His Every Word Read Online Free PDF Page A

this,” Kallie replied. “You have no idea how comforting it is to hear that Hunter’s in good hands.”
    “Just let the doctors and nurses do their work, honey. Let the staff around here do what we do best. We heal people every day. We take care of people, strangers, as if they were our own flesh and blood.”
    “And you say his vitals look strong? That’s a good sign?”
    The nurse chuckled. “Well, it’s certainly not a bad sign, now, is it?”
    Kallie smiled. “I guess not.”
    “It’s good because it shows that he’s fighting hard to get through this first part.
    The first twenty-four hours after a traumatic injury is very important to long-term recovery prospects. So every little bit counts. Now, when I see a patient exhibiting relatively normal blood pressure, strong pulse, steady heart rate—“
    “But what about the ventilator? He can’t even breathe on his own.”
    “He has a badly injured lung, so of course they’re going to play it safe and make sure his breathing is assisted as his body recovers from the initial trauma. My guess is that by this time tomorrow, he’ll be off that thing.” But now the nurse’s face took on an exaggerated look of suspicion and concern. “I’m not supposed to say most of this stuff, you know,” she whispered conspiratorially. “Years ago we could give opinions but not anymore. After all, I’m not a doctor and I didn’t attend some fancy medical school. So take it or leave it. This is just one nurse’s opinion.”
    “I’ll take it,” Kallie said, feeling more and more relieved.
    The nurse checked her watch. “Now, visiting hours are over in about five minutes. But you take your time and I’ll come back around in a few. Okay?”
    “Okay. And thanks again,” Kallie told her.
    The nurse left the room and Kallie and Scarlett looked at one another.
    “Was she nuts or just really, really cool?” Scarlett whispered.
    Kallie laughed and shrugged. “I have no idea, but beggars can’t be choosers. She helped me feel better.”
    “Good.” Scarlett smiled at her. “Look, I’m going to let you have a moment with him alone. I’ll wait outside.”
    “You don’t have to—“
    Scarlett held up her hand. “Please. It’s the least I can do after everything you’ve been through, Kallie.” And then, before Kallie could protest, Scarlett left the room as well.
    Now, Kallie was alone with him.
    There was nothing but the steady hum and whine and wheeze of air pumping and gasping and the electrical beeps of Hunter’s heart rate on the machine near his bed.
    “Did you hear the nurse?” she asked him, trying to have a conversation, hoping he might fall for it and end up talking back to her somehow. “She says you’re going to be fine by tomorrow. Or at least, you won’t need this machine.” Kallie held his hand and leaned against it, than lowered her mouth to kiss the back of his hand. It was smooth and warm and dry.
    “I need to hear your voice again soon, Hunter. I miss you. I love you. Please be strong, because…” she started to cry. The tears ran down her cheeks. “Because you’re everything to me. You’re my whole world and I can’t lose you now that we only just found each other. Okay? So please keep fighting for us.”
    No response.
    She laid his hand back at his side.
    The room was quiet and a little chilly. She looked at his still, peaceful face and felt a scream rising in her throat.
    Is he going to die in here tonight? Is he doing to die alone?
    But slowly, slowly, Kallie regained control of her emotions and thoughts. You can’t think negatively in here, she reprimanded herself. He might pick up on that. Stay positive, stay strong for him.
    And then Kallie turned and left the room, trying to keep up her façade as Scarlett reassured her of how good and fine and right it all was. Scarlett’s steady patter of calming words served to blur the time as they made their way back to the hospital waiting room, where Sean was once again asleep at