Why did it take him so long to cancel? I didn’t know whether to be disappointed or hurt or just plain angry.
Hurling my phone onto the couch, I marched to my bathroom, my arms crossed over my chest, huffing the whole time. I washed the stupid makeup off my face wondering why I even put the shit on in the first place when I hated wearing it and pulled my hair into a ponytail like I always wore it instead of down around my shoulders.
I changed into my pajamas, slathered on a face mask, slipped into my slippers, and padded back to the living room. I sat and stared at the wall, which only irritated me more. I gave in and turned on the TV. My fingers squeezed the remote, and I wanted to chuck it across the room and watch it break into a million pieces.
The local news channel was on, and the headline caught my attention.
“Earlier this afternoon, a local electrical pole line worker fell from the pole he was working on, but because of the safety of the harness, he didn’t hit the ground and instead was left hanging next to his truck. His partner helped him down, and he went to the hospital to check for injuries. Thanks to the harness as this story could’ve been much worse. We’re rooting for you, Isaiah!”
Isaiah? Did the news just say Isaiah?
No way. It couldn’t be.
Before the news moved onto the next story, they flashed an image of the electric company’s logo, and I jumped to my feet. That was the same logo I saw on Isaiah’s truck. They must be talking about the same Isaiah.
And it would make sense why he cancelled our date.
Which meant…
He was at the hospital!
I shut the TV off, quickly dressed and washed the mask off my face, grabbed my things, and ran out the door. There was only one local hospital around, and it was in the next town over, Apple Falls. I raced there as fast as I could and rushed inside.
“Hi, I’m looking for an Isaiah. He came in today for a fall.” I said to the woman at the receptionist’s desk.
“Do you have a last name, dear?”
Shit.“No, I’m sorry, I don’t. He works for the local electric company. I saw on the news the guy working on the poles fell.”
“Oh yes, Isaiah Hoffman. Are you family? We are only allowing next of kin at this time.”
Shit again.
The woman stared at me, waiting for an answer. I had to think quick.
“I’m his wife.” I lied.Ugh. Maybe in my dreams…
The last thing I wanted to do was lie, but I needed to see him. Make sure he wasn’t hurt.
“Okay. He’s in room five twenty-four.”
“Great, thank you!” I trotted over to the elevators, sliding into one already open. The button for floor five was already lit up and when it stopped on my floor, I slipped out, my eyes scanning the walls for room numbers.
Moving down the hallway, a sign readRooms 1-25 this way.
I landed on room five twenty-four a few minutes later and a chill ran through me. What if he was here with his family? Or hisfriends? How did I know he even wanted me here? I mean, we hardly knew each other.
I shook out my hands and paced back and forth in front of the door. I should go. Why the hell did I come here? This was stupid.
As I turned to leave, the door opened, and a nurse stepped out. “Oh, hello, miss. Are you here to see Isaiah?”
“Yes.” I squeaked, though I really wanted to run out of there. “How’s he doing?”
“Good. So far, all the tests are normal. We’re just waiting for the MRI results. He’ll be happy to see you. He could use some company.” The nurse smiled before walking off.
Has no one come to see him?
My heart lurched.
