“I’m telling you, sweetheart. This isnothing. Just heartburn.”
“That’s what they all say, then it turns out to be something way worse, Dad.” Taylor sits in the only empty seat left in the room and I lean against the wall, trying to shrink myself as small as possible. I’m still not sure I should be here.
Russel glances at me and shrugs.
We wait and wait and wait.
More blood is drawn. Another EKG happens.
The longer we’re there, the better Russel looks. That’s good, right? Why haven’t they come back to check his monitors again? Where is a nurse?
I’m going stir crazy. I need to put myself to use. Grab them drinks. Rub Taylor’s shoulders. Get Corrine a candy bar from the vending machine. Make Russel laugh by telling him some funny shit that happened a while back with some of the guys at work.
Eventually the doctor comes in and gives us the best news. “Everything looks great. Your bloodwork and tests all came back normal.”
Russel bristles. “See. I told you it was heartburn.”
“Actually, your symptoms align more with anxiety,” the doc says. “Have you been stressed over anything lately, Mr. Larson?”
He makes a face as if the question is preposterous. “No. I don’t worry about nothing.”
“Well, how about you take it easy for a few days. Get some rest. Keep hydrated. No being out in the sun doing anything strenuous.”
Now he looks like a kid who just got grounded. “I have work. I’m a landscaper.”
“Well, you should take off for a bit. Let your boss know what’s happened. And if there is anything stressing you out, you need to address it.” She flashes us a neutral smile. “The nurse will come in with discharge papers soon. Have a great day.”
Corrine’s so relieved, she melts into her chair. “Thank goodness.”
“Dad, what’s been worrying you?” Taylor asks.
“Nothing.”
I know this man well enough to tell that he’s lying. Taylor sees it too.
“Well, no work for a while,” she states, like she has any chance of being in charge of her strong-willed, stubborn father.
“Honey, I—”
“I’ll take over until you’re feeling a hundred percent,” I say, standing straighter. “Don’t worry about anything other than getting back on your feet.”
“I can be on my feet now,” he argues. “You all just like making a mountain out of a mole hill. I’m telling you I’m fine.”
“And I’m telling you,you’re stepping back!” Corrine’s never yelled like that before, as far as I know. It’s that altered behavior that has Russel obeying his wife.
“Okay.” He grabs her hand and squeezes it. “Okay, sweetheart.”
We get that man home, his feet up, steak grilling, potatoes roasting, and carrots glazing in honey because that’s his favorite meal. Taylor stays with her mother while I run to the store and grab a bunch of stuff they put on a list for me. By the time the sun goes down, Russ is snoring on the couch in front of the TV and Taylor and I hit the road.
“Thank you,” she says quietly as we drive back to her place. “For being there with us today.”
“Always.” I rest my hand on her thigh. “I’m glad he’s okay.”
“Me too.”
We don’t talk the rest of the way home, but I think both of us have a lot racing in our minds.
“Conner,” she says as we pull up to her house. “Don’t let today sway you.”
