HeAling
Part 2
Dan had lost the argument with his doctor. If he was honest with himself, it was probably a good thing, because by the time the discussion was finished his leg had been throbbing with deep burning pain. Good old Dr. Consintina had taken one look at the sweat beading on Dan’s forehead, and ended the conversation. He simply signaled to the nurse, who injected the pain medication directly into the I.V. tube. Dan supposed he could have yanked out the tube, but that seemed a little immature. So now he was floating away again. Part of his brain was lucid enough to remind himself that he was in a hospital, that a professional was administering the medication, but his underlying fear remained.
He was zoning, fully reclined, the pain had receded, and sleep was fast approaching. Jim entered the room, carrying a greeting card with bright blue daisies on the front. At least Dan thought they were daisies. He tried to focus, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t be sure. “Daisies?” he asked.
Jim perched cautiously on the edge of the bed, and smiled at his friend. He could tell by the way Dan was speaking, that the doctor had won. “Yeah, daisies. Don’t worry, they aren’t for you.”
“Good. I like ch...ch...jasmines better.” Dan frowned, wondering where that thought had originated.
Jim smile grew larger. “You aren’t going to remember this conversation, are you?”
“Prolly not,” Dan agreed cheerfully. “Who’re the daisies for?”
“Trixie.”
“She’s here?” Dan raised his head, looking around the room.
“No.” Jim shook his head. “I wanted to write her a letter, but I didn’t want to buy a whole box of stationery, so I bought this card.”
“Oh. I just wondered, ‘cause my dad is here.”
“I know.” Taking advantage of Dan’s current condition, Jim kept talking. “I wrote to her; I apologized for being a jerk, and I told her I think I love her.”
“’Bout time!”
“Thanks.” Jim grinned again. “I even addressed it, but I don’t think I’m brave enough to send it to her.”
“Coward.”
“Hey! You’re supposed to be on my side.”
Dan yawned. “Sorry.”
Jim looked at Dan, who was struggling to stay awake. “It’s okay. Why don’t you go to sleep? I’ll come back later, and we’ll talk.” He put the card in the envelope and set in on the small table. “I’m going to go visit the boys.”
Dan didn’t answer. His eyes were closed, a slightly goofy smile on his face. Jim pulled the covers up around his sleeping friend, and slipped back out the door, not sure if he was disappointed, or relieved.
