The Fall of the Keepers

Chapter 24 New Information

The nurse took us down to the ICU, explaining they were keeping Esha under close observation for a minimum of 24 hours. She was alive, but he insisted that the doctor would have to answer any of our other questions on her current state. We came to the nurse's station on the main floor where various hospital staff were going about their duties.

"Dr. Bowers, these are Esha Coften's siblings."

A tall middle-aged woman with striking red hair pulled back into a severe bun glanced up from scribbling something onto her clipboard. She was leaning against the off white counter, a surgical mask around her neck and a long white coat that had splotches of blood marring it's bleached appearance.

"Dr. Amy Bowers, pleasure you meet you."
She tucked the clipboard under her arm and extended her hand.

"Solomon Coften."
My brother shook it firmly.

"I'm Astrid."
I gave a small wave with my hand before crossing my arms over my chest.

I was relieved when she didn't bat an eye, perhaps she was busy enough with her work that she hadn't seen my face plastered all over the television.

"Your sister is out of surgery and stable for the time being. A broken rib had punctured her liver, causing internal bleeding. Luckily for her, it was not an extensive tear and we were able to get the bleeding under control relatively quickly. She has what I suspect to be a grade three concussion, but we won't know the full extent of the damage until she wakes."

"Grade 3?"
Solomon queried.

"Severe."
Dr. Bowers clarified.

I winced, subconsciously rubbing the back of my neck.

"Her left wrist was broken but has been set and cast, and based on the current x-rays I expect it to heal within the next eight were."
Dr. Bowers continued.

That didn't sound so bad at least.

"She has various scrapes and bruises, all which I believe will heal with no complications."

"So, she's going to be alright?"
I asked hesitantly.

Dr. Bowers let out a breath.

"There's one more thing, your sister has sustained a spinal fracture at T-11. I believe it to be an incomplete spinal cord injury."

Though I didn't totally understand what she was saying I didn't miss the solemn expression on her face.

"I'm sorry, can you explain that more thoroughly?"
Solomon asked.

"We'll need to do some tests when she is awake and alert to confirm my suspicions, but she is going to have severe impairment to the sensory and motor skills in her lower extremities."

I cleared my throat nervously. Dr. Bowers searched our faces, apparently realizing we weren't following the lingo she was using very well.

"The bottom line is, your sister is paralyzed from the waist down and very likely will never walk again."

Now that I understood. She said something else but I didn't catch the words. All I could focus on was the fact that I had ruined my little sister's life. I realized Solomon and the doctor were walking off without me and I hurried to catch up.

"She's resting comfortably now, the anesthesia will take some time to wear off, especially being in conjunction with some heavy-duty pain meds."

Esha was stretched out in the hospital bed, her skin as pale as ever, eyes closed and chest rising and falling with every breath. An oxygen tube was tucked into her nose and various cords and wires seemed to be attached to her in one way or another. Solomon moved to her left side and I moved to her right, gently taking ahold of her hand.