DARK DAYS AND DARKER NIGHTS
"Did the hospital call?"
Natalie's first thought upon awakening was of Miles. Looking over to where Stephen sat observing her, she asked, "Did the hospital call?"
"It didn't. Which probably means that his condition remains essentially unchanged. And right now we can take that as a good sign," Stephen answered. He set aside the magazine that he'd been idly flipping through.
"Did you ever hear from his father?" Natalie asked after a moment.
"Yes. This afternoon. He said he only just got the messages today," Stephen replied.
"Is he coming to see Miles?"
"Apparently so. Why don't you get dressed and we'll grab some supper," the doctor suggested. He glanced at his watch. "It's a little past 5:00 and I've made arrangements to talk with the doctors if they're available. We should know more after that."
Natalie nodded and reached into her bag and grabbed a change of clothing before heading into the bathroom to take a quick shower and get ready. The sleep had done her a world of good but now she was back to full time worrying. She was still brushing back her damp hair as she returned to the room saying, "I'll be ready in just a moment, Stephen."
"Take your time," he replied reaching for his already packed bag.
"You're not leaving already?" Natalie asked as she slipped on her shoes and socks.
"Kate wants me back at NIH tomorrow so I'll be taking the late flight out. That way I can give her a full report on Miles' condition. You still need to be back on Monday as already planned," Stephen told her.
"I know. I just hate leaving Miles all alone," she admitted.
"His father's on the way so he won't be," Stephen reminded her as he held open the door.
Once they arrived at Norbridge Natalie just had to go up to the SICU a minute to check on Miles. Peering inside his room, she saw that several nurses were tending to him. Stephen approached and lightly touched her on the arm. "Come on, Nat," he said quietly and led her toward the exit.
That time of day the cafeteria still held a pretty good selection that included everything from salads and sandwiches to entrees. They quickly made their selections and found an out of the way booth to sit down and eat. Natalie half heartedly picked at her salad for a few moments before she finally began eating.
Once they were finished Stephen reached across the table to place his hand on hers as he quietly said, "Remember that if Miles does pull through it's going to be quite awhile before he comes back if he does at all." He gave her hand a squeeze. "I'll take care of this and then we'll go up and see him, okay."