Together Again
Chapter 7
It was the best weekend Christine had had in a long time. They spent time with the girls and even went out of a date together, but Monday came too quickly and Christine found herself in a waiting room, patiently waiting for Mike to get out of surgery. She was holding her breath, praying that it wasn't cancer, but if it was; they would handle it. Finally, Dr. Evans called her to a conference room.
"He's doing pretty well. We had to remove a little bit of the lung and all of the thyroid. I have sent the masses off to pathology. I can't tell you that they are or are not cancerous, but I can tell you; if they weren't, they would have become cancerous. I honestly think we caught them in time." Dr. Evans explained.
"Good. Is he awake?" Christine asked.
"He's awake but in and out. We will keep him dosed up pretty good on pain meds, so he doesn't try to strain and breathe." Dr. Evans said.
"Okay. It'll be okay for our daughters to visit this evening?" Christine asked.
"Yes. It'll do him good. He'll be on a soft diet for a week or so." Dr. Evans said as he stood up and began leading Christine to a hospital room.
"I figured he would be." Christine said.
"And he'll stay overnight. I've already told the nurse you'll want to stay with him. I think as long as he rests, he should be able to go home tomorrow. He is overly tired, but he has had two major surgeries in less than a month. With a little luck, he won't have to undergo chemo." Dr. Evans explained.
"I hope not but if he does, we'll handle it." Christine answered. Dr. Evans smiled at her before opening a hospital room door. Mike was sound asleep on the hospital bed, with oxygen attached and an IV in his arm.
"Just make sure he takes it easy. The more he stresses and strains, the harder the recovery." Dr. Evans said before Christine walked into the room. He shut the door behind her and she sat down in the chair next to Mike's bed. He looked tired, pale and not as strong, but Christine knew better. He was still as strong as the day they were married. About an hour later; Mike's eyes popped open and he smiled weakly at Christine when he focused on her.
"You're here." Mike said.
"Where else would I be?" Christine said. She stood up and helped Mike take a drink of water.
"I don't know. At home. Where are the girls?" Mike asked.
"School. Soon as they are out, they are going to come visit…unless the rain comes in." Christine said. She looked at the window and knew the rain was coming.
"They should stay home. I'll be there tomorrow. Shouldn't drive in the rain." Mike said.
"I'll text Katie. I would prefer they stay home too, especially with the weather." Christine answered.
"Safer." Mike said with a yawn.
"I was hoping to stay the night though. The girls will be alright at home." Christine told him and he gave her another weak smile.
"Not very romantic." Mike remarked.
"No, but it can't all be fancy dinners and pretty dresses. Your grandma told me that once." Christine said.
"Hmm. I'm getting tired again." Mike admitted.
"Go to sleep. I love you." Christine said as she stroked Mike's cheek.
"I remember when you told me you loved me the first time. I was a jerk and didn't answer back, but I did, even then." Mike said.
"I think I knew. Probably when you bought me a wedding dress." Christine answered. She gave Mike a gentle kiss on the lips and pulled the blanket over his chest.
"And I thought I was hiding it." Mike said. His eyelids were getting heavy and he gave Christine a weak smile.
"No. You've always been a bit of a sap. Go to sleep." Christine ordered.
"I love you too." Mike said. Christine smiled as his eyelids finally dropped and he fell asleep. Christine would spend the rest of the night monitoring her husband and remembering.
