PART SEVEN

Lita sat on the examination table, anxious as she and Matt waited on the doctor to come in to see her. It seemed hard to believe that it had been five days since she had been brought into the emergency room
here.

"A penny for your thoughts"

"Oh, huh?" She asked, snapping out of her fog and looking towards the sound of Matt's voice. "I was thinking about a hundred different things to keep my mind off this. I was thinking I wish Jeff was here with us, that my drivers license expires soon, that I never picked up my dry-cleaning..."

Matt shushed her by placing two fingers over her mouth. "You know what I was thinking?"

"No, what?"

"That when this is over and you can see just perfect, I have a special surprise in mind for you"

"Really?" Lita smiled. "I love surprises. Just what would this surprise be?"

"Now, now. You're not getting it out of me now. You'll just have to wait."

Lita opened her mouth to reply when she heard the door to their room open. Dr. Patton walked in, a nurse at his side.

"Hello Lita," he said. "How have you been doing? Did you get the rest I prescribed?"

"Oh yes," she said. "Matt and Jeff wouldn't let me out of their sight. They made me rest and relax. It wasn't easy though."

"Getting Lita to stay still for ten minutes is usually a challenge, Dr. Patton", Matt added.

Dr. Patton chuckled. "I'm sure it is, Matt. Now, let's get started Lita. I'm sure you're anxious to get back to your normal routine. Let me examine your ribcage and see how your ribs are doing."

"I'll just step out, Lita," Matt said, turning to exit the room. "If you want me too" he added.

"NO! Matt wait. Stay here with me. It's ok". Lita said, reaching out, only to brush at his arm.

"Alright then." Matt seemed relieved to stay with her.

Dr. Patton examined Lita's ribs. Although she still had discomfort, he deemed that her ribs would continue to heal without problem. "Ok, Lita. I'm going to remove your bandages now. Mary, if you don't mind, please dim the lights. I don't want the bright lights to cause Lita any discomfort."

Dr. Patton then picked up a pair of scissors and slowly cut the tape holding the bandages over Lita's eyes. Lita's stomach was turning flip-flops in anticipation.

"Lita, I want you to keep your eyes closed for a moment after I remove the bandages. Then, slowly open your eyes and tell me what you see."

The doctor removed the bandages. Matt moved to stand directly beside the doctor in anticipation. Lita felt the air hit her eyelids that had been trapped close for so long. Slowly, she fluttered her eyelids and then opened her eyes.

to be continued..............................