I finished my last surgery for the day and felt tired from my fitful sleep last night. The stress was definitely getting to me. When it was work stress, I could deal, but right now there was so much personal stress added to it. Wanda seemed stable and Halian appeared to be improving slowly, but it would be a long road to recovery for them both.
I felt better after texting with Kynlee this morning and working things out. She's young, but the fact she cared enough to text me first thing this morning, gave me a warm feeling in my chest. I was glad to know she understood I was doing my best to be helpful and not steam roll over her or her boundaries.
The dream I had still had me feeling 'off', but I had to try to push it aside. I liked Kynlee, a lot, but for Winona to turn into her in a dream was really strange. The subconscious mind was a complicated thing. Even the things we don't want to admit consciously, can come out in surprising ways in dreams. I hadn't had dreams or nightmares about Winona for years. I'd have to try to figure out why they were returning now. I'd only had casual girlfriends since Winona died suddenly after graduation. Maybe this was the universe's way of telling me it was time to settle down? Time would tell, but where did Kynlee fit into all this?
I changed into work out clothes and made my way to the gym. Even though I was tired, I was in need of a good run. After reaching the gym at the hospital, I climbed on my favorite treadmill and started warming up. I loved to run because it was about the only time my mind was quiet. I'd start out walking, then jogging, and by the time I hit a dead run five to ten minutes into my workout, my mind would calm and then go quiet. Oh how I had missed this.
After my workout, I wiped down the treadmillI, wiped myself off, walked back to the locker room, showered, dressed, and headed home. The best part of working out this time of day was that there were rarely others in the locker room or gym.
I had checked with Mom and Monica earlier and things were the same. Both Wanda and Halian needed rest and already had support people with them.
My primary residence happened to be a small two bedroom ranch style home on the corner of the reservation that was closest to town. I'd had a fellow American Indian designer decorate when I moved in, but I hadn't changed a thing since. That was about three years ago. The cabin near Rochester, Minnesota, I purchased after I began to consult at the hospital there. Eventually I was voted onto the Board of Directors. Since our hospitals were within the same system, I spent almost as much time in Rochester as I did Red Wing.
Many times I'd been offered to transfer to Rochester permanently, but I grew up in Red Wing, on the reservation. My family was all still there, and I'd never had a reason to leave them. Since losing Winona the summer after high school graduation, I'd thrown myself into my college studies in an attempt to forget. For the most part, it worked. The time when I struggled was when I attempted to sleep, and then my mind would race with everything I hoped to forget. Shortly after I'd finally fall asleep, the nightmares would hit. I'd been plagued with them for years after the incident, but I thought that was behind me. Wishful thinking I guess.
I walked into the house and slipped off my shoes in the entryway. As I set my bags on the table, I was greeted by Sam's "meow." I reached down and scratched the top of her head, earning me a purr, a rub against my hand, and then my legs. Man I loved this cat. She was always there with affection and support anytime I felt out of sorts. I kicked her catnip toy across the floor and watched her pounce on it. I couldn't help but smile at Sammy's kitty shenanigans. As I placed food in her bowl, of course she came running. Her toy forgotten with food now available.
I sauntered into the kitchen and washed my hands. I began to pull items from the refrigerator, made myself a turkey sandwich on whole grain wheat bread with lots of veggies, and a side of baked chips. I drank two bottles of water during my meal and enjoyed a cup of unsweetened apple sauce for dessert. Unsure how I'd eat over the weekend, I vowed to try to be as healthy as possible this week.
I couldn't help but wonder what kind of cook Kynlee was. She was young, not quite twenty years old, but being without her parents for about eighteen months, she had to have learned some skills. I was hoping the extent of her skills was not to use prepackaged foods. I'd eat it all the same, but much preferred fresh or frozen foods. Of course it was a kind gesture, and beggars can't be choosers. I'd be grateful even if it tasted like shoe leather. It's the thought that counts after all.
After placing my dishes in the dishwasher, I sat on the couch watching a local station to catch the weather forecast. Sammy of course climbed in my lap and I absentmindedly pet her as I watched the news. My mind kept wandering to all the things I was dealing with, my family in the hospital, Kynlee and her brother, and the persistent Dr. Adams. Speaking of Kynlee, it dawned on me that I never informed Aggie that Kynlee was at the cabin. "Aww crap!"
Sammy opened her eyes just enough to look at me, then closed them when I resumed petting her.
I grabbed my phone and dialed Aggie's home phone since she says she is 'too old for cell phones'. The phone rang several times, and just as I considered hanging up, a small voiced answered from the other end, "hello?"
"Good evening. This is Dr. Wam Teton. Is Aggie available?" I asked in a no nonsense voice.
"Wam? Who has a name like Wam?" The little girl asked.
I couldn't help but laugh in response. "You're correct. It is an odd name. Is your grandma around please?" I had that same thought every day of my life. As a child, I gave up saying Wambleeska because no one could pronounce it anyway. Honestly, Wam is much cooler for a kid anyway.
"Oh yeah.... Sorry. I'll get her." I heard the phone bang against something before resting. After I heard footsteps, a young voice yelled, "Grandma? Grandma, there is a guy named Wow on the phone for you."
I heard a quiet giggle in the background before footsteps and then more rustling with the phone. Finally Aggie's voice came over the line, "hello, Aggie speaking."
"Aggie, I'm so sorry. I forgot to call you and warn you about Kynlee staying at the house." I spouted out quickly.
Aggie laughed again, as was her way, to try to be cheerful and take everything in stride. "Oh Wam, she is a lovely girl. We met this morning. I think she was more surprised than I was. I saw your white car was moved, saw extra shoes in the entryway, and then to my surprise, when I was getting the coffee grounds from the refrigerator, there was fresh food there. So I wasn't too surprised. Thank you for the apology though. It's unlike you to forget, is everything okay?" The cheerfulness had given way to a concerned, motherly tone.
"Well, actually..." and I proceeded to tell Aggie about Wanda and Halian's accident and the complications that followed. "So, I was a tad distracted Sunday and yesterday and simply forgot. I am truly sorry Aggie."
"I completely understand Wam. Anyone would forget with all that going on. Are you still planning to come up Friday, so I should buy the usual groceries?" Aggie inquired.
"I'm hoping to come up. Barring and big surprises between now and Friday. Let's get the usual this week and we will play it by ear from there. I honestly have no idea how long Kynlee will be staying. Her brother is seriously injured in the hospital and she has no family. I'm hoping she will stay for several months and let me help her get back on her feet."
Aggie sounded surprised, "oh I see. That's very generous of you sir. Is there anything I need to know?"
I thought about her question and then it hit me what she was getting at. "Aggie, what would you need to know about Kynlee staying at the cabin?"
Another low laugh from Aggie in response. "Oh sir, I mean does she have allergies, food preferences, special needs I should keep in mind?"
Now I laughed at Aggie's backtracking. "I'm sure that's what you meant Agatha. For your information, Kynlee and I are just friends. I'm giving her a hand up while she struggles through her brother's trauma and hopefully recovery. I'm helping just like any other decent human being would do."
Aggie was quiet for a minute before asking, "so how many others have offered her a car and place to stay...sir?"
"Agatha, you are treading on thin ice here. Yes, I care about the girl, but we are just friends. It would be immoral, unethical, and I could lose my license if I were to have an unprofessional relationship with her while I'm still consulting on her brother's case." I took a deep breath to calm my nerves before continuing, "I've worked entirely too hard for that to happen now haven't I?"
"Yes sir, I'm sure you've worked extremely hard to get to where you are today." I heard Aggie take a breath and heard talking and laughing from the children in the background. Aggie raised her 4 grandchildren who came to live with her due to her daughter and granddaughter being addicts, and unfit to care for the children. "Wow Wam, you used my given name twice in one day. I must really be striking a nerve. I apologize if I upset you, but for what it's worth, she seems like a sweet girl. I'm glad you are finally opening up your life to someone. Even if it is just a 'friend'. Is there anything else sir?"
I ran my hand through my hair. Leave it to Aggie to point out the elephant in the room. My lack of female companionship and being married to my job has left me quite lonely the last two years. Aggie of course always noticed everything. I then remembered she had asked if Kynlee had likes, dislikes, or allergies. "I'll have to ask if Kynlee has allergies, health issues, or strong likes or dislikes. I'm honestly not sure."
I rubbed the back of my neck, thinking about cleaning the shed and lining up movers for Kynlee and Kedron's apartment. I'd probably better talk with her first before I do so. I don't want to step on her toes again.
Aggie laughs again and I clench my teeth. She seems to be having way too much fun with this situation. "Well I can ask her too. Thank you for calling Wam. I'll continue as normal unless I hear otherwise. Have a good night."
"Thank you Aggie, you as well." I disconnected the call and placed my cell on the coffee table. I stretched my arms over my head and decided it was time to prepare for bed. 5 AM comes early whether I like it or not.