Chapter 8

Shaun exited the elevator at his apartment building. As he began walking toward his door, Lea walked up behind him.

"Hello Shaun," Lea said.

Shaun turned around and looked at Lea.

"Hello Lea," Shaun said. "I didn't hear you close your door."

"I went for a jog," Lea said. "I took the stairs instead of the elevator."

"Okay," Shaun said.

"So," Lea said. "How was your day?"

"I cried," Shaun replied.

"Shaun," Lea said concerned. "Why did you cry?"

"I was sad," Shaun replied.

"I get it," Lea said. "You don't want to talk about it. Well, whatever it is, I hope you feel better."

"Thank you," Shaun said.

"Well good night Shaun Murphy," Lea said smiling. "Don't let the bed bugs bite."

"Bed bug bites are very itchy," Shaun said. "I used to get bed bugs when I lived in Casper. They got so bad I began spraying for them."

Lea smiled at Shaun and began walking toward her door.

"Lea," Shaun said, "wait."

Lea stopped and turned around.

"Last night, you invited me into your apartment to eat apples with you," Shaun said.

"Yes," Lea said.

"I have apples too," Shaun said. "In my apartment. Would you like to come in for a little bit?"

"What kind of apples?" Lea asked.

"Granny Smith," Shaun replied.

"I don't know," Lea said. "I like Red Delicious."

"Oh," Shaun said.

"But I like Granny Smith too," Lea said smiling as she followed Shaun into his apartment.

Shaun and Lea sat at Shaun's kitchen table eating apples and talking.

"The kidney stones were too large to pass and the patient needed surgery," Shaun said. "She wouldn't go through with the surgery unless I performed it. Dr. Melendez let Claire and me perform the surgery. We removed the stones from both sides."

"Wow Shaun," Lea said. "You possibly saved that girl's life. Kidney stones can cause several infections and kidney failure. I've watched several documentaries on the subject. You're a hero Shaun."

"I'm not a hero," Shaun replied. "It's just my job to save people's lives."

"You're my hero Shaun," Lea said.

Lea's comment caused Shaun to smile.

"Something's bugging me though," Lea said. "Did you go to work in your pajamas?"

"Yes," Shaun said. "That's all I'm saying about that."

"So Shaun," Lea said. "I have two tickets to see Finding Neverland: The Musical on Sunday afternoon. One of my friends got them for me. They're not the best seats. They're at the very top row on the very top floor, but it's better than nothing. Would you like to come and see it with me?"

"I would love to see the show with you Lea," Shaun said. "I do not work on Sunday."

"Great," Lea said smiling.