The hot paramedic hands me a hospital gown. “Here, you’d better put this on.”
I unfold the starched, white cotton and slip my arms through. I wear it back to front, drawing the fabric across my belly, tying the string tightly around my waist. The fabric feels cold and rough on my skin.
He holds open the passenger side door. I get in. The door closes with a soft clunk and as he walks around the front of his truck, I smooth down my crisp, white gown and put on the seat belt. Not a single one of these ordinary, everyday acts feels normal. I’m sharply aware of him, his strength, his tan, and his picture-perfect good looks. He could be a model, or even work in porn. He’s too larger than life for his uniform.
clunkThe engine purrs to life. He drives slowly through the parking lot, makes a lef
