Chapter 18
Arriving at the hospital Martin asked to be directed to his patients from yesterday. He was told that Davy Gardiner had been fitted with a cast and was in the children's ward, his father had been assessed and allowed home. The male patient, Paul Trevors, was still in intensive care, so Martin went there first. He found his patient was still unconscious and had been fitted with a neck brace. One of his arms was in a shoulder brace, indicating a dislocation/break on the shoulder itself. When Martin read the notes, he saw that the patient had a broken spine, as the break was below the shoulder blades, it was judged that he would not be able to walk again. Martin sighed and shook his head. Another life ruined because people can't control their actions. What of the fatality? Jackie…? Her family would miss her for the rest of their lives. The ICU consultant came in and they discussed the patient's future care as well as any follow up which might be needed on Martin's part.
Martin carried on down to the children's ward and spoke briefly with Davy Gardiner. The little boy looked very pale and frightened. Martin tried to keep his questions to a minimum and use his "soft voice" but as he was an intimidating figure, he couldn't do a great deal to relax the boy. The nurse came across whilst Martin read the notes making sure that nothing else had been missed. He was told that Davy's father would visit the boy that afternoon. Any further discussions would be held with the Gardiner's own GP.
Dropping in later to the Wadebridge garage he topped up the fuel before walking to the shop to pay. As he entered, he saw some poinsettias in their pots. This reminded him of his idea to take a bouquet home to Louisa.
"Are there any other flowers available, today?" he asked the attendant.
"Got some carnations at the back of that aisle, Doc." The assistant pointed to the rear of the shop.
Turning, Martin made his way to the back and inspected the flowers. There were several colours and he chose a variety. He returned to the checkout and paid for the fuel and flowers. He looked at the time and realised he'd be late for their evening meal. He sighed.
The traffic delayed him further and it was closer to 6:30 p.m. when he arrived back home. Louisa looked up as he entered "Martin! Are you alright? I was worried something had happened." She looked anxiously at him and then spotted the flowers. A smile lit her face "Are they for me?"
"Um, yes. I just thought you'd like them" he explained. She took them gently from his hand and then reached up to kiss him. "Thank you, they're lovely, and so unexpected." She found a vase in the cupboard and set about arranging the flowers.
Martin went to clean up and returned to find his tea laid on the table. Broiled monkfish and salad, his favourite. Observing that there was no butter on the monkfish he looked contritely at Louisa "I'm sorry for mentioning the unhealthy effects of carbohydrates and fats, so often. I'll try not to, in future, but I am a doctor and I do want to take very good care of my wife especially while you're pregnant."
Louisa looked at him and saw genuine regret in his eyes. "Oh Martin, I'm sorry too for snapping at you. Lately I've been all over the place with my emotions. One minute very happy and the next ready to kill" she confessed.
Martin said "It's to be expected that your hormones are fluctuating so much. Your body is adjusting to the relevant demands of the foetus and yourself."
"Does every pregnant female go through this then?"
"Mm no, not everyone does. Some are sick throughout the day, others, like you, have a glow about them." Martin said quietly.
Louisa's expression dissolved into the love she felt for this man and she reached across the table to caress his hand. "I'll make some tea," she said, but her eyes promised more later.