A Soldier's Life

Chapter 37 - Ice Cream

Y/n's POV:

Finally, I had freedom! Well, when I say freedom, I mean I'm now walking at about 2 miles an hour, on my crutches, around my tiny ass hospital room. But it's progress. I'm hoping if I keep practicing, they'll let me loose on in the hospital corridors soon. I was still struggling with the pain, but the support from my 6-year-old is enough to get me through. "That's it Mummy. One more lap." She encouraged and I struggled to hop my way back around the bed.

My arms were burning and when I finally made it back to the bed, I sat down with a thump. Which was a bad idea as that instantly caused my body to hurt. "Good job!" Ava said running over and struggling to climb up on the bed next to me. "Thanks Bug, couldn't have done it without you." I said with a wide smile.

The door to my room opened and Fiona entered with a stern look on her face. "Please tell me you were not just walking around your room with no one to support you?" She asked. I had a sheepish look on my face knowing that I was busted. "Ava was here." I squeaked out, as Ava sat with a proud grin. "And if you had fallen?" Fiona asked. "I would have come and got a nurse." Ava interrupted proudly. Fiona laughed at her confidence. "Hmmm. You need to be careful Y/n." She lightly scolded.

I knew she was right. I didn't want to make things worse, but I was so excited. "Sorry. Ava hadn't seen me walk yet and I was excited to show her. I promise it won't happen again." I said like a naughty school kid. As it was the weekend Sophie dropped Ava off with me so she could head off to the café. I was happy as it was allowing Sophie to go back to some of her normalcy and I also got quality time with Ava.

Ava never seemed to be bored when she would visit. I was worried that she wouldn't want to come when she found out she'd just be stuck in a room with me, but she was always chatting, playing a game or quietly colouring in. In hindsight, showing her my walking wasn't the best idea. She could clearly see I was in pain, and she always hated seeing that. I could see the concern on her face and I needed to do something to make it better. "Ava honey, could you just go and sit on the sofa for a moment, I need to talk to Fiona." I asked

Ava happily obliged whilst Fiona gave me a confused look. "I have a favour to ask." I asked hesitantly. "Go on." She replied, raising an inquisitive eyebrow at me. "Ava has been stuck in this room with me all morning. She's worried because I've been in pain, and I want to take her to the cafeteria to get her some ice cream." I explained hoping she would understand. "Y/n, I'm not sure if that's the wisest idea." She said cautiously.

"Please, I know I can't go on my crutches, but I could go in a wheelchair and I promise, if there is too much pain or I think anything is up, I'll get help straight away. But my daughter is scared and trying to hide it. I just want to do something that is away from the soul-destroying place that is this hospital room." I pleaded. She stood there silent for awhile before taking a glance at Ava, who was sat on the sofa fiddling with her fingers, a clear sign she was worried. Fiona sighed. "Ok, BUT you have to be back within the hour so I can give you your meds. If you feel the slightest bit unwell you get the closest person for help ok." She instructed. "Thank you so much Fiona. You don't know how much this means." I said full of gratitude. "Well, I'm a sucker for a sob story and your kid is just too damn cute." She joked.

Fiona disappeared briefly before coming back with a wheelchair. "Ava, how about we go and get some ice cream?" I ask and I watched as he face lit up. She jumped off the sofa and bounced on the spot. "Really, you're going to get ice cream with me?" She asked in response. "Of course. I just need to get in this chair and then we'll go."

Fiona helped me up out of my bed and then got me situated in the chair. "Be careful wheeling yourself. The movement shouldn't aggravate your wound too much. So as long as you don't go racing anyone you should be fine." She joked as she passed me my phone and wallet. "Come on then bug. Let's go!" I said, prolonging the word go. She giggled and grabbed hold of the right handle and stayed close as we made our way down to the cafeteria.