Page 41 of Collateral Damage
"Hmm," I murmur, more to myself than him. "I'm going to apply pressure here to stabilize the tissue, then extract in one smooth motion. Ready?"
"Go ahead."
I position the tweezers, my other hand pressed gently against his palm to keep it steady. His skin is warm beneath my fingers, and I'm suddenly very aware of how close we're sitting. How focused he is on my face rather than what I'm doing to his hand.
I grip the exposed end of the splinter and pull—slow, steady, following the angle of entry.
It comes out clean.
"There." I hold it up for him to see. "One piece. No fragments."
"Nicely done."
I set the splinter aside and reach for fresh gauze. "I'm not finished yet."
I dab at the small wound, clearing away the blood so I can see if there's any debris left behind.
"This might be overkill for a splinter, but humor me."
I glance up at him.
The muscle in his jaw tightens, and his gaze drops to my mouth for half a second before snapping back up.
I swallow, heart fluttering, mouth dry, and tasting nothing but nerves.
I wrap the bandage around his palm, my fingers brushing against his as I secure it.
"What's this scar from?" I ask, tracing a thin white line along his knuckle without thinking.
"Training accident. Years ago." His voice has gone quieter. "Forgot to check my brass before a live fire drill."
I nod, still holding his hand longer than necessary. Still touching that scar like I have any right to.
"All done," I finally manage, but I don't let go.
Neither does he; instead, his thumb brushes against the side of my hand, a slow, deliberate pressure that makes the rest of the room fall away.
My phone rings, shattering the moment.
I pull my hand back quickly, reach for it on the counter, and check the screen.
With a nod from Silas, I answer. "Hello?"
"Dr. Morrison, it's Janet. I wanted to update you on your mother."
I brace myself. "Yes?"
"The X-rays came back clear. No fractures, no breaks. Just some bruising that should heal on its own with rest."
A knot of tension works its way free at the news. “She's okay?"
"She's doing well! When I went to check on her this afternoon, she remembered my name. Asked me if I could read to her from her Amy Carmichael book."
My throat tightens. "She remembered you?"
"Clear as day. Even told me which chapter she wanted." Janet's voice is warm. "I know these moments don't always last, but I thought you'd want to know she's having a good day."
"Thank you." The words come out thick. "Thank you so much for calling."
