More Than Words

2

"Hey, it'll be okay," the nurse says calmly, sitting beside me.

She guides me through a few breathing exercises and I soon calm down, but I'm now super tired and wanting a nap.

-

"Hey.. baby? I'm here.. Lannan went back to the house.."

I slowly wake up, rubbing my eyes.

Brodey puts a bag on my bedside table, and sits on the bed next to me.

I lay my head on his shoulder and feel myself falling asleep again.

I listen to Brodey softly singing my favourite song as I drift off.

-

"You are Tannar's closest friend, yes?"

I nod, wondering why the doctor called me in.

"I am sorry to tell you, unfortunately she has passed away due to her injuries."

-

"No.. she can't.. Tannar!!" I scream, sitting bolt up right, setting off another panic attack.

My heart monitor starts beeping rapidly and Brodey smacks the emergency button.

-

"Em.. Tannar's fine.. she's awake.."

I look over at my heart monitor and it's slowly calming down, as I hear Brodey's calming voice telling me that Tannar is awake in hospital, and that she's asking for me.

Brodey hands me one of my anxiety tablets and I gulp it down with the cola that he and Lannan got for me.

"Can I video call Tannar?" I ask Brodey.

"Sure, here you go," he smiles as he hands me my phone.

-

"Tan, you're awake! How are you feeling?" I ask, smiling at her.

She chuckles, sipping her juice.

"I'm fine, what are you in for?" She asks me.

"Vertigo and panic attacks," I say.

Tannar looks slightly concerned.

"Are you okay?" she asks, eyebrow raised.

I shrug and sigh.

"I guess so. The nurses are putting me on some new medication to see if it helps me. I'm not allowed to fly for six months or until my vertigo is under control, so it's looking like I won't be able to make it to America for the Fortnite tournament in June." I sniffle, a tear rolling down my cheek.

"It's okay, I'm sure you can participate from home, it is under exceptional circumstances. I'll get in touch with Mully and ask him to pull a few strings, yeah?"

I nod, wiping my tear away.

"Right, it's time for my lunch and then after, the doctor will come to see me because I'm being moved into the recovery ward. I might be allowed to go home tomorrow!" Tannar smiles, looking excited.

"Okay, love you, stay safe," I smile, blowing kisses and receiving some in return.

"Love you too, Em," she smiles, hanging up.

I hand my phone back to Brodey who puts it on charge.

"Tan might be going home tomorrow," I sigh, forcing a smile.

Brodey looks at me, tilting his head and looking confused.

"Why are you upset? Everything okay?" He asks, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"I wanna go home too, I don't like hospitals," I sniffle, grabbing the McDonald's bag from the side.

"It's all cold," I chuckle, tucking into the nuggets.