“Because they’ll be looking for me.”She pauses.“I’m a loose end.”
“A what?”
“A loose end.A problem for them.”She pushes the sheet to one side and tries to shuffle to sitting.
“Hey, hey, you can’t go anywhere.Apart from the fact you’re on strong medication to keep you stable, you’re still having arrhythmias and the possibility of another fit is high.”
“I’ll take my chances.”Again, she tries to sit.She can’t and flops back down with a huff of frustration.
I touch the back of her hand.“Who are you a loose end to?”
“You think I can tell you?”She shakes her head.“And why would you want to know?It would put you in danger too.”
“I’m your doctor, what you tell me is confidential.”
She rolls her eyes and purses her lips.
“On your back,” I say, “you have a tattoo.I thought it was a dog but it’s a hyena.Very unusual.”
“So?”
“So, I just wondered why you’d chosen it.”I shrug.“I’m always interested in the designs people choose for their ink.”
She studies me as if trying to figure out my motives.
“I’m thinking of getting one.”I smile.“That’s all.”It’s such an ugly image for such a pretty young girl to have.There has to be a story behind it.
“I didn’t choose it,” she says and locks her fingers together.
“What do you mean?”
“It was ...I was given it against my will.”
I try and disguise my shock, it might prevent her opening up more.“Who gave it to you?”
She is silent.
“Is it something to do with the drugs that were inside you?”
“I’ve said too much.”She points to the doorway.“Please go.You’re not my doctor now, right?I have new ones on this ward.”
“That might be the case, but I’m human, and I care.And you were in such a sorry state.”I lean forward.“Is there someone I can call for you?Do you know anyone in Denver?”
“No, there’s no one.”
“Not at all?”
“I said no.Now please go.I have to think.”
“About what?”
“I told you.I’m a loose end.They’ll be coming for me.”
“Who?”
“Please.They won’t want me to talk and ...and right now that’s what I’m doing.Mierda.Please, leave me alone.”
I stand, her agitation is increasing by the second and the monitor shows her heart rate picking up.“Okay, I’ll go.”I hand her a slip of paper with my name and number on it.“But you do know someone in Denver now—me.You need help, let me know.”
