Copyright © 2024 by GroveltoHEA
"I need you to pack me some clothes," Addy said after we made our deal.
I wanted to slap myself on the forehead. Addy didn't call me in here just to share that she was being transferred. How stupid was I not to figure out that there was a practical reason for her telling me she was being moved? Apparently, I had to have everything spelled out for me like the dumbass I was.
"Sure. What do you want me to pack?"
Gesturing to her bedside table, she pointed at a written list that I picked up. "That's everything. The nurses told me to bring some loose, comfortable clothing, like sweat pants and T-shirts, since those can be easier to move around in. Swim suits since some therapy will be in the pool. Regular clothes for later on. A couple of jackets and sweaters. Tennis shoes. Pajamas. Toiletries. It's all there. I tried to write down the colors so you'd know exactly which clothes I wanted."
After reading through the list, I nodded. "No problem. I can get this done when I leave here and then...do you want me to bring the suitcases back to you, or do you want me to bring them in the car?"
"You can bring them, please."
"Is there anything else you need?"
"That list should cover it. If I need something once I'm there, I can order it."
"Or I can get it for you if you need it right away."
"I won't --"
"I said if, Addy. I know you probably won't." I waited a beat. "I'll go get started on the packing, if that's OK. Do you need anything else?"
"No, I'm good. Thank you."
We settled on a time for me to be at the hospital the next day so I could follow her medical transport van, and then I headed out, my phone in my hand to start the calls I needed to make.
First up, I called my father-in-law. Get the hardest call out of the way first.
"Is Addy OK?" Nate asked right away, his voice concerned.
I wasn't sure how to respond to that since she was in the hospital, her broken body healing, but I answered the fear behind his question. Did something else happen to Addy?
"She's fine --"
"Boy, you and I sure have a different definition of fine. My daughter's in the hospital facing months of rehab because of you. How is that fine?"
The hostility rolled through the phone and slapped at me.
"She's the same, then. Nothing else has happened to her. I just wanted to let you know that she's moving to rehab tomorrow and I'll be --
"We know she's moving to rehab tomorrow. Did you think we're not in touch with our daughter every day? Did you think we're like you?"
"I know you know. I was saying that she's moving tomorrow and I'll be going with her."
"She doesn't want you there!"
"I'm aware of that. But I've been reading up on rehab, and sometimes a family member can be an extra voice for the patient, or, God forbid, things can happen -- patients can fall, get dizzy, slip, and while I doubt any of that will happen, if it did, I don't want to be three hundred miles away from her and have to take that time to travel before I could get to her."
"Boy, you were in the same town with her before and it didn't matter -- she was still alone for three fucking days!"
"I know." I gave myself a minute to steady my voice. "You're fifteen hundred miles away, and I know she'd rather have you there --"
YOU ARE READING
Challen and Addy
RomanceA married couple has been drifting apart for a while. He's on the go. She's more comfortable at home. He has a female friend at work he enjoys hiking, mountain bike riding and running with. She can't keep up. One day she tries and ends up in the hos...
