by J. Benson
Her toes moved beneath the blankets.
I smiled at her, leaning forward and gently kissing her forehead.
“My head is killing me, though.” Her free hand slowly reached up and touched the bandage at the back of her neck. “Hmmm…” She mumbled.
“What?” I asked worriedly. “Do you want me to get a nurse? Maybe they could give you something for the pain…”
“I can handle it.” Emma admitted. “I just want you to stay.”
With my free hand, I lightly brushed her cheek. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise you.” I swore.
We were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. “Look who’s awake!”
I turned to see a woman in a white coat move into the room. I recognized her as Emma’s doctor. I couldn’t remember her name.
“How are you holding up?” The doctor asked.
“Uhh… okay… I guess.” Emma answered, glancing toward me. She pushed her hands back and struggled to push herself up.
“Here, let me help you.” I offered. I moved my hands to her sides, gently lifting her by the ribs until she was sitting up. I watched her face carefully for signs of distress.
“Thanks.” She said.
The doctor appeared at the other side of the bed. I moved back onto the chair, still holding Emma’s hand.
The doctor removed a tiny flash light and shone it into Emma’s eyes, sweeping it back and forth.
Emma’s brow furrowed, when the doctor turned off the light, Emma squinted. “It’s bright.”
I moved forward on my chair, holding her hand tighter.
“Sorry, Honey.” The doctor replied. “Light sensitivity is normal.”
“Yeah.” Emma replied, her eyes slowly opening. Her eyes found me and I smiled assuredly.
“Can you sit forward just a bit?” The doctor asked.
Emma nodded, pushing herself up, leaning forward. I kept her hand tightly.
The doctor examined the bandage. “Everything looks good. The nurses will change that for you in the morning.’
“Okay.” Emma dropped back against the pillows, glancing at me.
“Are you her boyfriend?” The doctor asked. It took me a second to realize she was talking to me.
I glanced up from Emma’s face in confusion. “Uh… yeah.”
“How long have you been going out?” The doctor pressed.
“Almost three months.” I answered without skipping a beat.
“Then you know her very well.” The doctor mused.
“I hope so.” I replied, my eyes still on Emma’s face.
“Does she seem normal to you? Any confusion?”
“She seems fine to me...” I frowned. “Why? What’s this all about?”
“I just needed your opinion to be sure Emma is normal, we’re going to run some more comprehensive tests in the morning, just some mental challenges, math, spatial configuration… just to make sure everything is normal after the surgery.”
“Okay.” Emma agreed. “When do I start chemo?”
“We have a spot open tomorrow afternoon, if all goes well you can start then.”
Emma nodded. “Okay.”
“I’ll be back to check on you in the morning. If you need anything, the nurses will be here.”
“Thank you.” Emma smiled.
“Of course.” The doctor nodded and walked from the room.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, Em, but you look tired. Maybe you should rest. It sounds like you have a busy day ahead of you tomorrow.” I swallowed. The last thing I wanted was to leave her, but I couldn’t keep her from resting.
“No.” Emma said. “Can’t you stay?”
“If you want me to.” I agreed. “Will I keep you up?”
“No.” She pushed herself up on her hands, sliding away from me.
“Emma, what are you doing? Don’t strain yourself-“ I protested worriedly.
“Come here.” She pulled my hand.
“Em-“ I began, reluctantly following her.
I sighed, relinquishing and lying next to her on my side. I would have given her anything she had asked for at that moment.
I reached for the extra blanket that was folded at the bottom of the bed. I pulled it carefully over her, arranging it around her to keep her warm.
Her tired eyes watched me carefully, until I smiled faintly at her. “Okay? Are you comfortable? How about another pillow?”
She blinked slowly, wearily. “No. I’m fine.” Her arms looped around me, surprisingly tightly, I hadn’t expected her to have the energy. Her head rested on the inside of my shoulder. She heaved an exhausted sigh, her eyes closing.
I moved an arm around her, crushing her gently closer, pressing my lips into her hair.
How was it possible that I had missed her so much in just three days?
“I love you.” I murmured, pressing another kiss to her hair.
“I love you too.” She responded, weakly. She was already drifting to sleep.