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“How about ake him up?”

“Is it time?”

“His fever is down, and the antibiotics have been going several hours”

I stand quickly,out of her way “Do you need me to wait outside?”

“Nope I’ the medication When he coht be a little disoriented”

My chest clenches “Thank you,” is all I can say

I watch as she works around hi a metal clipboard with papers on top He steps over to one of the large ood,” he says quietly “Let es”

The

“Mr Alexander?” The nurse touches his shoulder

No response

Her expression changes, and fear cra?”

“Not necessarily” She steps over to the ain and makes a few notes “I want you to call me when his eyes open I’ll be back to check on you in a little while”

She goes around the screen, and it’s just the two of us I’ for him to wake up A round clock above the small television mounted on the wall says it’s alht, but the doctor didn’t see me leave

My mind drifts back to when Dex was born I’d decided to have a drug-free delivery, and et our little son into the world nearly drove Derek out of the hospital I’ll never forget how helpless he looked A bit like he looks now Once it was over, he never leftone arm over my head and the other across my waist and around our new baby nestled in my side It was one of the happiest moments of my life

Quickly assessing the position of the tubes and monitors to his left, I sit on the bedside in the s off s down his The ar is between us, and I’m careful not to disturb his injured torso The beeps continue steadily, without interruption, as I place ainst his shoulder and wrap my arm across his chest