Ten
Nurses floated in and out in a flurry of medical activity. The Doctor came mid-morning to remove the tube.
After the searing pain subsided, he rasped at the pink nurse, "—Bella?"
"Oh no, love, I'm Molly," she said as she helped him change his gown.
He collapsed back, feeling the throb of his throat and for the first time, pain in his legs.
Molly stopped him from reaching for his legs and pushed the call button.
"Do you remember your fire station being called to the Benton St. fire?" Doctor Banner asked. "You were working on the roof when it collapsed. You have burns on your legs and two broken ribs. The coma from smoke inhalation was a blessing in disguise. We were able to do the debridement and skin grafts while you were unconscious."
"Where's Bella?" he rasped hitting the bed.
The two nurses in the corner shared a look. Molly stepped forward, but the doctor shook his head in disapproval.
He knew he sounded crazy. Maybe he was, but he wanted to go back and find her sitting by the cottage hearth, waiting, hoping.
"I'm tired," his voice cracked as turned to face the wall.