Dr. Sharif cracks a smile. “I’m the hospitalist on tonight. I’ve reviewed your chart, and I just want to take a quick listen to make sure everything looks good while you settle in.” He moves toward Frank and starts listening with his stethoscope, murmuring for Frank to take breaths.
“Okay, this sounds good for now. I want you to try and get some rest. If you have any pain or discomfort, let your nurses know and they will page me. Cardiology will be by in the morning.” Dr. Sharif says.
He steps back from Frank just as his food is wheeled in by an orderly. Turning to us, he says, “Did you two have any questions for me tonight?”
Melanie shakes her head.
“I think we’re okay for now, Doc, thanks,” I say, looking back and forth from Melanie to Frank, who is already munching on a piece of watermelon.
“Good. You folks have a good night.”
We sit in silence, watching Frank eat. Melanie’s stomach rumbles next to me and I tilt my head at her. “You’re hungry. Get the banana out of my bookbag.”
“You brought food?”
“Well, we had all that fruit…” I shrug.
Melanie doesn’t reply, but her eyes fill with gratitude. She reaches for my bag and sifts through, pulling out an apple and a banana.
She’s peeling the banana when the nurse pops her head back in.
“You’ll have to leave in just a couple of minutes, you two. You can come back in the morning.” She offers us an apologetic smile.
“Go on, you guys,” Frank says, waving us off. “Let your old man get some rest.”
Melanie passes me her banana and stands, moving to her dad’s bedside. She picks up his hand and squeezes it, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. “You sure you’ll be okay?”
“I’m going to sleep like the dead.” Frank barks out a laugh.
Melanie stares blankly at him.
“Too soon, Frank,” I mutter.
“Okay, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” He looks at Melanie. “I love you, my girl. Thank you for taking care of your dear old dad.”
Melanie sniffles, shaking her head. “I didn’t do anything.”
“Hey, you being here is doing something.” Frank reaches up and strokes her face. “Go get some rest.”
“Okay,” Melanie whispers. She steps back and I stand, picking up our things.
“Take it easy, Frank,” I say, putting my hand on the small of Mel’s back. “We’ll be back in the morning.”
“Thanks, Josh,” Frank says. “And thanks for taking care of Melly.”
“You got it.” I wink at him.
“Bye, Daddy.” Melanie sniffles.
I drape my arm around her, and she leans into me, and we walk out the door, just like that.
* * *
Melanie breaks away oncewe step into the hallway, and I immediately miss the contact. I get it. We just left her dad lying in a hospital bed, now isn’t the time to talk about us. But standing this close to her and not knowing where we stand is a special kind of torture. I press the button on the elevator and Melanie leans against the wall like she needs it to hold her up from the weight of the day.
“How are you holding up?” I ask, watching her carefully.
“I’m exhausted, and starving, and so sad.” Her voice is flat, and her sigh is so heavy, it makes my chest ache.
