Unending Love by KaLyn Cooper

Author:KaLyn Cooper [Cooper, KaLyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Swan Publishing, LLC

14

Two days later, Alex watched as Dr. Tobias made notes in Katlin’s chart. “To start, I’m putting you on six weeks of medical leave. I want to see you every other day for the next two weeks.” He sat down on the edge of the bed and dedicated his entire attention to Katlin. “I know your type. You won’t like what I have to say, but these are doctor’s orders. I want you to take it easy. Keep in mind that anything strenuous—like running five miles, working out in the gym with weights, or God forbid, sparring—increases your heart rate which increases your blood pressure. That same blood that flows through your heart, strengthening it, goes all the way around your body and flows over the top of the brain that you just hurt. Walk first. Then maybe I’ll let you run.”

The doctor patted her hand and gave her what he probably thought was a reassuring smile but looked more like a grimace. “Before your injury, you were in peak physical condition. I know you want to return to that point, but it’s going to take time. It took you years to get there so don’t expect that level of conditioning in weeks. Your body has had a traumatic injury. Although you seem to have bounced back quickly, you are far from out of the woods. It’s not unusual for you to discover areas that don’t return as quickly as you hope.”

“Like what?” Katlin asked hesitantly.

“Given the brain areas of greatest trauma, I’m most concerned about executive functions. Your physical body seems to be responding as normal. We’re not sure, and it’s far too early to predict, how you’re going to react in emergencies. You were responsible for making life-and-death decisions based on limited information with only seconds to decide. Your brain in those areas still must heal before we can accurately test them.”

Dr. Tobias stood and looked at Alex. “Is her cell phone here?”

After opening a nightstand dresser, he handed Katlin her phone.

“I want you to call your boss. Tell him what happened and where you’ve been. Tell him I’ve put you on six weeks medical leave and I may extend that to up to six months before you have to face a medical board.” Dr. Tobias nodded at the phone in Katlin’s hand.

Suddenly Alex realized what the doctor had done. She would have to use several different parts of her brain to accomplish everything he asked of her, including remembering three things. Smart. He was testing her executive functions, establishing a baseline.

Katlin stared at the phone in her hand.

She continued to stare at it.

Alex slid a glance toward the doctor who was covertly looking at his watch. He was timing how long it was taking her to make a decision.

Katlin giggled. “You told me to call my boss. I have several of them including the president of the United States, but I don’t have his phone number. Legally, I’m a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy but I don’t really have anyone in the Navy that I report to.

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