The West Virginian by Sharon Brondos

Author:Sharon Brondos
Format: epub

CHAPTER TEN

The infirmary was down toward the laboratory/production section of the enclave. Dawn huddled inside her coat and looked at the path as she walked. Although it was getting late in the afternoon, the weak sunlight still struggled to shine through the overcast sky. The atmosphere was heavy and everything felt surreal.

The infirmary was like all hospitals. When she walked inside and shut the door behind her, the moist warmth and antiseptic smell made her eyes water and her throat sting. Shuddering, she took off her coat. Faye Reynolds came out of the reception office to greet her.

„Hi, Faye,“ Dawn said to the young nurse, tossing her coat on a chair. „Is he able to have visitors?“

„Sure.“ Faye smiled. „He was badly hurt, but he’s tough. He’ll be out of here tomorrow.“

„Really?“ Was Joan being overly concerned? Was her pessimism a reflection of her own problems, not Jake’s? „That’s good news.“

Faye’s expression clouded. „Of course, once the weather makes it possible, he’s going to need to see a specialist.“

„Oh? So there was more damage than just a broken arm?“.

„You’ll have Jo ask Ginny about that.“

Dawn hesitated. „You know, none of this is really any of my business. I’m not a relative, and I don’t work here.“

„That’s not what I hear.“

„Faye, Jake can’t mean it. I’m not equipped to run this place!“

The nurse shrugged. „All I know is that when Jake Barr makes a decision, it usually turns out to be the right one. I trust his judgment. Why else would I stay out here in the middle of the woods when I could be running a nursing unit of my own back in the city?“

„I’m clueless,“ Dawn replied.

Faye smiled. „You’ve been recruited, honey. Happened to me and Ginny the same way. This place, that man and his dreams, they get to you.“

„I think I’d better talk to Ginny. Where is she?“

„In her office. Come on, I’ll show you the way.“ She started walking down the hall.

Feeling very much out of depth, Dawn followed. Faye left her at the door. When she entered the office, Ginny told her to take a seat. „I’m glad you came over,“ the doctor said. „I was going to send for you.“

„As I told Faye, not being a relative or close friend, I feel strange about this,“ Dawn confessed. „I’ve only known Jake a week. But I do want to ask how he is and what his prognosis is.“

„You haven’t seen him yet?“

„No.“

The doctor removed her glasses. „He’s already mending,“ she said. „He’s relatively young and very strong. In good health, generally. But I want to get him over to the medical center in Francisville as soon as possible. I’m concerned about nerve damage. And he’s been pushing himself pretty hard lately. Too much tension and responsibility. Not enough sleep or proper food. He may be his own worst enemy when it comes to full recovery.“

„I see.“

„I’m also aware Jake has put you in charge of the Well until he’s able to return to his regular work schedule.

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