The Grim Reader by Kate Carlisle

Author:Kate Carlisle [Carlisle, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2020-06-02T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

• • •

Derek, Gabriel, and Alex sat in the waiting area out front while I went into the curtained examination room where a doctor was evaluating my mother’s injuries. Dad sat in a chair right next to her, looking emotionally drained.

“I’m not staying overnight in the hospital,” my mother argued, then saw me walk in. “Oh, sweetie, it’s just a little bump and a skinned knee. I want to go home.”

“You’ve suffered a mild concussion, Mrs. Wainwright,” the on-call doctor said. His name badge read DR. SHARMA, EMERGENCY MEDICINE. “And you have multiple scrapes and contusions up and down your legs.”

“Well, of course I do,” Mom said reasonably. “I got slammed onto the sidewalk.” She winked at Dad and reached out for him. “Thank God. You saved my life, Jimmy.”

He squeezed her hand. “You cushioned my fall, sweetie pie.”

Tears began to stream down my cheeks as I listened to my parents’ good-natured teasing. She could’ve been hurt so much worse, I thought, and swore that Jacob Banyan would pay.

When I could finally speak, I asked, “How bad are the contusions, doctor?”

“There was a lot of bruising and quite a bit of blood from the scrapes she received falling on the sidewalk. We had to dig some bits of gravel out of her left knee.” Dr. Sharma sighed. “But we’ve cleaned her up and covered everything in antibiotic ointment.” He smiled at me, then my mother. “We’ll send you home with extra bandages and ointment. I would recommend using an ice pack on the bruises every hour or so, as long as you keep the bandages dry.” He smiled wider. “She’ll live.”

“And what about the concussion?” I asked.

“I’ll stay up with her,” my father said. “I’ll wake her up every two hours and check her pupils and her vital signs.”

I turned to the doctor. “Is that enough?”

“It was a mild concussion and she shows no symptoms that indicate anything worse.”

“What are those symptoms?” I pressed.

“Dizziness, slurred speech, confusion, nausea, ringing in the ears. Among others.”

I stared at my mother. “Is any of that happening to you?”

“No, sweetie,” she said. “I’m just tired.”

I turned back to Dr. Sharma. “She’s tired. Is that a bad sign?”

“Only if she wants to go dancing all night.”

I was still sniffling, but I managed a weak smile. “So you’re a comedian.”

“Just trying to keep it light.”

“I appreciate that. Thanks.” I shook his hand as my father helped my mother to her feet.

I walked out to the hall just as Detective Willoughby and Officer Jenkins approached. Derek and Gabriel stood up to greet them.

“I’m glad you’re here, Detective,” I said.

“I’m sorry about your mom,” he said. “How’s she doing?”

“She’s okay. She’s going home. She’s pretty shaken up so she won’t be able to talk to you tonight.”

Just then, Mom and Dad walked slowly out of the examination room.

“Well, hello, Stevie—oops.” Mom shook her head and the movement caused her to wince. “I mean, Detective Willoughby. I’m sorry. I’m not doing too well, but I’m sure I’ll be able to answer your questions tomorrow.

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