Page 162 of A Lie in Church

“Funny.”

“I will call the doctor.” He gave my hand a gentle squeeze and left.

I took in my surroundings. The room was wide. There was a table by the corner with fresh flowers on top. The long couch was pushed to the wall, and a TV was mounted in front of the bed. I looked down at the hospital gown. I shut my eyes and took a deep breath as I recalled what had happened.

“Where is Tristan?” I asked with my eyes still closed. I waited for an answer but got none.

I opened my eyes, looking at Karen with my right brow raised. She looked uncomfortable. The door opened when I was about to speak, and I could almost swear I saw relief wash over her face. Adrian walked in with a short doctor. The doctor smiled at me as he got closer.

“Hi, I’m Dr. Michael.”

“Hi,” I mumbled.

“How are you feeling?” the doctor asked.

“My head hurts.”

“Anything else?”

“No.”

“Okay, miss. I need you to cooperate with me.”

“Okay.” I nodded.

“How many fingers do you see?”

“Three.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” I almost rolled my eyes at him.

“How many do you see now?”

“Two,” I replied dryly.

He glanced at Adrian and Karen. Their faces were masked with confusion. He stepped closer and used a penlight to check my eyes, and then he pulled away.

“What?” I asked, feeling left out.

“We are going to keep you here for a few days to make sure there’s no brain injury.”

“How many days?” I mumbled.

“Three to five. Have a nice day, miss.” He left, smiling widely.

“Is it that bad?” I asked, looking at them with a frown.

“I’m sure you’ll be out of here at the end of this week,” Karen said.

“I hope so,” I whispered. “Where is Tri—”

“We’ll be right back. Let’s get you something to eat,” Adrian cut me off.

He took Karen’s hand, and I watched them leave. They were avoiding the question.

I felt a strong urge to pee. I got down from the bed. I rolled the pole where the IV was hanging as I walked to the bathroom. I did my business and decided to rinse my face. I walked to the small mirror hanging above the sink.