A Horrible Episode – Part 11
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Chapter 12 – Time Heals.
Abby's POV
If I have to spend much longer in this room I'm going to scream. Everyone has been so nice to me since I've been in here, visiting me and bringing me presents, but what I would give for someone to wave a magic wand at me and allow me to get up. The room is starting to get claustrophobic and closing in on me. Everyday is the same. Corday and Romano come in here to check my back injury, and then tell me the same thing - "A little bit longer Abby, you're doing really well". If only they knew what it was like to not be able to sit up in bed to look out the window to see what the weather is like. To not be able to give the ones you love a hug, and making a mess every time you eat and drink because you can't sit up. Eating when flat on your bed is not pleasant. I have constipation where I can't digest my food properly. I have to have a nurse come clean me up when I have an accident of any kind. You don't realise how degrading it is to lose your independence. I really feel for patients now that I am experiencing this. Nothing in my life is private anymore. I used to be able to lock myself away and let out all my emotions when I was alone. Now, a solitary tear falls down my cheek and 'he' immediately rushes to my side. I think you know who I mean when I say 'he'. Carter. I love him to bits and I can't wait to be his wife, but his constant worrying is bringing us both down. I fear something bad will happen to us if I don't get good news soon. Oh well, here they are again.
Romano and Corday entered Abby's room.
"Good morning Abby. How are you feeling today?" Elizabeth asked.
"As good as ever. Waiting for good news as usual".
"Alrighty Miss Lockhart, lets get it over with" Romano said.
Corday and Romano rolled Abby onto her side to inspect her back.
"Abby, remind me. How long has it been since the operation?" asked Romano.
"About five weeks, one day, eight hours, forty-three minutes and fifteen seconds" Abby replied.
"Oh Abby" Elizabeth said sympathetically.
"Can you blame me for counting the hours? I mean after everything that has happened, I just want to go home. I don't think I can handle this for much longer"
"Well, you don't have to Miss Lockhart" Romano said.
"What?"
"I think it has been sufficient time for your back to start healing properly. We will give you an x-ray today, and if that looks all right, we will start to sit you up in bed. A few degrees at a time. Perhaps at the end of the week, if you're coping well with minimal pain, then you may be able to sit out in a chair"
"Oh! Thank-you! I needed that today" Abby replied excitedly.
"We need you to be honest with us though Abby. You must tell us if it hurts, one so we can give you pain relief, and two, we don't want to push your back too hard. Otherwise it could set you backwards again" said Elizabeth.
"I'll do everything you say, I promise. Thank-you so much"
"Don't thank us Abby. You've done all the hard work. I know I couldn't have survived this half as well as you have. You have such a strong character Abby, don't let anything from this beat you. You're a fighter, and you have made a lot of people proud of your spirit" Corday replied.
"Elizabeth. I don't know what to say. Thank-you" said Abby.
"Oh enough of this schmooz. It's like a freaking love story in here" Romano said.
Abby and Elizabeth laughed.
Carter walked into the room.
"Hey guys" he said to Elizabeth and Romano as they left the room.
Carter walked over to Abby and planted a kiss on her cheek.
"You're looking chirpy this morning"
"Well, I've been given the best news this morning. I'm going to have an x- ray and if that checks out alright, they're gonna let me sit up"
"Wow Abby, that's good"
"That's not all. I could be in a wheelchair by the end of the week which means I can go home!"
"Oh Abby. I'm so happy!" "There's only one problem – I can't go back to my place until I can walk"
"Abby, you're my fiancée, you no longer live there. You live with me. I'll set you up a room downstairs" "Thank-you Carter. I love you"
Carters POV.
It's so good to see Abby so happy again. The sparkle is beginning to come back to her eyes, and her dry sense of humour is returning. She has been much more open since all this had happened – partly because she has to be I suppose. Before, she was like a diary with all its secrets locked away for its eyes only. Now occasionally the lock breaks free and Abby will tell me how she is feeling. I love her to death. When she hurts, I hurt. I just want to help her through this. I want to marry her, have her children and grow old together. And you know what? I will.