“I understand your concern but medically there is no reason to keep her.Ella, I think you’ll be most comfortable at home.”
Home.
She didn’t want to go home where her beloved garden was, and the thought of being there made her throat tighten with panic.
“I want to leave.”Her voice shook a little and the heavy look Zee gave her made her shift in bed.
“I’ll put through your discharge orders, and the nurse will be in shortly.Physically you are doing well but don’t underestimate what you’ve been through.”
“Okay, thank you doctor.”
“I’ll take care of her.”Zee strode to her beside and laced his fingers through hers, his touch heavy and familiar.
“I can see that, take care Ella,” The doctor said, as she left the room.
Ella scratched at the tape on her IV line, contemplating ripping it out herself.
“Easy,” Zee pulled her hand away gently.“I can’t wait to get you home where I can keep you safe.But let’s wait for the nurse.”
Her chest felt so heavy, like she had an elephant sitting on it and anger bubbled up, making her skin warm.
“I can’t go home, Zee.Not in that garden.I close my eyes and I’m back on the ground, and I—” She broke off, shame flooding her.
“I should have fought harder.I should have—”
“You stop that right now, Ella,” Zee slid a hand under her hair, cupping the nape of her neck.“This was not your fault.I could never have predicted that my former teammate would do something like this, and I should have listened to you when you said he made you uncomfortable.”
Zee’s eyes grew glassy, and he lifted her hand to his mouth.“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you.”
“But you should have been!”She knew the words were unfair, but she couldn’t hold them back.“I need to get out of here.”
“Ella, you’re going to be okay.”
Her heart raced, her hands were sweaty, she felt like she was going to explode with anger.
A knock came on the door before it opened and a nurse whisked in with a bright smile.
“All right, Mrs.Riddell, the doctor’s put everything through so I just need to go over your instructions with you.”She read from the screen.
“No driving for twenty-four hours.Get lots of rest, keep your fluids up.Don’t hesitate to come back if you have dizziness, or nausea.”
“Thanks,” Ella said.
The nurse moved to the IV line, taping gauze over the tiny puncture once it was out.
“There we go.All finished.Is your husband going to take you home?”
“Yes and I’ll never let her go again.”
“He’s one of those, eh?”The nurse smiled at Ella.
“Yes, lucky me.”
“You can go now,” the nurse said, smiling.
Ella swung her feet to the floor and brushed by Zee, her heart thudding.
Sheneededout.
