you stop being such an obstinate dumbass. The finger has to heal, brother, or you’ll be useless on a keyboard.”
The fucker hung up on me. And that’s when my mood shifted. I could be more help to them in the office than in here. Scottie checked herself out yesterday, against medical advice. To be fair, the doctor told her he was going to release her today, but he wanted her to stay one more day. After some persuasive talk on her part, he threw his hands up and told her to go, against his wishes. He also told her he wanted her to report in daily.
That pissed me off too. Why couldn’t my doctor do the same? When I asked, he would only say he needed to change my bandages and inspect the wounds daily.
“I can come in for you to do that.”
“I also want to keep you on the IVs for a few more days. Better to be safe.”
That’s when my evil twin showed up. Without Scottie here, this stay became unbearable. Mom told me I was acting like a spoiled brat and I suppose she was right. However, being here was useless. Even having my computer here was ridiculous. The bandage made it impossible to type anything.
My phone rang late that night and I was sort of pleased to see it was Scottie. But, not even thoughts of her could rouse me out of my sullen mood.
“Hey there. How’s the patient today?”
“Impatient,” I growled.
“Wow. Someone is grumpy. Cruze told me you’ve been in a rotten mood.”
“Oh? What else did Cruze tell you?” I imagined the two of them, heads together, gossiping about me.
“Nothing other than you weren’t happy about having to stay.”
“Humph.”
“Hey, I’d come and visit, but I was super busy today and time got away from me. I just got home about a half hour ago.”
“That a fact?”
“Um, look, if you don’t want to talk, I can call back tomorrow.”
“Sure. Why don’t you do that, when you can book me into your busy schedule.”
“Jeez, Raiden, you don’t have to be an asshole about it.”
“No, but I’m not feeling particularly jovial tonight.”
“I’m sorry, but don’t take it out on me.”
“Point made and received.”
“Look, I’m going to call it a night. I’m exhausted—”
“I’m sure you are. Talk later.” I ended the call. Then I sat there and sulked. This sucked. Until I realized I could’ve been dead, instead of sitting here, relatively unscathed, all things considered.
“Ugh, how could I have been such a dick?”
“Pardon me?” the nurse asked. She walked in as I was talking out loud to myself.
“Nothing. I was, oh, never mind.”
“You okay, Mr. Kent?”
“I guess so.”
“I need to take your vitals. And it’s time for me to switch out your IVs.”
She was quick to take my temperature and blood pressure, which were both normal. Then she hung two new IV bags and handed me a couple of pills in a tiny cup.
“One is for pain and the other for sleep.”
“I’m not in any pain. Do I still need to take those?”
“No, but are you sleeping okay?”
“I’ve been sleeping fine.”
She smiled and held out her hand for the cup. “Good, then let’s see how you do. If you need it, just call.”
“Thanks.”
When she was gone, I was left with my own negative thoughts. I had been an asshole to Scottie for no reason.
I quickly sent her a text.
Hey, sorry I acted like a dick. I’m a terrible patient. I hope you can forgive me and I’m trying to behave better.
I saw the three dots show up and soon her response popped in.
I understand. But don’t show that side to me. I’m sorry you’re stuck there, but it’s for your own good. Take care of your hand and I miss you. The real Raiden.
That brought a slight chuckle out of me.
Miss you too—from the real Raiden.
She sent me back a smiling emoji along with lips and an eggplant. Why the eggplant? Was she going to cook for me? I rarely used emojis, so I was out of the loop on those. I’d have to ask her tomorrow.
That night I fell asleep and dreamed about the O’Briens. I saw Scottie and some men I didn’t recognize shooting guns. Bodies were scattered on the ground with blood draining from them. The faces were blurred, but when I woke, my heart was clanging against my ribs, and I was tangled in damp sheets.
Was that a premonition or just an overactive imagination? I’d never been one to have nightmares before but I