Chapter 16
Later that evening after the nurse came through to check Declan's vital signs for what seemed like the hundredth time that day and assured them that there was no change in their son's condition, the Hanovers took Greg to a small Japanese restaurant near the hospital for some time away from the stark, sterile, efficient environment. The mood at the table was subdued as they ate from a selection of steamed dumplings, fish, and deep cast iron bowls filled with meat, seafood, vegetables, egg and udon noodles in a rich broth.
On the walk back to the hospital, Declan's father began to ask Greg pointed questions about the circumstances surrounding his son's accident. Greg could feel his body tense and his mind begin to race as he tried to answer the questions in as detached and logical manner as he could manage. As the questions seemed to become more accusatory, Greg became more frustrated because he wasn't sure how to answer them. Mrs. Hanover tried to calm her husband as she could see the tensions rising on both sides as Greg's composure finally broke.
"I don't know what happened, okay?!" Greg shouted, whirling to face Mr. Hanover. "It was an accident! I got him help as soon as I could! And I don't know what's wrong with him!" Shaken and drained, Greg stormed away from Declan's parents and crossed the hospital driveway with long strides, reentering the hospital. The door to the elevator slid closed as he caught a glimpse of them just coming in through the main entrance.
Greg was back in his spot at Declan's bedside, leaning against one chair arm allowing him to face away from the door while draping his long legs over the opposite arm. He moved to sit properly when the Hanovers came into the room, but Declan's mom insisted that he stay where he was. They hung up their coats and took their seats on the opposite side of the bed. Sitting down in the chair directly across from him, Mr. Hanover apologized, explaining that he'd only been trying to understand what had happened and hadn't meant to upset Greg.
"I'm fine," Greg replied brusquely, not looking at the man and effectively ending the conversation.
At some point another nurse came in to draw blood. She spoke with Declan's parents in low, rapid Japanese suggesting that they should go home and get some sleep, and that someone from the hospital would call if there were any changes. The Hanovers thanked the nurse and when she left translated for Greg as they gathered their things to leave.