Tentacles

14

I stood in the doorway of Hailey's hospital room.

The doctor, a 50-something guy with graying hair, turned to me. "She just came out of surgery. She's unconscious, and she's got a fractured leg and arm. It should heal in about 6-9 weeks. Nothing to worry about, miss."

I nodded and muttered the softest "okay" I had ever produced.

I walked over to her hospital room and looked down at her.

It wasn't the first time I had seen her sleep. I have looked over my shoulder in the middle of the night, when the moon just barely peeked through the cracks in between the curtains.

It was different, though, seeing her like this. Her energy was drained from the room, and it was noticeable.

I sighed and kissed her forehead, before slumping down on on the uncomfortable hospital chair.

My phone rang out. "Hello?"

It was Hailey's parents. "How is Hailey? I heard the news: we're in the Bahamas at the moment. I can take the next plane-"

"It's okay, Mrs. Smith. The doctors said she just had a broken arm and a leg. She should heal in the next 6-9 weeks, I think." I looked up to the doctor, who nodded.

Mrs. Smith let out a breath of releif over the phone. "Thank God. Sweetheart, I'll be back on Tuesday. Call me if anything- severe- happens. Or just call if you want to talk. I'm here for you, honey."

I smiled. "Thanks, Mrs. Smith."

"Oh please, dear, call me Marge."

"Okay, Marge. Enjoy the Bahamas! Tell Greg I said hi!"

I ended the call and slumped deeper into the seat, closing my droopy eyes before finally drifting off to sleep.