6.

The next morning Sydney was feeling a lot better. A nurse awoke her at 8am with her breakfast and gave her some painkillers watching as she swallowed them. Once the nurse had left the room Sydney took the two tablets out from the side of her mouth. Just as she was about to get out of bed a doctor came into her room to check her vitals and informed her that she could probably be discharged later that day.

When he left she pulled back the sheets and instantly wanted to tuck her legs back under the warm covers. She bought her legs around the side of the bed and stepped onto the floor, wincing at how cold it was and took the pills out from under her pillow. Disappointed that she couldn't find any slippers and still feeling a bit unsteady she carefully walked to the en-suite bathroom in the corner of her room, holding the wall to balance herself. Once in the bathroom Sydney pulled the door shut behind her and instantly threw the tablets into the toilet bowl. She flushed and carefully returned to her bed.

Just as she finished her breakfast there was a knock at her door.

She was suddenly alert. Climbing out of bed again she slowly walked to the bathroom.

There was another knock on her door.

Quickening her pace as much as her aching limbs and the throbbing in her head would allow she went into her bathroom. She had noticed when she was in there earlier that there was a large window in the room, big enough for her to climb out if needs be.

There was another knock and this time the person on the other side was turning the door handle.

She pulled the bathroom door shut and could hear voices in her room.

"That's strange, she's not in her." It was Francie's voice.

The relief that washed over her nearly caused her to collapse in a heap on the cold floor.

"She's in the bathroom Fran."

As Sydney opened the door Will, who was standing nearest to her went over to her putting his arm around her for support.

"What are you doing out of bed?" He asked, helping her back into bed.

"I just needed the bathroom." Sydney replied sheepishly.

"What do you think nurses are for Syd?"

"I couldn't have someone around me in there, the thought of it makes me feel uncomfortable."

"You look so much better today." Francie told her, quickly changing the subject.

"Thank you Fran." She replied with a smile.

"Have you spoken to the doctor yet? When can you come home?"

"If all goes well later today."

"That's great. Here I picked up some of your clothes for you."

Sydney gratefully took the bag Francie was holding out to her.

"Thanks. Can you…err…give me a…hand?" She asked Francie, feeling shy about having to ask for help getting dressed.

"Sure. Will don't you have to get some coffee or something?"

"No, I'm fine."

"Will!" Francie responded through grated teeth.

A look of understanding came over Will's face. "Oh, ok sure. Do you want anything?"

"No thank you." Sydney replied.

"Ok then I'll just go out and chat to those guys in the waiting room." He said, only half joking.

After Will left Francie helped Sydney to sit up on her bed.

"I'll be glad when I get this top on." Sydney said, pulling a thick woollen jumper from the bag Francie had brought. "It's so cold in this room."

As Francie helped Sydney pull her hospital gown over the large bandage on her head she let out a gasp.

"What is it?" Sydney asked, worried. She looked at Francie who was staring at her back.

"All these cuts and bruises on you Syd! I'm so glad you're alright." She bent over and carefully gave Sydney a hug. "I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost you Syd." She said with a tear running down her cheek.

Five minutes later, Sydney was dressed and was feeling a lot more comfortable.

"We brought you your favourite movie." Francie told her as she fluffed Sydney's pillow. "I'll call Will in here."

After Will came back he took a seat on the chair by the bed while Sydney moved over giving Francie a seat next to her on the bed and they settled down to watch Lawrence Of Arabia on the small TV in the corner of the room.