Invalid Response - Chapter 3
by Una Moonstar
ANs: It seems people are liking this one - yes! I'm liking that you're liking it... Can you tell I haven't had enough sleep lately? I'll leave you to the next installment.
(fade out...)
(begin chapter...)
The next few days passed uneventfully. Tuesday night rolled around, and Andrew found himself trudging his way to the hospital once more, with a new pile of assignments and an old pile of graded ones. The blond man could not believe his friend. Even after missing the lectures, Darien still got perfect papers. What he wouldn't give...
Finally reaching his destination, Andrew gave a quick knock then entered the dark room. "Hey, Dare," he called softly. "You awake?"
"Yeah, come on in."
It still astounded him how dead that boy sounded, even when discussing his late night visitor last Friday and Serena's surprise gift. He shook his head and went behind the curtain. "Your papers, sir," he said as he handed the piles to the dark-haired man in the bed. The majority of the bandages were gone from his head and upper torso, and the bruises were fading nicely.
"Thanks. I've got a small pile over there that are finished." Darien pointed toward the table. He paused. "The police stopped by this afternoon. It appears they have found the identity of the driver that did this."
Still dead. Astounding. "And?"
Darien shrugged. "They wanted to know if I would formally press charges. I guess this kid has pulled stunts like this before, except this was the first time someone got hurt. They want to take this to court, and it'll be easier if I press charges. Daddy has money."
"Well? What did you tell them?"
"I told the officer I'd think about it. He said he'd be back on Thursday at the end of his shift for my answer."
"It's your call, but I think you should do it. This kid needs to be stopped, or at least be taught a lesson."
"We'll see."
(fade out...)
(scene change...)
The next day was gorgeous. Not a cloud in the sky and a light breeze to remind you of the upcoming season, just enough to make you glad you wore your jacket. Lita and Serena were walking to the arcade after serving a detention for talking in class. Amy was at cram school, and Raye and Mina were helping out at the temple, so the two girls were left to their own devices.
"The breeze smells good," Serena giggled as she took a deep whiff.
Lita smiled. "Yeah, it does. I like walking in this kind of weather."
"I thought you liked storms."
The tall girl laughed. "I do, but that doesn't mean I like walking in them."
Serena briefly noted the changing lights at the upcoming intersection. "Storms." She shuddered. "I hate them. But of course you probably think you can take them on in hand-to-hand combat!" She laughed as she dashed forward out of reach.
Lita smirked as she started after her friend. "I'll show you hand-to-hand combat."
The blonde glanced at the lit "walk" light as she quickly made her way into the crosswalk. She turned back to stick out her tongue at her vengeful-minded friend.
Just as she did that, Lita noticed out of the corner of her eye a cherry red convertible screaming toward the intersection with no intention of slowing down. It started to pass the sedan that was stopping for the light when she realized it was headed straight for Serena.
The next few moments seemed to go in slow motion. Lita dove for Serena just as the petite blonde turned back to the street, barely grabbing her by the arms and hauling her back before the teenage-filled convertible filled the space she had been. As the car passed, Serena's wind-blown skirt's hem caught on the fender, ripping a piece off and giving the passengers a good view of her unmentionables. A voice from the back seat called out, "Thanks for the offer; take you up on it later!" Lita growled and concentrated on the rear plates. The driver was going to get a painful visit later, if she had anything to say about it.
The two girls tumbled back onto the pavement, and were almost immediately surrounded. "Are you girls okay?" a gentleman in a business suit asked, worried.
"I am," Lita responded. "Serena, you okay?" She numbly nodded.
"Stay here," a casually dressed woman commanded as she put away a small phone. "I've just called the police and they should be here any minute." The concerned crowd moved the girls to a nearby bus stop bench and sat them down. Lita merely held her shocked friend and waited for the authorities.
The wait wasn't long. An average height redhead in a police uniform rushed over and started asking questions. Lita growled out her story while leaving her arms protectively draped around Serena. The members of the crowd also told their versions, then left with sympathetic words to the two teenagers. Then the officer turned to the small blonde.
"I know you're still in shock about this, Miss Tsukino, but I really need your statement. Take your time, there's no need to rush, but please, tell me your version of what happened."
To Lita's surprise, and the officer's relief, Serena brought her head up, stared off into space, and proceeded to tell her tale in amazing detail. There was absolutely no emotion in her voice whatsoever. Lita shuddered as her friend finished.
"Well, thank you so much, Miss Tsukino. Did you need a ride home? I can arrange for one."
She silently shook her head. "Uh, no, that's okay, officer. It's not far, and I think she could use the fresh air right now. I'll walk her home and let her parents know what happened."
"Thank you, Miss Kino. We'll keep you and your friend here informed."
"Thanks." She then steered her quiet friend toward their original destination.
Andrew looked up from his newspaper at the counter when the bells above the arcade doors rang through the near-empty building. He found himself doing a double take when he saw the two girls step inside. Lita had her arm around the smaller girl's shoulders, while Serena blankly stared at the ground. The blonde's skirt seemed to be torn, and both girls were shaking. "What happened to you guys?"
Lita looked at him sharply, anger flashing in her eyes. "Serena nearly got hit by a car on our way here. I barely managed to pull her out of the way in time." She took a deep breath and released it slowly.
Andrew quickly made his way out from behind the counter. "Come on, let's get her into the back room." He gently put his hand on Serena's shoulder. "Are you okay, Serena?" No response. "Alright, we'll get you to the back then I'll get you a hot chocolate. Is that okay?"
She numbly nodded. "Thank you," she said, just barely audible.
Once Serena was settled in the back room, and Lita was assured she'd be okay alone for a short while, Andrew treated her to a soda while she told him exactly what happened. "Well, we were coming here after detention, just goofing around like we normally do, when she made a crack and dashed ahead of me. I saw her take a quick look at the light and step into the crosswalk. She turned and made a face at me, and that's when I noticed the car from the corner of my eye. I jumped forward when I realized the car wasn't stopping, in fact it was going around someone who was, and managed to grab her arms and pull her back just as the car went by. Heck, her skirt got caught on the front bumper! That's why it's torn. I think someone in the back seat said something nasty by the look on his face, but I don't know what. Anyway, someone who saw it all happen called the police, and an officer came and took our statements. He said he'd keep us informed. I was surprised Serena could talk at all, although those were pretty much the only words she's said since, except for her thank you to you." She slammed her fist down on the table. "If I ever get my hands on that driver, he's going to wish he'd never been born!"
Andrew scratched his head as he thought. "Hey, Lita, what did the car look like?"
"It was a cherry red convertible, I'm not sure of the exact make. Why do you ask?"
He looked a bit uncomfortable. "I... heard something about that other accident, and was wondering if it could be the same driver. Did you get a look at him?"
"Not really, but Serena did. She said he had long black hair pulled back in a ponytail, green eyes, and a scar on his right cheek."
"She got that much detail?"
"I was shocked, too. But the officer said something about trauma sometimes having that kind of effect. I suppose I could ask Amy about it."
"Weird."
"Definitely. I better get back there and see how she's doing. I just hope she's going to be okay."
"I hope so too. If you're still here later, I'll come back on my break. Meanwhile, don't worry about the drinks. They're on me."
"Thanks, Andrew. Could you let her parents know where she is? I don't think I want her to move for a while, not until she's a little more stable."
"Can do. Let her know I'm there for her."
"You bet." The tall brunette walked to the back of the café and entered the room where Serena was.
A couple of hours later, Andrew walked into the back room to find Serena crying her eyes out on Lita's shoulder as they sat on a beat up old couch. He quietly sat in a chair across from them and looked on sympathetically. Soon the blonde girl's sobs lessened and her breathing grew deep and steady. Lita laid the now-sleeping girl out on the couch and covered her with a thin throw blanket that had been draped over the back behind them.
The tall girl sighed. "I think she'll be okay now. She let a lot of stuff out. She can actually start healing." She smirked. "Or at least that's how I understand the process to work."
Andrew returned the smile. "I explained everything to her parents. They weren't too happy to just leave her here, but her mom finally saw the wisdom in it. They just want her home as soon as possible."
"Not a problem. I think she'll be happier in familiar surroundings like that. And her parents should be a big help."
Andrew nodded. "I'm just sorry she had to go through this at all. She's too special."
"Yes. She is." Lita agreed quietly. "I'm just glad I got to her in time. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't; she's the best friend I've ever had and the best person I've ever known."
"Everything will be okay. You'll see."
"Yeah." She took a deep breath and released it. "After she wakes up, I'll take her home. Get her out of your hair." She smiled widely.
Andrew laughed. "And you too. At least until Friday."
"Friday? Oh, yeah. Thursday's your day off." She snickered. "Until Friday then." They both laughed and watched over the sleeping Serena.
(fade out...)
(scene change...)
Andrew passed a grumbling nurse as he entered his friend's room the next afternoon after school. He shook his head and sighed. "You know, Dare, you sure aren't making yourself very popular around here," he said as he came behind the curtain that cut off Darien's bed from the rest of the room.
Darien shrugged. "Who said I was trying?"
The blond man rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I have the dubious honor of letting you know you won't have any more homework until next week. You finished the rest of your assignments early, including two essay exams." He paused. "How do you do it?"
The ebony-haired man scoffed. "It's not like I have tons of other things to do around here. So where were you last night?"
"I was tired. I had an emotionally draining day."
"Your fan club fail to show?"
"As a matter of fact, my problem stemmed more from the fact that Lita and Serena came in around five o'clock, and Serena had almost been run over on the way there."
Darien's eyes widened. "What!"
"From what Lita could tell me, Serena was crossing with the lights when a red convertible came out of nowhere and nearly ran her down. Luckily Lita was quick enough to pull her out of the way before that happened."
"Is... is she okay?" Darien asked quietly.
Andrew sighed. "She will be. She finally started to cry a few hours after it happened. Before that she had been numb, just let herself be led around blindly and stared at the floor."
An angry spark flared in Darien's midnight blue eyes. "Who did it? Who did this to her?"
"Serena managed to give the police a pretty detailed description. I think Lita said the guy had long black hair in a ponytail, green eyes, and a scar on the right cheek."
"And it was a red convertible." Darien closed his eyes and tried to bring his temper back in check. He couldn't believe how angry he was. But someone had nearly taken away his Serena! Whoa, hold up there, mister. Since when was she yours? Since when did you want her to be yours? that dark inner voice of his asked. He nearly screamed out loud in frustration. What are you doing to me, Serena?
"I guess Lita barely got there in time. Serena's skirt got caught on the front fender and a chunk was torn off. I'm willing to bet that gave the passengers a show; Lita said that a guy in the back seat said something nasty. Figures they wouldn't care they nearly killed someone."
A new wave of anger drowned out the inner turmoil Darien had been going through. "What did that guy say?" he asked, cold and quiet.
Andrew was suddenly very glad he wasn't the aforementioned guy. "I don't know; Lita didn't say. I don't think she knew, but Serena probably does. She seemed to have almost perfect recall when she told the officer about it."
Darien growled and hit the bed with his fists. He felt so helpless, so useless! "Keep an eye on her for me, okay? Make sure she's okay. And if you can find out particulars on these... vermin, let me know. Oh, and for the next week, Lita and Serena don't pay for anything. It's on me. Don't tell them that, but I'll take care of it. Just let me know how much I owe you."
Andrew's eyes widened in shock. "Dare, that could end up being a lot of..."
"I don't care," he interrupted. "I can handle it."
"Okay..."
Darien's eyes closed again. "You're sure she's okay?"
Andrew's eyes softened. "Physically, yes. Emotionally, eventually. She's pretty strong underneath it all."
"I know." Gods, I almost lost her. And the last thing I did was tease her. Oh, Serena.
Andrew sat there watching as Darien lay there with his eyes closed tightly and a pained expression on his features. He was astounded; this was the first time since he had talked to his friend over the phone after the accident that Darien had shown any kind of true emotion. And all because of Serena. He had suspected his dark-haired friend had feelings for the petite blonde, but had no proof until now. He seriously doubted the man in the bed in front of him had come to terms with these feelings, yet the fact that they were there gave cause for hope that Darien could be brought back from the precipice.
Both men's ponderings were cut short by a rapping on the hospital room door. "Mr. Shields? It's Officer Brady. I mentioned earlier this week I'd be back for your final decision. May I come in?"
"Feel free." Andrew did a double take as the dead tone fell back into place.
Soon after, a tall brown-haired man in a police uniform joined them behind the curtain. "Did you want me to leave you two alone?" Andrew asked after a moment.
"It would probably be best." Darien's eyes never left the newcomer.
Andrew nodded. "I'll just go down and grab a little something from the cafeteria then." He left quietly.
"Well, Mr. Shields? Since you don't like beating around the bush, I'll come right to the point. Do you or do you not wish to press charges against the driver that hit you?"
"Question: was the driver a guy with long black hair tied back in a ponytail, green eyes, and a scar on his right cheek?"
The officer drew back slightly from shock at both the question and the intensity of the other man's eyes. "Actually, yes. And if it makes a difference, it seems he was involved in another incident just the other day. He needs to be stopped, Mr. Shields. You can help."
"No need to do any more selling, officer. I'm in. I'll press charges. I want the bastard to pay, as much as possible." I won't let him hurt her again.
"Wonderful," Brady said with a smile. "We have your formal statement at the station; I've brought along the proper papers for you to sign so we can start the proceedings." He took a folded set of papers from the inside of his jacket and handed them to Darien to sign.
Darien gave the sheets a quick once-over and signed his name at the bottom. "Just make sure you get the bastard," he said as he handed them back.
(fade out...)
(scene change...)
Darien woke from a restless sleep the next morning to find his doctor standing next to his bed with a tray full of food. "Dr. Mizuno? Is something wrong?" he asked groggily.
"Not exactly, Darien. I have some news for you, and you have a decision to make. But first, breakfast." She brought the portable table over his lap and placed the tray on it as he powered the bed into a comfortable sitting position. "And I expect you to eat this."
Darien shot her a look then dropped his gaze to the food before him. He sighed. "I suppose there's no getting around it this time."
"No, there isn't. You have to eat, Darien. Regularly. Complete meals. If you don't start, I'll put you on another IV and do it that way. Do I make myself clear?" She raised her eyebrow as she looked at her patient.
Darien looked at the woman who was sitting on the side of his bed. Although she had just threatened him, he saw only deep concern. He sighed and dropped his gaze again. "Alright, Dr. Mizuno. I'll eat. No need to waste any more medication on me."
"Darien, you do know that I'm doing everything in my power to see you through this, to make you as well as I can, don't you?"
"Actually, yes, I do," he responded quietly.
She reached out and touched his arm. "I don't like to see you this cold, this dead. Everything will work out. You have to believe that." He shrugged. "Well, I have good news and bad news," she said as he started in on his breakfast. "Which do you want first?"
"Bad," he responded between bites.
She sighed. "Okay, here goes. It seems the higher ups have decided that due to your slow recovery and what they deem your poor attitude you should have scheduled sessions with the staff psychologist." His eyes grew wide as he stopped eating. "I tried to put it off at least until the neurosurgeon was finished with his preliminary prognosis, but they wouldn't listen. Dr. Nyx will be here bright and early Monday morning at 10. Please understand that this was done against my recommendations."
"I believe you," he said softly. "But that doesn't mean I have to like it. And I will say this right now: I am not taking any medication for depression. I absolutely refuse."
"Don't worry, Darien. As your doctor, I agree with you. I don't believe you're clinically depressed."
"Good," he muttered under his breath. "So what's the good news?" He started to finish off the food in front of him.
"The neurosurgeon we brought in from America has been looking over everything for the past few days, including the results from the CAT scan we did on Wednesday. He has a few theories and wants to take a closer look. In fact, he's supposed to be here by now..." Her voice trailed off as she looked at her watch.
Just then, the door to the room opened wide and the curtain was thrown aside. A short, balding man apparently in his late 30's, early 40's stepped confidently up to the bed. Dr. Mizuno quickly drew the curtain back to its original position. "Ah, Mr. Shields. A pleasure to meet you, although unfortunately it had to be under such tragic circumstances." Darien rolled his eyes at the pretentious tone in the newcomer's voice. "But now I am here, and we will see about getting you back on your feet."
"And you are...?"
Darien's dead tone went unnoticed as the older man continued. "My name is Dr. Donald Kirchner, my boy. You are now in the hands of one of the greatest neurosurgeons of the decade, if not century. My work is known throughout the world. Miracles are performed by these two hands." He held up his long, thin hands for emphasis. Darien closed his eyes and shook his head. "My ninety-five percent success rate is unmatched."
"Must be comforting to the other five," Darien quipped, leaving his eyes shut.
"Now is not the time for doubt, my boy. I have examined your case and believe my genius can perform yet another miracle for you! I wish to perform exploratory surgery to get a direct look at the condition of the spinal column and surrounding tissue. If all is as I expect it to be, I can perform the new procedure I have developed and have you up and walking in record time."
"Record time?" Darien asked, skeptically, opening his eyes.
"Yes, say, a year and a half at most. But I can only give an accurate diagnosis after a closer examination."
"And you need my permission to do it, right?"
"Of course, my boy, of course. I'm sure you are intelligent enough to see the wisdom in following such a course. I have been brought here because I am your best chance at a nearly complete recovery."
"Nearly complete?"
"I merely wish to keep you from getting your hopes too high. I aim for full, one hundred percent recovery. But sometimes the damage is too extensive, and that is not possible. But I do believe I can make it possible for you to walk again. And that is most important, is it not?"
"Of course," Darien replied sarcastically. He turned his gaze to the woman to his left. "Dr. Mizuno?"
"Dr. Kirchner is one of the top people in his field; that's why he was brought in. You really have nothing to lose and everything to gain," the dark blue-haired lady said in a neutral tone.
Darien considered her words for a moment as he stared into his hands in his lap. "Alright. You have my permission."
"For both procedures?" the man at the foot of his bed asked haughtily. At Darien's slightly confused expression he continued. "I wish to perform my procedure immediately following the exploration if I deem it possible for success. It is best not to open up a patient more times than necessary."
Darien nodded. "Of course. Yes, both procedures. Let's get this over with."
Dr. Mizuno smiled. "I'll bring in the release forms then. Why don't we schedule this for Monday afternoon?" she asked, looking from one man to the other. Darien shrugged while Kirchner considered it.
"I believe one o'clock would be a good time. Would you be so good as to arrange that for me? I appreciate it," the balding man said with a small smile. "We'll see you then, Mr. Shields. And do not worry. You are in the best of hands." He turned, threw open the curtain once more, and left the room.
"That man is enough to drive a saint to drink," Dr. Mizuno muttered as she drew the divider closed.
"Haven't you heard? He is a saint. And he probably drinks. In the privacy of his own home, of course. Wouldn't want to tarnish that sparkling reputation of his, would we?" Darien responded with a derisive grin.
Dr. Mizuno chuckled. "Ego aside, he is good, one of the best. If he says you'll walk again, chances are you will. Hold on to that. Now I need to be off. I'll stop in again before I leave for the night."
"Thanks, doctor."
"And remember, eat!" she admonished as she shut the door behind her.
(fade out...)
(scene change...)
Darien had finished following his doctor's orders that evening by picking his way through his dinner tray when a timid knock made itself heard over the soft music from the radio Andrew had brought in for him. "Come in," he called.
He heard the door open and close, and a soft scuffling up to the room divider. Then, to his surprise, a small, blonde, meatball-topped head shyly poked its way around the edge of the curtain. "Um, hi, Darien. I know you didn't leave word for it to be okay if I visited, but I thought I'd just pop in for a quick hello before I went home. I hope it's okay." Her sapphire gaze fell to the floor.
Darien didn't know what to say as his eyes widened in shock. "Um, sure, Serena."
She brought her gaze back up as she slipped inside the curtain. "I haven't told anybody, I promise."
He sighed. "I believe you," he muttered quietly. Then he remembered Andrew's news from the day before. "Are you okay? Andrew told me what happened to you."
Her eyes widened briefly. "Yeah, I'm fine. In fact, today I sat and talked to some of the kids that had been in car accidents. It made me feel a lot better." She took in a deep breath and shuddered as she released it. "I've had a couple of bad dreams, but I'll make it."
"I understand." Serena heard the dead tone, but thought she also detected another emotion behind it, pushed back and repressed.
"I also thought I'd come in because, well, I overheard a couple of nurses talking. I still don't know why you're here, and I didn't ask, I swear, and I didn't try to hear gossip about you, really, and..."
"Meatball Head!" he interrupted. "I believe you. What did you hear? What did... they say?"
"Well, they said that the hospital brought in a surgeon from the outside for you, and that you're supposed to have surgery on Monday. I figured I wouldn't get a chance to see you before then, so I'd come in now to wish you good luck." She smiled brightly at the dark-haired man in the bed before her.
He gazed at her amazed. She's doing this for me? After everything I've done and said? After I ignored her request to see me? Gods, what an angel! he thought in awe. "Thank you," he said softly.
She looked a bit uncomfortable. "They also said something about you being difficult, not that that bit of news surprised me too much, but they were really mean about it. Then one of them said she wasn't sure you deserved all the special treatment, what with the specialist brought in and everything, considering what a jerk you were, and that's when I spoke up and told them that you may not always be the nicest guy on the face of the planet, but underneath it all you were worth every effort the hospital was putting into your recovery. Maybe if they tried a little harder they could see that too." Serena missed the look of utter shock on Darien's face as she stared at the floor. "Then they told me that I was too young and inexperienced to make a judgment call like that, I'd understand their point of view when I was older. I just stuck my nose in the air and told them that if getting older meant that I'd get as pessimistic as them, I'd rather stay a child. That's when I stomped off and talked with my supervisor, Nurse Jameson. I had to report in for the end of my shift anyway. I told her everything. So you shouldn't have to worry about those nurses dealing with you again while you're here."
Darien couldn't believe his ears. Here was a girl he had repeatedly teased and put down, and when someone else put him down, she stood up for him! He was hurt by the nurses' comments, not that he didn't expect them, but Serena's unexpected defense took the sting out of the situation. Tears welled up in his midnight blues as he stared at the petite blonde gazing intently at the tiles at her feet. Was there no end to this girl's heart? Did she really believe what she told those nurses? "Did... did you really mean that, Serena?" he asked, his voice cracking.
She looked up quickly. "Definitely. Those nurses won't..."
"No, not that," he cut her off. "What you said about me."
She smiled shyly. "Of course. You may tease me, and aggravate me to no end, but I know you don't really mean it. It's just a game. There's a sparkle in your eyes when you say those things that tells me you aren't completely serious. Sure, some of the things you've said have hurt, but I don't think you meant for them to. You don't seem the type to take pleasure in hurting someone's feelings. I think there's something else to it too, but I'm not really sure what exactly."
Darien fought to hold back the tears. "I never meant to hurt you, never. I'm sorry if I ever did." He brought his hands up to cover his face as the tears rolled down his cheeks. This compassion and understanding had been so unexpected, so out of left field, it managed to cut through the layers of defense he had constructed, especially after waking and facing the aftermath of the accident. "I'm sorry," he choked out.
Then he felt two small arms surround him in a gentle embrace. His head fell onto her shoulder and the floodgates opened. Serena merely held him, lightly rubbing his back and muttering soothing sounds. "It's okay, Darien. Like I said, I knew, once I calmed down at least, that you didn't mean to hurt me. You are utterly forgiven." His arms loosely circled her waist. "There you go, Darien. Let it all out. You'll feel so much better when you're done."
They sat like that, Darien crying into Serena's shoulder, until the sobs finally quieted, and Darien raised his head. Serena gave him one last good squeeze and sat back on the edge of the bed. "I'm sorry, Darien. I shouldn't have told you what they said. I didn't want to hurt you like that." She bit her lower lip.
"No, no," he responded as he wiped the last of his tears away. "I asked you to tell me what they said, and you were honest with me. Thank you for that. It means a lot to me."
She smiled. "Of course." Her eyes fell on the clock on the table next to the bed. "Oh, no, I didn't realize it was so late. I'm sorry, Darien, I have to get going. My mom is expecting me home for dinner." She hesitated briefly. "Is... is it okay if I come back?"
Darien swallowed the last lump in his throat before he answered quietly. "Yeah, I... I think I'd like that."
"So we're friends then?" she asked shyly.
"Yeah, friends," he returned with a small smile.
Serena lit up the room with one of her patented thousand-watt smiles. "Great! I don't volunteer on Monday, but I'll be here on Tuesday. So I'll see you after my shift then!"
Darien's smile grew wider. "Tuesday, then."
"Good luck on Monday! I'm sure everything will work out for the best! It has to! Good night!" Serena gave Darien one last wave before disappearing behind the curtain and the door shut behind her.
Darien flopped back onto his pillow and contemplated what had just occurred. The bright little ray of sunshine was unbelievable. Was she for real? Did it matter? No, what mattered now was that he had just made up with her, and she'd be back to light up his life again next Tuesday. He reveled in the feeling a bit longer, then reached for the novel he was in the middle of and read until he fell asleep hours later.
