I was so angry this morning when Dr. Adams ignored my concerns about Kedron's emotional well-being. She basically said that all patients struggle after a trauma and it's to be expected. I disagree, but wasn't prepared for Wam to take things in his own hands. I'm grateful, but do not want to start a war.
We had rounds before 7am but Dr. Adams came back in the afternoon, and talked to the nurse about a new order. Nurse Nancy looked confused because she hadn't yet seen the order. When they finished their discussion, Dr. Adams glared at me but tried to cover it up under the guise of a smile. As she was leaving, she turned and said, "thank you Nurse Nancy. I'll take this up with Dr. Teton," then she left the room.
Within the hour, a psychiatrist arrived and I was asked to leave while he talked with Kedron. I figured Wam was likely still in surgery, so I didn't bother him. All I could do was hope Dr. Adams wasn't too upset with Wam or me. The last thing I wanted was to negatively impact the care Kedron was getting.
Kedron didn't break down in tears today, but also didn't show much emotion while I was present. I had read him the news highlights, we had watched numerous television shows, but our interactions were strained at best. He still avoided eye contact with me, and it breaks my heart to see him like this. "Goodnight Kedron. I love you and I'll see you in the morning." I kissed him on the cheek. I remained at the hospital with Kedron until supper time and then took my leave. I had so much to do at home now that our stuff was moved.
Kedron replied, "you too," in a monotone voice, but never took his eyes from the television.
This was not my doting, protective, fun loving brother. I'm not sure who this person was, but I needed to figure out how to get my brother back.
I was deep in thought as I drove to the cabin when I heard a "thumping noise" coming from the rear of the car. I pulled over and discovered the passenger side rear tire was almost completely flat. "Son of a..." I started to say, but a truck pulled up behind me. As I stood next to the car on the side of the county road, I watched a huge man climb out of the full size pickup and approach me in the tall, brown grass.
As he neared, our eyes met and gave me cold shivers. I watched him from the second he stepped out until he made his way to my side and asked me, "are you in need of assistance little lady?"
I looked at him with a modicum of dread, but why deny the issue, it was pretty obvious what my problem was. "Umm, I seem to have a flat tire. It's not my car though, it belongs to a friend who was nice enough to help by lending me his car." I twisted my hands nervously in front of my body.
"Do ya have a spare and a jack?" He asked.
"I'm not sure. I'm sorry, I probably sound like an idiot, but it's not my car." I said sheepishly as I walked to the trunk to see if there was emergency supplies.
As I opened the trunk, the large, muscle bound man, moved in and dug out a Jack and a spare tire. He went to work loosening the lug nuts, inserted the jack, lifted the rear of the car, and proceeded to change the tire. He made it look easy as I watched him make quick work of interchanging the tires. I felt useless and asked, "is there something I can do to help?"
"Nah, I'm almost done here. Your lucky I came along," he said in a deep voice. "These lug nuts were pretty tight. I doubt you'd have gotten them loose."
I took a deep breath. Maybe I'd misjudged this guy? After all, he did stop to help, and changed my tire without being asked. He may look like a brute, but maybe there was actually a really nice guy under there.
"I cannot thank you enough sir for helping me," I said as I stood behind him.
He laughed, "Sir is my dad. Please call me Sebastian." He glanced up at me briefly with a huge grin on his face.
It's amazing how much more friendly he appeared with a smile on his face. "I'm not sure what I'd have done without your help Sebastian. Thank you."
He finished up, put the jack and flat back in the trunk and came back over to the side of the road where I remained. The day light was starting to disappear and I hoped I could get home before it was dark.
"I have a young daughter. I hope that someday if she is in need, someone will help her. This should get you a ways until you can get a new tire. This one isn't made for long term use though, so you'll need to get a new tire mounted okay?" Wiping his hands off on his pants, he met my eyes and waited for my reply.
I nodded. "Do you recommend I take it anywhere in particular?"
"Well... since you asked," his smile grew as he pulled a business card from his wallet and handed it to me. "This card is for my garage. If you come to my shop, I'll give you a good deal on a new tire. Give me a call tomorrow and we'll get you set up for an appointment."
"I cannot thank you enough Sebastian Simonson, owner of Simonson's Auto Repair." I give him a genuine smile as I read off the information, and feel guilty for thinking he was shady when he pulled up. I put out my hand and his huge paw engulfs mine. I swear he is probably twice my weight and strong as an ox. "I'll talk to you soon Sebastian."
He smiled, revealing a slight dimple in his left cheek before he said, "I look forward to it," as he winked at me.
I wasn't used to unknown men flirting with me. At least I think that's what he was doing. I got in Wam's car and drove off down the road toward the cabin. I made sure I wasn't being followed before I turned into the driveway. What a relief to be home and off the side of the road.
I take a deep breath as I get out of the car and trudge up the steps. The stress of the flat tire wore me out. As I unlocked the door and entered the cabin, I was met with a delicious aroma. I was confused because I hadn't put any food on this morning. As I flipped the lights on, I found a note on the table that read:
"Kynlee: I placed supper in the crock pot so you could have a home cooked meal ready for you when you returned. There are fixings for lettuce salad in the fridge. I hope you enjoy the meal. Love, Aggie"
The fact that Aggie went out of her way to make me a meal brought tears to my eyes. Kedron and I have been so alone since our parents died and Wam and Aggie have been so kind. I just wasn't sure how to accept help from people, normally having to make my own way.
I dished up a plate of ribs, sauerkraut, and a
potato and put the left overs in the refrigerator. I made a lettuce salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers slices, and light French dressing with shredded cheese on top. I hadn't realized how thirsty I was until I drank my whole glass of water and had to refill it. I've always thought food tastes better when you don't have to prepare it yourself, and this meal was no exception. Aggie's preparations were both a welcome surprise and a joy to eat. I definitely owed her.... again.
After cleaning up the kitchen and starting the dishwasher, I walked upstairs and prepared to take a shower. Arms loaded with pajamas and under clothes, I walked toward the bathroom. As I stepped toward the enclosed shower stall, I heard my cell phone ringing. I ran back into the bedroom and accepted the call before placing it to my ear, "hello?"
"Lee," Wam's familiar voice came through the phone, "did I call at a bad time?"
I smiled when I heard his voice. "No, I always have time for you. How was the rest of your day?" I asked with interest.
"Hal's surgery went okay, he woke up, and my second surgery went well. So, I can't really complain. How was your day?" Wam inquired.
"Did Dr. Adams call you? She came in, talked to Nurse Nancy about some orders, then said she would 'talk to Dr. Teton', before leaving again."
Wam laughs but in a sarcastic way, not a way that makes you think something is funny. "Yeah, she called, but don't you worry your pretty little head about it. We discussed the situation. Did someone come to assess Kedron?"
Don't worry about it? Hmm easier said than done. I take a deep breath before answering, "yeah, a
Psychiatrist came. I assume he assessed Kedron. since he asked me to leave the room while they spoke. So I guess we shall see if it makes a difference."
"Well I'm glad to hear they made it there today. Now we have a starting point so we can hopefully help Kedron deal emotionally and physically," Wam explained.
"Hopefully yes. Oh, I almost forgot, your car got a flat tire on the way home from the hospital tonight. I pulled over and a super sweet but huge man named Sebastian stopped to help me. So the spare is on right now."
Wam cleared his throat, "are you okay?"
"Oh yeah, I'm good. It turns out Sebastian has an auto repair shop. He gave me his card and told me he would give me a deal on a new tire if I call and make an appointment," I recounted.
"I'm glad someone stopped to help you. What did you say the repair shop was called?"
I dug out the business card and read it, "Simonson's Auto Repair. Sebastian said he owns the place."
"I think Sebastian is my neighbor. Not right next door, but maybe a mile before my cabin." Wam was quiet for a few seconds before he added, "let me know the cost and I'll pay for the tire."
"No you won't," I exclaimed. "You've allowed me to stay in your house and use your car. I'll replace the tire."
"Yes Ms. Knutson, whatever you say. Did you find something to eat?" Wam questioned.
"When I finally got to the house after Sebastian changed my flat tire, Aggie had put a meal in the crockpot for me. That was so sweet of her. So I had a lettuce salad, ribs with sauerkraut, and a potato for supper. Nutritious and very tasty. I already love that woman." I couldn't help but smile at hearing Wam laugh.
"I'm glad to hear someone is watching over you while I'm gone," Wam laughed again. "Okay I'm gonna let you go Lee. I hope you sleep well."
"Thank you Wam, you as well. We'll talk soon. Bubbye now," I tell him.
"Goodnight Lee," he said but sat on the line like he was waiting for me to hang up, so I did.
I showered, finished my bedtime routine, and climbed in bed. I was exhausted from the busy day and had no issue falling asleep.