Rehab continued with Jim improving daily. With Phil's help, he was able to use the walker to get out of bed and into a chair or even better, in Jim's view, take himself to the bathroom. Slowly he was feeling less and less dependent. The outbursts of unexplained anger became less frequent and shorter in duration. Sofia spent most of each day with him but was going home to spend time with Jeb every night. Jim understood the necessity of giving stability to Jeb, but he missed her when she wasn't around; as he felt better and better, his nights became longer and longer. Sofia was feeling much the same; sleeping in their cold, half empty bed was becoming more difficult. She wanted him back with her, where she could see him, touch him as needed.

Thoughts of his homecoming were playing in her head as she walked into his room to find him in an uncontrolled rage. He had thrown the covers from his bed and everything on his table had been upset, magazines and utensils thrown across the room. "Jim?"

He looked at her, his eyes dark with anger. Grunting, he pointed at the walker that sat next to the wall, across the room from him. "You need to get up?" she asked calmly.

"Bathroom," he growled.

As she reached for the walker, she asked another question. "Did you buzz for help?"

He nodded affirmatively. "Won't answer."

Attempting to remain calm on the outside, Sofia was seething on the inside. She moved the walker to him and helped him stand. Once he was positioned on the walker, she walked with him to the bathroom door and reached in to turn on the light. She stood by the door while Jim went in; she wanted to be close if he needed any help. Her mind reeled as she stood there, understanding how helpless and embarrassed he felt at not being able to manage the most basic things of life. What if she hadn't come in just then? How long would he have had to wait? What if no one had come in time to help him before more embarrassment? It was Sofia's turn to be angry.

After she helped him back to the bed, she buzzed again for a nurse. Watching the clock, it was a full five minutes before she got a response. "Can I help you?" a bodiless voice spoke from the speaker.

"Yeah…" she answered.

"What do you need?" the voice asked, tersely.

"You…in here," snapped Sofia.

Jim seemed to be calming down, although he was still somewhat agitated. Sofia picked up the covers and tossed them on the foot of the bed and then put the magazines and utensils back on the table.

Sofia realized that the nurse had walked into the room behind her when she saw the scowl on her husband's face. His eyes were murderous. Sofia turned and said to the woman what she knew Jim wanted to say. "Where the hell have you been?"

'Excuse me?" the nurse snapped back.

"I asked you a question. My husband had been buzzing for help and you didn't answer. What if I hadn't come in? He needed help! He's here for rehab so that he can get stronger and more independent, but in the meantime, he sometimes needs help. That means when he buzzes, you come."

"Well," huffed the woman, "I do have other patients."

"Call his doctor and tell him I want Jim released today. If this is the best you can do, he's out of here."

"Call him yourself," the nurse shot over her shoulder as she walked out.

She heard a rumble from Jim as she pulled out her phone to dial the doctor's number. Expecting to see anger etched into his features, she was surprised to see that Jim was smirking when she turned to look at him. His eyes had lightened considerably and he looked like he wanted to laugh. Tilting her head, she looked at him inquisitively.

"Sexy when you get hot," he said.

"You get those wires out of your mouth and I'll show you hot," she shot back suggestively.

His chest shook as he struggled with laughter. "Get me out of here," he nodded toward the phone.

Sofia dialed the number and left a message for the doctor to call her or stop by Jim's room ASAP. Closing the phone, she bent down and kissed Jim on the cheek. His anger was dissipating but she was still pretty upset. Jim deserved better than this.

An hour later, the doctor appeared in the doorway. "I had a message that you want to talk to me," he said to Sofia.

"I want Jim released today," she said bluntly.

"Are you sure? He's been doing so well in rehab….it will be difficult to continue with his twice a day sessions if he leaves now."

"But there is no medical reason why he should have to stay?"

"Well…no. He is barely using any pain meds. I can give you a prescription, a liquid of course, just in case. But coming in twice a day…it will be tiring."

"Look, he'll be more comfortable at home. And he will get the assistance he needs. Waiting endlessly for someone to come help him to the bathroom is unacceptable. And her attitude was worse."

"What happened?"

Sofia recounted what she had walked in on. Then she told him about her conversation with the woman in question. "But it's time for him to go home anyway. He's ready to start reclaiming his life."

Studying her expression and then looking across at Jim, who was staring back at him, the doctor nodded. "I'll agree on one condition. You hire an in- home caregiver. Jim's still going to need assistance and I understand you have a toddler at home. You can't do it all."

"Deal," smiled Sofia.

"Okay, I'll set the wheels in motion. My office will send over a list of caregivers to help you find a qualified one. And I'll have the rehab people get in touch to set up a schedule. I'll want to see Jim in my office next week."

The newly hired caregiver showed up at Jim's door at 3:00pm. "Hi, I'm Maria Evans," she introduced herself. "I understand that I'll be helping out for a few weeks."

Jim nodded and managed his name between his closed jaws. Sofia introduced herself. "We have a spare room for you. If you'll help me with getting him home, then you can get some things and move in."

"I have a bag in my car. Obviously, I can't be awake 24/7 but it was my understanding that you might need help at any time."

Sofia regarded the woman. She was in her mid 30s, attractive, and well toned. Sofia wasn't entirely comfortable with letting this woman so close to her husband; not that Jim would ever cheat on her. It just felt uncomfortable.

Jim watched as his wife looked at the other woman. He began to chuckle at her expression. It was so obvious what she was thinking. Sofia turned to him and gave him a look that told him he was in trouble. But he chuckled anyway.

Maria saw the exchange between the couple and decided that they needed a few minutes. "I'll go check with the floor nurse and see how long it will be…" she said as she walked out of the room.

"Jim Brass, if I catch you even looking like you are thinking about looking at her, I'll…"

"What?" he teased.

"I'll put you back here with Miss Congeniality."

Jim chuckled again. "Honey, I did look. Can't hold a candle next to you." He winked.

"I know," smiled Sofia, confidently. "But it just feels a little….wierd."

Jim was amused by her reaction. I tickled him that she could still feel a little jealousy. She had to know that there's no way he'd ever really look at another woman. She was everything to him…she and Jeb. But it did give him a little boost that Sofia thought he might be attractive to another woman. Besides the mischievous side of him was already contemplating the fun he would have teasing her with it.

--------------------------------------------------

Sorry it is taking so long for updates. Hopefully my at work hours will get back to normal soon and I can be a little quicker. Anyway, hope you are still enjoying. Please keep those cards and letters coming, folks! I do appreciate all the support.