Silent Enemy

Chapter 9: Holy Ground

"Alright Ms. Hopps, breathe in and..." The low whine of an air compressor sounded, as the pneumatic cast set onto Judy's left arm inflated. She clenched her teeth, breath caught in her throat despite the Nurse Practitioner's instructions. While the procedure didn't really hurt, it was an uncomfortable sensation. A few moments later, the cast was set, and she allowed herself to breathe again. "There it is," The ram said cheerfully. "Now, we need to install the cover. Do you have any color preferences dear?" The Nurse had a high pitched, sing song voice that Judy found immensely irritating. Adding to her growing headache, she had discovered a collection of smaller aches and pains that she hadn't noticed acquiring during the evening's activities. In short, Judy was in no mood, and it took a greater effort of will than she would have believed possible simply to keep from snapping at the cheerful ram.

"Whichever." She mumbled, ears sagging in fatigue. The short nap she had on their way to the hospital hadn't helped her mood. If anything, it had made her feel even more tired, and she longed for her bed so that she could collapse in peace.

"How about this lovely blue, darling?" Judy smiled. Well, in truth, it was more of a grimace really. The ram, however, seemed unphased by her glares and set to attaching the high density plastic sheath to her cast with the same cheery disposition he seemed to have about every task. Judy suspected that, were a gunshot victim to come into the hospital, bleeding all over the place. The ram would merely comment on how well the patient seemed to be bleeding. "Plenty of Iron, you must eat well." She mumbled to herself.

"Hmm, what was that dear?" The ram asked, working the snaps secure on the cast's protective sheath.

"Oh nothing. Is that it then?" Judy asked hopefully.

"Just about...aha... there we are. Give that a try." Judy moved her arm experimentally. The cast held her arm secure, protecting if from any further damage, while also giving her a greater range of movement than the brace, with its built in sling, she had previously worn. She suspected that it was all imaginary, but she swore she felt the pain lessen in the limb as well.

"That's much better, thank you." She said anemically. She tried to sound more cheery, but her heart wasn't in it. However, if the Nurse had noticed, he didn't seem to let it show.

"No problem Ms. Hopps. Now, you take care of that you hear. You'll need to make an appointment in 4 weeks or so to have it looked at again. You have any questions?" Judy shook her head in the negative. "Alright then. Just hang out here for a moment for Bridget to bring in your aftercare papers. Then we'll get you out of here. Have a good day." The ram took two steps backwards, and opened the door, smiling at the doe. He then ducked out the door, humming to himself as he went.

Judy leaned back in the little chair she sat in, and let out a deep and tired sigh. She closed her eyes, breathing deeply as she relaxed. For the first time in several days, her mind was blank. There were no pressing engagements. Not sudden crisis requiring her attention. She could just sit back and relax. She drifted for a time, not sleeping, but not entirely awake either. She lost herself in the simple contentment of the still, quiet air, until a knock broke her reverie. She opened her eyes, and a badger in green scrubs walked into the room, carrying an armful of paperwork. Nurse Bridget was a thorough mammal. She sat with Judy, going over the paperwork needed by the ZPD, the aftercare instructions, and other general health care information. By the time they were finished, Judy's head felt as if it had been baked in sand.

"Thank you Officer Hopps." She started for the door, and paused. "By the way, your ride asked me to tell you he would be waiting for you in chapel. Judy frowned, Nick wasn't supposed to be done yet, and certainly wouldn't have had the time to setup a ride, and then wait for her in the chapel. In point of fact, she realized she had never even heard of Nick stepping foot inside of a church. Maybe it's one of the guys from ZPD. Judy shrugged, and thanked the nurse. She nodded, and left through the door. Judy gathered her items and followed suite, getting directions from the receptionist to the hospital's chapel.