I awoke, my body racked with shivers, and I was surprised to see I had fallen asleep on the couch. The television channel looked like a bed bug race with black and white shimmering on the screen, meaning the channel went off the air late at night. A high pitched beep sounded quietly but constantly, undoubtedly what woke me. The cabin was cold and I lay here curled up without a blanket. After shutting off the television, I used the restroom, quickly completed my bedtime routine, and climbed in bed. Within minutes, I was back to sleep.
I rolled over and shut off my alarm at 5AM. It was still dark outside, but I had to be there today as they discussed shutting off the sedatives for Kedron. In case he woke up, I wanted to be the first face he saw. I would be there for Kedron throughout his recovery, no matter how hard it became. Kedron was going to need help, emotional support, and of course love.
I had forgotten to wash clothes before I fell asleep last night, so after my shower but before I left, I threw a load of clothes in the washing machine. I was on my last clean outfit, so it was a necessity. Coffee in hand, I left before Aggie arrived this morning.
The nurses were exchanging report as I arrived, so I gave them a quick wave and sat next to Kedron. I held his hand as I browsed through the news in my phone. I had to call my landlord soon and make arrangements to move our things out. I knew few people that weren't Kedron or coworkers, and neither could or would assist in cleaning out the apartment now. Maybe Wam would have an idea for cheap movers or something, but I had little money to pay for it and moving a whole apartment of things by myself was unrealistic. I may just have to leave the furniture. Kedron's free weights, his tools, and our small appliances, would be the worst of it. Maybe I could use Kedron's truck to bring it all to storage? I didn't really have money to spend on storage, but since I was staying rent free with Wam, I should be able to swing it. I had one last check coming from the restaurant and hopefully the grant I was going to receive would arrive soon. Mark figured around the first of the month.
Dr. Adams was back today, and brought her group of residents with on rounds. Dr. Adams was cordial and professional, but rather cool and aloof. I guess I'll take that happily over the viper I felt come at me in the VIP garage two days ago. Considering she was Kedron's Neurologist, I felt it best to stay on good terms. I was not going to do anything that could jeopardize his care.
Kedron's vital signs had returned to normal, the secretions were no longer discolored, and his white count was beginning to come down. Although the culture results weren't back yet, it appeared the current treatment was helping Kedron to improve. I watched them examine my brother before they shut off the sedative completely. I thanked Dr. Adams and the residents, and I sat to wait for Kedron to wake up. There was no change in the morning. It was almost harder to wait now, knowing he could wake up at anytime if he was able.
I snuck out of the room long enough to refill my travel mug from the complimentary coffee pot and eat a donut that they left in the family lounge. I was thankful for the sweet treat even though I preferred a warm breakfast. Just as I turned to head back to the room, I heard someone say my name, "why Kynlee Knutson, it is you. How are you?"
I looked up and came face to face with an old friend of my parents' I hadn't seen since they'd passed. "Hi Jane. Long time no see. I'm doing okay thanks." I took in her tall, lean frame with long blond hair pulled back in a perfect chignon. Her clothing appeared to be designer and expertly pressed.
"I'm okay too thank you. I work here at the hospital, I was just popping in to visit my father who had hip surgery. He fell yesterday and spent the night in the ICU. What brings you here?" Jane asked in what seemed like a genuinely concerned tone.
"Oh ummm..." how I hated it when I stuttered, "Kedron was in an accident at work on Friday and is in critical condition." I looked down at the floor trying to keep my composure.
"I'm so sorry Kynlee. Will he be okay?" Jane asked as she grabbed one of my forearms that were both now holding my cup out in front of me.
"Well, time will tell if he will be okay. He seems to be improving now from the pneumonia, but we aren't sure how much damage the injury to his neck caused to the spinal cord." I could feel tears stinging my eyes, but did my best not to break down. Wam is the only other person that had shown a genuine interest and caring in our situation. It was nice someone actually cared. I remember Jane from back yard barbecues and get togethers with my parents when I was younger. I always thought she seemed like a nice lady, even if a little haughty.
"Oh my. I'm so sorry Kynlee. Is there anything Marvin or I can do to help?"
"I don't think so. Right now it's all a waiting game. Thank you for the offer though." I attempted to give Jane a smile, but was unsure how successful I was.
"Well, let me give you my number in case you need anything while you're here. Marve and I live right in town now, so if you need anything, please do not hesitate to call." While she talked, Jane had pulled out her wallet and handed me a business card. The card read, 'Jane Sanders Senior IT Analyst' and then listed a phone number and extension. Jane then dug out a pen, grabbed the card back, and wrote on the back of the business card. As she handed it back, she said, "this is my cell number. Feel free to call night or day if there is anything I can help with. Your mom was such a great friend to me when she was alive. If I can do anything to help you kids, I certainly will."
I put the card in my back jeans pocket, "thank you Jane. That means a lot to me. I hope your father gets healed up."
"Oh thank you dear. He is a tough guy and quite stubborn. I told him we could get his mail for him, but he insisted on walking out to get it himself and tripped. So here we are. Well, I need to get going, but it was so nice to see you again. I only wish it was under better circumstances for us both." Jane leaned in and gave me a brief hug before a quick wave, as she sashayed down the hallway.
Well that was unexpected. I hadn't been in contact with any of our parent's friends since their passing. Of course they'd all given us their condolences, phone numbers, and repeatedly said, "if you need anything, please call." I never did, because I wanted to be independent. It was important to me to prove that I and Kedron could get by just fine on our own. Of course that was all before Kedron had his life changing accident. Just like I told Jane, it was all a waiting game right now. That reminded me I was going to ask Wam about movers and storage facilities. He was likely in surgery, but would answer me later when he had time, so I sent him a text.
Kynlee: Good morning Wam. I hope you slept well. No hurry, just wondering if you know of cheap movers and a reasonable storage facility in the area? I have Kedron's pickup truck at home yet, but no one to help me box everything up and lift the heavy things. Any leads would be appreciated, thank you.
I returned to Kedron's room and resumed my spot at his bedside. Around supper time, my stomach began to growl again and I decided it was time to head home. I vowed I would not fall asleep before finishing my laundry tonight. Just as I pulled into the driveway, my phone alerted me to a new text. After putting the car in park, I looked down and saw it was a text from Wam.
Dr. Wam Teton: Good day Kynlee. It's funny you ask because I was thinking about this today. Do you think your belongings would fit in the shed by the cabin? I was considering cleaning it out this weekend so you could store your stuff there. As far as moving your things, I can help you or we could get a moving company. Did you want to pack or would you prefer they do it?
Kynlee: if I don't bring the furniture, it should fit in the shed, but are you sure you can spare the space?
Dr. Wam Teton: Well, I'll clean the shed this weekend and then we will know for sure. I have to admit, I'm a bit of a pack rat. (Embarrassed emoji) There are likely things I can and should get rid of. I know many people get boxes from the dietary department there at the hospital. They get weekly shipments in bulk and break down the boxes, but once they place them out in recycling, they are fair game for others to use. I could run you up to your place Sunday if you'd like? Then you could get the truck.
I couldn't help but smile at the emoji and I could not believe Wam was offering to give up his weekend to help me. That was so sweet of him. Could I really accept his help though? Of course spending time with Wam was an alluring thought, and given the opportunity, I simply couldn't turn it down. So I fired back a text before I could change my mind.
Kynlee: If you have time and don't mind, I'd really appreciate a ride on Sunday. I think it'll be a big weight off my shoulders to get this all straightened, so I don't have to worry about it all. Thank you again Wam. (Hug emoji) (Heart emoji)
I entered the cabin, slipped off my shoes, hung my coat, and headed to the laundry room. To my dismay, my clothes were no longer in the washer. I checked the dryer, and they weren't there either. What the heck? I raced up the stairs, turned into my bedroom, and there on my bed are all my clothes. They were folded neatly and sitting on the corner of my bed. Aggie must have finished them. I took a deep breath. At least I found my clothes, so I wouldn't have to go around naked. I should really do something nice for Aggie, because that was sweet of her. I also file away for future reference not to leave clothes in the washer or dryer. I want to take care of myself. My laundry certainly is not Aggie's responsibility.
I leave the clothes and trudge back down to the kitchen. After washing my hands, I pull out some food and prepare my supper. My tastebuds and stomach are very happy with the chef salad I prepared. I clean up and prepare for bed.
As much as I enjoy our text banter, I cannot wait to see Wam again. A smile comes to my lips while I picture Wam as I drift off to sleep. I shouldn't fantasize about Wam, but sometimes a girl just cannot help herself.