Page 35 of Reaching Hearts

Staring at the closed door, I shake my head at myself. Why have I been trying to get sent home? I pick up the call-button and push it a couple times. The speaker turns on behind me and I recognize Maria’s voice. “Yes? Did you need something?”

“Maria? I don’t think I should leave for a few days. I need to get some rest and I think the trauma has affected me more than I realized.”

I stare at the silent speaker. After a perfectly timed pauses, she says dryly. “Nice try.” The speaker goes silent again.

“Maria, seriously…”

Silence.

“Maria?”

Silence.

“Dammit,” I mutter, cutting my eyes to the IV needle in my arm. “What are you looking at?” The tube and needle are silent. They too, are not impressed. Sigh.