Page 92 of Bone Deep
Then, in a mock whisper, she says, “I’m soo good at my job.”
I laugh, snatch the bag, and then my voice softens. “Thank you. I appreciate you.”
She smiles, gentle for a second. “I know you do.” Then she’s brisk again, turning on her heel toward the door. “We have to get to the office. Just text if you need anything. We have everything covered.”
I nod, “Thanks again, guys.”
“Come on, Parky,” Dita calls, and they disappear with a flurry of bags and perfume.
I look over at Ryan, who’s destroying his third sandwich, crumbs everywhere—gown, sheet, probably all over his chest. I just watch him and he pauses, cheeks bulging.
“What?” he says around a mouthful.
I shake my head. “You were jealous.”
“Fucking right I was,” he says, then pops the rest of the sandwich in his mouth.
Later, after Ryan’s had a nap while I caught up on emails, the door swings open and we’re suddenly surrounded by a team of doctors in white coats and serious faces. I open the notes app on my tablet so I can jot down anything important Ryan will need to remember.
One steps forward. “Ryan, I’m Dr. Kravitz. I was the lead surgeon on your case yesterday. How are you feeling today?”
Ryan grins. “I feel okay, considering. A little restless in this contraption.”
The doctor nods, then gestures to his flock. “We’re a teaching hospital, so I’d like my colleagues to listen in. They’re aware of your elevated need for privacy, but you can ask them to leave.”
Ryan shrugs. “Nah, it’s all good. Learn away.” He winks at the group. One of the female residents giggles, twirling her hair, and I roll my eyes at the ceiling.
“Thank you,” Dr. Kravitz says. “How’s the pain?”
Ryan shrugs. “Just some intense throbbing, but the pain meds are working.”
Dr. Kravitz moves around the bed to where Ryan’s leg is hoisted. “That’s good. The pain should ease a little each day.” Ryan nods. “I’m going to check the wound, and a nurse will come clean it and teach you how to do it at home.”
Another nod from Ryan. Dr. Kravitz continues, “We’ll also get your leg out of this suspension sling today. I only requireit for my athlete cases for the first day, to give you the best recovery…and because you’re a restless lot.”
Ryan laughs, and I can’t help but chime in, “Good call.”
Dr. Kravitz glances at me. “I know the ED staff explained the surgery yesterday, but it’s easy to forget in chaos.”
Ryan chuckles. “Yeah, I don’t remember a word.”
The doctor offers a sympathetic smile. “The procedure took just over two hours. We performed an Open Reduction and Internal Fixation, or ORIF. Basically, we realigned the bones, used metal and screws to hold them, then did surgical cleaning and stitching.”
I clear my throat. “What does that mean, long-term?”
He looks at me, then Ryan. “You’ll be here another day or two so we can watch for infection, which is a significant risk with compound fractures.” Ryan’s face finally sobers, and I see it hit him, the real weight of all this. Dr. Kravitz goes on, “Once you’re released, physical therapy needs to start within two days. No weight on your leg for at least six weeks.”
Ryan’s head drops back against the pillow, and I flinch for him.
Dr. Kravitz’s tone softens. “Comply with restrictions and aftercare, and your odds of a good recovery are much better. Understood?”
Ryan nods, just once. “Yeah.”
“Keep the wound clean, leg elevated for the first week, and follow the instructions the nurse gives you. Do you live alone?”
Ryan slumps. “Yes.”
Dr. Kravitz nods. “Okay, do you have anyone who can stop by a few times a day that first week? You’ll need help.”
