“No.” I shake my head. “It’s not. It’s a––” and at that precise moment, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen steps into my alcove. “Pruuuuuuudence.” I say her name with love and reverence because that’s how I feel about her.
My sweet Prudence frowns and says, “Oh boy. That guy was right.”
“What guy? Were you talking to another man?” I’m immediately incensed.
“The nurse’s aide. The one you sent to get me.”
“Oh.” I guess that’s okay.
She moves closer, saying hello to the nurse that’s still here. Turning to me, she asks in her silky voice, “You’re feeling good, then?”
“I’m fuckingah-mazing.” Yes, I said it like my daughter says it. So what?
“I’m glad.” She giggles. “They said you can go home after you come down from your––”
“My what?” I snap. I don’t trust these people as far as I can throw them. The notion that I could throw people makes me feel like laughing. So, I do. “I mean, can you imagine throwing a person? Really? Maybe a sumo wrestler could do that, but an ordinary man, even one as strong as me, couldn’t really throw someone. Am I right?”
I hear the nurse giggle, and the smile on Prudence’s face tells me I said something funny. Still, Ineedto know so I ask again, only louder this time. “Right?”
“Yes. Throwing someone would be difficult even for someone as strong as you.”
Did she just compliment my strength? I feel my chest pump out with pride. Then, I take a moment to glance at Prudence. I meanreallylook. “You’re so pretty.”
“Thank you, Nate.”
“No. I mean it. You’re fucking beautiful.”
“I’m glad you think so.”
“I bet your tits are stellar.” Her face turns a pretty pink color. “I justlovepink.”
It’s the nurse that says it this time, “Oh boy.”
Prudence pats the top of my hand, and I love it. Her touch gives me chills.
“Maybe you should try to get some sleep. It’ll help.”
“I don’t want to sleep because when I wake up, I’m afraid you’ll be gone.”
“No. I won’t leave. I’ll stay with you.”
“Forever?”
“Sure. Or until you feel better.”
“If you leave me, I’llneverget well.” Why do my eyes feel hot and wet?
“Oh, Nate. You’ll be fine.” Her voice is soft and caring.
She’s got the sweetest voice. Like a bird. A bird? Her voice isn’t like a bird’s. What am I even saying? A bird squawks. Or does it chirp? No. She’s definitely not a bird.
What about a bunny? I snort at the absurdity of that notion. “You’re not a bunny.”
“No, I’m not a bunny.”
“Except, your hair is as soft as a bunny.”
That must be funny because Prudence cracks up. So does that nosey nurse. Why is she still here anyway? I’m about to gripe about that when Prudence says, “You’re going to be fine even if I’m not here.”
