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Chapter 24

Christine could tell Mike was not thrilled to leave her and Katie at the hospital, but Hannah needed them home and Levi was a lot. They visited daily and the day that Katie's bandages were to come off; Mike came in with a basket of things for Christine and Katie.

"This is really nice. Who helped you?" Christine asked gently.

"I did it. Hannah helped me pick things out but the store was a bit much for her. Its not very pretty." Mike remarked. Christine smiled at him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Its the thought that counts…but I am curious about the home design magazine?" Christine asked.

"We need to consider, seriously consider moving into a house that isn't tied to the Navy and is easier for Katie to move around in. I thought you might enjoy looking at the floorplans but…maybe you don't." Mike said.

"I will look at them." Christine said before giving Mike a peck on the lips.

"And the socks are for Katie. She told me her feet are cold." Mike remarked.

"Mike; you are doing amazing." Christine said.

Just then a nurse, Dr. Collins and Garrison walked in to take the bandages off Katie's eyes. Christine gently woke Katie up and at Katie's request; Mike sit down next to Katie. Christine squeezed Mike's shoulder and grasped Katie's hand.

"Now; Katie, when we get these off; your vision will probably be blurry and it may feel like your eyes are matted shut. We'll wash them out. If you can't see…just let me know. It doesn't mean you're blind. Just means there might be some inflammation." Dr. Garrison said.

"Okay." Katie answered. Dr. Garrison very gently began cutting the bandages off, and as they cut closer to her skin; the nurse began wetting the bandages very gently.

"Her eyes have probably watered which might cause the bandages to stick." Christine explained to Mike.

"Can you see any light through the bandaging?" Dr. Collins asked Katie.

"Its dim." Katie admitted.

"It'll be okay, honey." Mike said gently. The last layer of bandaging came off and the nurse washed Katie's eyes again. The lights were dimmed but as soon as Katie's eyes fluttered open, she squeezed them shut again.

"It hurts!" Katie cried out; covering her eyes with her hands.

"Katie, can you open just a bit? We'll keep the lights low and close the blinds." Dr. Garrison asked. Katie lowered her hands and slowly opened her eyes again. "I'm just going to check on your eyes and then you can rest them." Dr. Garrison explained. Katie was able to track his finger but was clearly done in.

"When can I go home?" Katie asked.

"I would say a few days more. You did just have major surgery." Dr. Collins told her.

"I am so tired." Katie said as the tears overflowed. Mike put an arm around her and Christine lowered the bed.

"I think she's had enough." Christine said.

She followed the doctors and nurse out and agreed it was time for another sedative. She hated Katie being drugged but she didn't need to be driven into a migraine or seizure. When Christine walked back in; Mike was tucking the blanket around Katie, who was already asleep. He bent down and kissed her forehead before straightening up and lowering the lights even lower.

"That was rough." Mike admitted.

"It was but it was to be expected. Will you bring Hannah and Levi by tonight?" Christine asked as she wrapped her arms around Mike's torso. He pulled her close and kissed her forehead.

"Yeah, I will. I think Hannah is missing you." Mike remarked.

"Hopefully she turns a corner and we can just come home." Christine replied.

"I hope soon. Maybe tomorrow I can relieve you for awhile so you can get out of here for a few hours." Mike suggested.

"I'll see. Katie can be very clingy." Christine remarked.

"Yeah, I know." Mike said. Christine stood on her tiptoes and gave Mike another kiss.

"I can't wait to sleep in my bed…with you next to me." Christine remarked.

"It has been lonely. I thought once she got out of the hospital and was doing alright, we might go on a real date." Mike said.

"Like with dinner?" Christine asked.

"Yes, absolutely." Mike answered.

"Sounds good." Christine replied. Mike phone dinged and he grimaced.

"Kara. Hannah is struggling and Levi is missing you." Mike said.

"You'd better go. Be careful and Mike; I love you and so does she." Christine said.

"I love you both too." Mike said. He gave her another kiss before kissing the top of Katie's head. He grabbed his jacket and left, leaving Christine alone again. Hopefully, Katie would be released soon.