“You ready to get up and walk to the bathroom?”
It was now or never. She nodded and drew in a deep breath as the nurse raised the head of the bed. Pain shot through her. Why did her whole body hurt?
“That’s it, you’re good,” the nurse said as she swung her legs over the side so she could stand. “Take it slow.”
She nodded and slid forward with the nurse's help. When her sock-clad feet hit the floor, she moaned as pain danced up her leg, nearly stealing her breath. "What did they do in surgery?"
“The doctor will be in to explain later.”
“Okay. I think I can walk.”
“We’ll take it one step at a time. Use the walker, though your arm will probably hurt a little.”
It was slow going, but she made it to the bathroom with the aid of a walker and didn’t have to use the wheelchair.
After using the toilet, she stood at the sink and washed her hands. It felt good to get her hands clean, so she took a moment and washed her face, removing the grime.
When she stood and glanced in the mirror, she was surprised by the bruises that she’d thought were dirt before washing her face.
“You okay in there?” the nurse called through the door.
“Yes. Just washing my face.”
The door cracked open. “Can I come in?”
“Sure. I’m decent-ish.”
The nurse propped the door open and brought in a stool. "So, would you like to take a mini sponge bath in here? I can help you get some of the harder-to-get areas."
“Do you have time?”
“Sure. We won’t be able to get your hair washed, but we can get some of the grime off your body.”
“Thank you.”
"Let me get everything set up." The nurse braced the fold-down bench in the shower, then pointed at it. "Take a seat there, and we'll get going."
“Thank you so much.”
“Sure. I just want to make sure you don’t get your leg wet, so I’m going to get another stool to put your foot on and raise your leg.”
It only took another minute to set up, but after washing off, Ansley felt so much better. Before the sponge bath, she'd been able to smell herself, but now she could only smell the soap. Next, she would need to wash her hair, but that could wait until the next day or so.
After getting back into bed, exhaustion hit. More painkillers were given, and she drifted off. She wasn’t sure when she woke, but she could hear someone in the room with her before she opened her eyes.
Slowly, she blinked her eyes open and couldn't believe what she was looking at. Link was sitting in the recliner next to her bed, his eyes closed. After a few seconds, he blinked open his eyes and a slow smile curved up his lips.
"You woke up. I have to take off in about thirty—well, now twenty minutes. I wanted to make sure you had my information. When you get back stateside, come find me. I have a three-bedroom house. My roommate moved out two weeks ago, so there's an extra bed where you can crash for a while."
Ansley pushed the button to raise the head of her beds, glad she’d taken the sponge bath. She wished her hair was clean, but at least she didn’t stink as badly as she had before.
“You’re here.”
He nodded and sat forward, placing his hand on hers. “I am. I had to leave for a bit, but I wanted to stop by before we take off.”
“Thank you. I thought you were gone.”
“Not a chance, not without talking to you first.”
