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Six days have passed since Heath woke up after surgery. He’s been working hard on his inpatient physical therapy in order for today to happen. We’re just waiting for the doctor to come in and release him.
Heath’s sitting on the edge of the bed in a pair of lounge pants, a T-shirt, and his slippers. He’s sporting a week-old beard, and it doesn’t look half-bad. He’s lost some weight and muscle in the short stay at the hospital, but the doctors have assured him that it’s normal, and once he gets his energy and stamina back, there’s no reason why he can’t get his physique back to where it was before the attack.
Jenna stands next to Charlie with her arms around his waist. Those two have always been close, leaving Trevor out as the typical middle child. Charlie has fallen into his big brother role now that he’s been back, giving Trevor grief for the stunts that he pulled with his so-called friends. Trevor glances at Charlie and Jenna, and I see something pass over his face, jealously, maybe? Charlie’s been gone for two years now, and in that time Trevor and Jenna have grown close.
“Knock, knock.” Dr. Phelps comes through the door, clipboard in hand. “Look at you, Mr. James. You’re ready to get out of here, right?”
“Absolutely,” Heath confirms.
“Great. I need to ask you a few questions before I’m able to release you. Do you have a ride home today?”
Heath glances my way. “Yes.”
The doctor laughs. “I know, annoying questions but they’re hospital policy, so please bear with me. No allergies to any medication? I need to make sure that the medicine I prescribe for home use will be sufficient.”
“No allergies,” Heath replies.
“Okay, and is there an adult at home who will be able to care for you in the first few days after release?”
“Yes,” I answer. “I’ll be there.”
Heath’s head whips towards mine. “Whitney?”
“Heath, don’t. I’m doing this.”
The doctor gives me a little wink. “All right then. We’re good to go. Please call your primary physician in the morning to schedule your first follow-up. Good luck.” He shakes Heath’s hands, patting Trevor on the shoulder before exiting the room.
“Okay,” I say as I slap my hands together, “Let’s get you home.”
“I bet you’reglad you never built the house with the second floor, huh?” I ask as I help Charlie walk Heath through the house, making our way down the hall.
The lump in my throat grows increasingly bothersome, as I get closer to the bedroom. I wasn’t joking when I told the doctor I would be here to take care of him. That’s my plan, and I don’t want to overstep, but I don’t want Heath to think that I don’t want to be here, helping him.
As soon as we hit the closed door, I speak up. “Hey, Char, you got it from here? I’m going to head back to the car and grab the rest of your dad’s stuff.”
“Whit–” Heath starts, but I don’t allow it.
“I’ll be back.” I pat his arm, turning around and booking it down the hallway.
As soon as I step foot outside, I stop and lean over, taking a deep breath. “Damn it.” I chastise myself for my emotions. I’m treading in murky water here. Heath and I haven’t had another moment to ourselves since he first woke. The kids haven’t left his side, which is understandable.
“You okay?” Charlie’s voice comes from behind me, and I jump.
“Shit, Char. You know I scare easily.” I turn to see him smiling.
“And I know that I’ve been gone far too long not to do that.” He laughs which makes me squint my eyes at him. “I’m not even sorry,” he says as he walks past me, heading to the car.
“Don’t forget his medication, that’s important. It’s in the plastic bag in my purse. I’ll go over everything with you. I need you to know what to do in case I’m not here.” I open the back door, grabbing the duffle bag I had Tony pack and bring to the hospital on one of his visits.
“You plan on not being here?” He shuts the front door right before I shut mine.
I turn to face my son. “I didn’t say that, Char.”
“Don’t forget, this is your house too.”
“My house is closer to town. You know this.”
“I know that, Mom, and like you said, your house, but your home is here with us. With Dad.”
