It is a hasty ride to Community County Hospital, a mile from Red Maple Apartments.
Five and a half hours later, after x-rays and a visit from an ER doc, Josh is attached to an IV and admitted for exhaustion, dehydration, and severe pneumonia.
In a single room on the third floor, Eddie pulls a chair up to the side of the bed and stares over at his weak friend. “Looks like they want you to stay the whole night.”
Groggy, Josh glances back at him, his mouth moving but nothing comes out.
Eddie leans in. “Do you want me to call someone?”
A weak nod. “Work.”
“Sure.” Eddie stands and digs out his cell phone from his pocket.
Josh grabs his arm. “My parents.” He coughs into the crook of his arm. Taking his time, “I need to let them know…where…I am.”
Eddie nods. He searches the telephone dire
