was get to Zoe as quickly as he could. She was a three-hour drive away, and he didn’t want to waste one second getting to her.
Zoe lay back in the uncomfortable hospital bed in a private room. She was lucky to have a room of her own, but she didn’t feel lucky. The room was small, there was a private bathroom to her left, a small window to her right, which looked out onto the parklands. It smelled of cleaning fluid and it appeared sterile. This was meant to be her time to rest but doing nothing was driving her crazy. The television didn’t work, and she couldn’t bring herself to read the out-of-date magazines like her mom, who was on the chair by the bed. Whatever article she was reading it was taking her attention.
Zoe leaned over, grabbed her handbag off the side table, and took out her phone.
The screen was blank.
No messages from Max.
No calls.
She felt like throwing it across the room in frustration.
Did he not care? Was he simply too busy?Either way, she wanted him here with her. Now. Since he wasn’t, it was too easy to think negatively toward him.
“Your dad will visit later,” said her mom looking up from the magazine. “What are you doing with your phone? You’re meant to be resting.”
“Staring into space isn’t resting.”
“Being on your phone isn’t resting either.”
“I’m finding myself a hobby,” said Zoe sarcastically.
Her mom put down the magazine. “There’s no need to take that tone with me.”
Great! It’s like I’m a teenager all over again. Zoe realized that if things didn’t go well with Max and her, going back to live with her parents would create a whole new set of problems for her to deal with.
Her phone vibrated. A photograph of Max came up on her screen which made Zoe smile. Finally.
“Max...” Tears welled in her eyes.
“Zoe, what happened?”
“Nothing.” She didn’t even know how this all happened, or what had actually gone wrong.
“Sounds a bit more than that.”
Her mom got up from the chair. “I’m going to grab a coffee.”
Zoe waited for her mom to leave.
“I want you here,” demanded Zoe.
