“Well, I believe you have more than you realize.” She paused a moment before continuing. “You know, neither do I. My family are the people I work closely with, hang out with outside these walls, have over for dinner, and celebrate the holidays with. You could have the same. All you need to do is let them into your life. There are so many wanting to visit, who care and worry about you, want to be there for you throughout your recovery. Think about that. If you open your heart to receive their kindness and company, your heart will be joyful and full.”
Randi quietly mulled her words over in her mind. She couldn’t argue with the nurse’s advice. It was sound. She had noidea that many people cared about her.
“You know,” Elena interjected, “I’m going to request Dr. Clay lifting the visitor rejection. I swear if he doesn’t, all these people calling for you will storm this floor like a SWAT team to see you.”
Her observation made Randi laugh joyfully.
“That would be nice, Thank you, Elena for your kindness and support. It truly means a lot.
A moment later, the door opened and Brew poked his head inside.
“What means a lot,” he questioned.
Elena rose from the bed and playfully punched his shoulder as she answered.
“What an awesome nurse I am,” she winked at Randi. She redirected her attention to him. “You aren’t scheduled until dinner time. Can’t stay away from us, can ya?”
Wasshe fishing, he wondered.She was right.
“If you haven’t noticed, we’re booked and so am I, past my scheduled time.”
Elena glanced at the clock, then at him.
“Before I leave, a lot of people are requesting to visit with Ms. Caleb. I think the company is what she needs right now. Please consider lifting the visitor restrictions.”
Brew’s gaze moved immediately to Randi.
Taking in everything.
The tension in her shoulders. The redness in her eyes. The way she held herself just slightly too still.
“Would you like that, to visit with your friends and family?"
She sighed heavily and then attempted to release a quiet breath.
“My face and story is on every channel. I’d prefer not to see that non-stop but yes, I would like that. I could use the diversion.”
He followed her gaze to the now-dark screen and understood.
“It will pass,” he said simply.
He didn’t say it meaning to dismiss her frustration. He was trying to be as grounding as possible for her. He reviewed her file. He knew she had no family. Going through what she had to face alone would be hard for anyone.
“They said my name,” she whispered. “Over and over…”
Brew stepped closer.
Not too close.But closer than necessary.
“You went through something significant,” he said. “People are going to react to that.”
She looked at him then. Really looked.
“Do you always show up when you’re not supposed to?” she asked quietly.
A pause.
“No,” he said. Honesty was important.
