Hazel Rain

Chapter 13

The doctor ran his fingers over Adam's cheekbone, "No pain at all, correct?"

"None at all." Adam reported, it had been almost two months since he was injured on the job and he was eager to get off desk duty. Though he knew once he was cleared to return to full duty, Kim would be kicked back down to patrol. He hated that, he loved getting to see her all day, and working alongside her was a definite plus.

"Your chest? How's that feeling?"

Adam shrugged, "Some pain, but nothing I can't push through. I really want to get back at it doc, I hate being a desk jockey."

"Alright, I'll sign off on your release. You still need to take it easy, don't try to be a hero..got it?"

Adam laughed, "I got it. Thanks"

He waited at the front desk as the receptionist printed off his release paper, and then waited for his doctor to sign off on it, he was chomping at the bit to get back. Sure the first few weeks at home were nice, especially the days he had Hazel. It was nice when he had her for the weekend, instead of picking her up after shift he was able to get her first thing in the morning. That was about the only good thing he could find in his 'forced vacation'.

He had learned his lesson that first weekend and did a better job when it came to feeding her, he allowed the sugary snacks and drinks but it moderation. He also quickly learned that sometimes he needed to say no to her, despite how sad it made her.

She had her two year old check up just a few days ago, her birthday was the coming weekend and it was bittersweet, it just wasn't fair. He internally scolded himself, that train of thought would get him nowhere and would only leave him feeling sad. Kim had convinced him of that, convinced him to cherish every moment he had with Hazel, and to make all of the moments he had with his niece count.

Kim had been his beacon through the roughest storm in his life and he would be forever grateful. She was his anchor, she steadied him and she made him a better man.

"No, don't eat that Haze." Adam cringed as his niece jammed the pretend vine of grapes into her mouth. His skin crawled at the thought of the germs that had taken up residence on the plastic toy fruit.

She grabbed it and held up to him, "Yucky?"

Adam took it from her, "Yes, very yucky." He shook his hand out as he dropped the toy in the basket beside his chair, he then ran his hand down his pant leg.

Kim had offered to come with him but he told her it wasn't necessary and that she should take her sister up on her offer to meet for lunch. They'd been inseparable since his injury and he knew she needed some time to herself. He was always a bit nervous, he was going to ask the doctor about Hazel calling her 'Mommy' and how they should handle it.

It wasn't a conversation he wanted to have in front of Kim, he knew it ate at her and that she felt awful about it, despite his frequent reminders that it wasn't her fault.

"Hazel Ruzek?" The nurse called out, and Hazel jumped down from Adam's lap.

"Me!" Hazel pointed proudly to her chest, "Me, Hazel."

The nurse smiled, "Yes, you are sweet girl" the entire staff had been made aware of Hazel's current situation and the death of her parents. Adam had been given all of her medical records and with the input of JoBeth and her office they deemed it in the little girl's best interest to stick with familiar faces.