“Rest, Avery. I’ll wake you as soon as we know something.”
33
Savior
My eyes fluttered open and I immediately closed them to block out the piercing bright light. When I tried to raise my hand to use it as a shield, I discovered I couldn’t move either one of them. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
“Mr. Ward,” someone said. “You’re in the hospital. You were in a car accident. We have your hands tied down so you can’t pull the breathing tube out.”
A soon as I heard the words “breathing tube,” I became hyperaware of its presence and I immediately began coughing. All I could focus on was the tube in my throat and I wanted it out.
“Settled down, boy,” Gramps said and I instantly obeyed his command.
“Mr. Ward,” another voice said. “I’m going to remove the breathing tube now. When I tell you to, cough.” I did as he said and coughed while he pulled the tube and what felt like the majority of my insides out of my mouth causing me to groan in pain.
“You’re okay, Kellan,” Gramps said.
It was only then I realized I’d never opened my eyes again. Slowly cracking one open at a time, my eyes landed on Gramps.
“You look like shit,” I blurted.
“So do you, you little shithead.”
“What happened?” I rasped and tried to clear my throat.
“Mr. Ward, I’m Dr. Abernathy. Do you know where you are?” he asked and shined a bright light in my face.
“In the hospital.”
“What year is it?”
I looked over at Gramps. “Is he fucking serious?”
Gramps chuckled and nodded. “Yes, now, answer the question.”
He asked me several other questions before giving me a quick exam and mumbling something about writing some new orders. When he was gone, I turned my attention back to Gramps. “So, what happened?”
“You were in a bad car accident two days ago,” he said cautiously.
“Was anyone hurt?” I asked as my stomach started to churn.
“Yes, but they’re going to be okay and this was one hundred percent not your fault.”
I frowned. I didn’t remember anything about being in a car accident. “Who was hurt?”
Ten minutes later, I knew every horrible detail about the wreck, but I could tell there was something he wasn’t telling me. “And what else?” I asked.
Gramps shook his head. “Relax, Kellan. It’s not exactly bad news, but it’s not my story to share. You’ll know soon enough.”
I wasn’t happy about it, but I trusted Gramps implicitly, so I kept my mouth shut and closed my eyes.
I woke to the sound of muffled voices and sniffles. When I opened my eyes, I saw Gramps first. Then, my eyes landed on Avery sitting in a wheelchair crying. “Avery? What’s wrong, baby?” I asked and reached for her.
“Kellan,” she cried and gripped my hand firmly. She tipped her head back and whispered, “Thank you.”
“Why are you in a wheelchair? Wait, are you wearing a hospital gown?” I asked and tried to sit up.
“No!” Gramps barked. “You can’t get up. I was going to step out to give you two some privacy, but you have to stay put.”
