Colton Nash- Take one tablet by mouth as needed for pain-MAX 6 PER DAY
Jimmy Nash- Take two tablets by mouth as needed for pain-MAX 4 PER DAY
Dennis Nash- Take one tablet every two hours as needed for pain- 12 refills
I was frozen, staring at the pain medication that seemed to scream back at me.
A hand was on my shoulder, but I couldn’t turn around. “Allegra? Are you alright?”
It was Jimmy.
Colton groaned again from the bedroom.
I snapped back into it and faced Jimmy. “Colton is-um-heneeds-he’s in pain,” I stammered.
Jimmy nodded and grabbed one of the bottles. “There are some frozen peas in the freezer. Do you mind?” He asked as he filled up a glass of water. He pulled his phone out and typed quickly on it. He didn’t wait for my answer and walked up to the master bedroom.
I wiped my clammy hands on my pajama shorts and shook my head. I needed to focus. I opened the freezer.
There was a gallon of ice cream, some frozen fries, and stacks and stacks of frozen peas. I grabbed one, my body literally frozen in place.
The door to the trailer opened, and Jo climbed in. She was still in a nightgown, her hair rolled up in pink curlers. I’m sure she got Jimmy’s text and ran right over, not bothering to fix herself up.
She didn’t notice me standing in the middle of the kitchen.
Dennis followed soon after. He was in the same pajamas and robe I had seen him in that morning in Oklahoma. “Mornin’,” he said with a sympathetic smile.
I took a breath and forced an awkward smile.
His face twisted into concern. “Are you okay?”
I didn’t get a chance to answer. “Dennis, could you grab some ice?” Jo shouted. It was all I could do to force my arms to thrust the peas in his direction.
Dennis took it, gave me another look, and walked up to the room. “Hey, bud!” He greeted his son. “Rough mornin’?”
“I’ll be fine, Dad,” Colton said with a soft chuckle.
“You went real hard the past two days. I’d be surprised if you didn’t wake up like this.” Dennis’ voice was comforting,but even I could hear the hint of concern. “Can you open your hand?”
That got me curious. I leaned over just enough to peek past the curtain.
Colton had made it onto his side, but his body had started shaking.
I felt queasy.
He had his right hand outstretched to his parents, but it was balled in a tight fist. “Not yet.”
“It’ll loosen,” Jimmy promised.
Dennis glanced back at me. “You alright, buddy?” He asked Colton while staring at me.
“Yes, sir.”
“I’ll be back,” he promised. He slid past the curtain. “Allegra? Can we go for a walk?”
I nodded, despite not knowing if my feet would comply.
He opened the door, and by some miracle I followed.
