“Okay. If you get hungry later, I’ll leave and get you some fresh food.”
“Thank you, Dimples.”
A young black-haired woman with tan skin and wide brown eyes approaches with a clipboard in her hands. “Are you Mr. Delgado’s family?”
“Yes. I’m his daughter, and these are my kids.” Mom gestures to me and Ollie.
“His oncologist, Dr. Pham, came by and ordered some more scans. Once he’s done, we will take him upstairs. He has a room on the fifth floor in bed twenty-seven.”
Maddox walks up to the nurse and whispers something to her.
She nods and heads back to the nurses’ station to speak to another nurse, who I assume is the charge nurse. The woman lifts the phone and punches in a series of numbers.
After a few minutes, the charge nurse approaches us. “A room opened up for him on the seventh floor. You may follow me.”
We ride the elevator up to the seventh floor and, unlike the other floors where you can just walk in, this floor is badge-access only.The charge nurse swipes her badge and we follow her into the room. The room is larger than the living area in my apartment with Mazi. It has its own microwave and fridge, with a large sofa by the window.
“Thank you,” I whisper to Maddox.
He smiles at me and gives my hand a squeeze.
Half an hour later, a transporter rolls Abuelo into the room. He has a huge bruise on the side of his face, and looks as though he hasn’t slept in days.
“Mi rosa!” His face breaks into a huge smile when he sees me.
Walking up to him, I wrap my arms around his frail body and place a kiss on his cheek. “Hi, Abuelo.”
He scans the room, his eyes landing on Maddox. “You brought Maddox with you? Don’t tell me I ruined date night.”
Maddox lifts his hand, giving Abuelo a wave. “Hola, Señor Delgado. You didn’t ruin anything. How are you feeling?”
“I’m feeling fine. I’m sure they will release me soon. Don’t worry about me. Go back and enjoy your night.”
I shake my head. “I’m not leaving you.”
Ollie pulls up a chair and sits on the other side of him. “Does your head hurt? Do you remember falling?”
“It hurts a little, and no, I don’t remember much. I picked up my toothbrush and turned on the sink, and next thing I know, I’m in the hospital.”
“Do you need me to call the nurse to get you some pain medicine?” I ask.
Abuelo shakes his head. “No, I’m okay,mi rosa. I’ve had worse pain than this before.”
A few moments later, there’s a soft knock on the door. “Come in!” Abuelo calls out.
Dr. Pham walks in, her expression unreadable. She turns her attention to Maddox. “Sir, do you mind stepping outside the room?”
Abuelo raises his hand. “No, it’s okay. He’s family. He can stay.”
Maddox rises from his seat. “Oh, it’s okay. I’ll give you some privacy. I’m gonna go to the vending machine to grab snacks. Y’all want anything?”
Mom and I shake our heads.
“Can you get me some Cheetos and a Coke?” Ollie asks.
“You got it.” Maddox steps out of the room, shutting the door behind him.
“So, you suffered a mild concussion from the fall. But thankfully, the CT of the brain was negative for intracranial hemorrhage.”
