CHAPTER 3
1060 Words
Doc Bryan walked into the hospital, his eyes scanning the ward for Juliet's room. He had been checking on her regularly since her accident, and he was determined to see her through to a full recovery. He knocked on the door, but there was no response, so he gently pushed it open and stepped inside.
Juliet lay sleeping, her mother sitting beside her, a book clutched in her hand. Doc Bryan's eyes softened as he took in the scene. He had grown fond of Juliet and her mother, and he was deeply invested in Juliet's recovery.
He approached Juliet's bedside, taking in her peaceful expression. Even in her hospital gown, she looked beautiful, her long hair cascading down her pillow. He gently took her hand, feeling a surge of compassion.
"Look at this," he whispered, "How did I let my emotions get the best of me, how did I let this happen, Juliet really needs to walk again freely, without aids and that is exactly what would happen. I would try my best to make it happen, I would clean this mess I created”, he whispered further with his hand now on his neatly shaped jaw beard.
Juliet's mother who heard some whispers opened her eyes. "Hello Doctor, good morning," she said, adjusting her posture. "When did you come in?""Not long," Doc Bryan replied, swiftly removing his hand from his beards "I did not want to disturb you."Juliet's mother smiled, her eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep. "Okay, have you checked her? Is she..."
Doc Bryan nodded shortening her statement. "I think she is getting better and she can be discharged today that is if you are ready to leave, but she would need to use a wheelchair for the time being. That would help her move around, it would also help her get somethings done for and by herself while we try to get her walking again"
Juliet's mother gasped in shock, her hand covering a part of her mouth. "Wheelchair?” she asked.
Doc Bryan nodded sympathetically. "Yes Ma’am, I know it is not what we wanted or expected, but it is what is necessary for now. She will need physical therapy as well to regain her leg muscle strength."
Tears welled up in Juliet's mother's eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. "Okay, Doctor, if that would help, then it is definitely fine" she said, her voice steady.
“I would like her to be discharged today so I can give her a more proper and comfortable care at home”
“Okay Ma’am, we will send a wheelchair to you immediately and add that to your bill”, Doc. Bryan said
“That’s fine”, Juliet’s mother replied calmly.
***
A few moments later, Doc. Bryan returned with a Nurse, who rolled in a wheelchair.
"Here are some medications for her, the prescriptions are clearly written on them" he said, handing a white bag customized with blue ink bearing the hospital’s details on it to Juliet's mother.
"Administer it to her based on the prescriptions that are written on them and do not let her miss a dose", Doc. Bryan stated professionally
“Well noted”, Juliet Mom replied Juliet who was now awake, looked up at Doc. Bryan, her eyes shadowed with a grin of pain.
"Thank you, Doc," she said, her voice weak.
Doc. Bryan smiled. "You can go now, but don't forget to get a physical therapist."
Juliet's mother’s face folded into an exhausted grin. "I could barely pay for her hospital bill and the wheelchair, getting a physical therapist is going to cost a lot more money. Is it really necessary to start immediately?"
Doc. Bryan nodded. "I totally understand you Ma’am, but it is very necessary she starts physical therapy along with her medications immediately. I will see what I can do to help out."
Juliet's mother smiled lightly, her eyes brightened up gratefully. "Thank you, Doctor. Let me quickly book a taxi to take us home."
Doc. Bryan waved his hand. "No, you do not have to. I will drive you both home."
“No please, you do not have to”, Juliet’s mother disagreed“
It is my way of helping, please, do not refuse it”, Doc. Bryan pleaded, deep down in his mind, he felt really indebted to Juliet.
Juliet's mother looked surprised then she nodded in agreement. "Seriously, thank you so much."
***
Doc. Bryan helped Juliet into the wheelchair, his hands gentle on her fragile body as they left the hospital. Her mother pushed the wheelchair while Doc. Bryan led the way to his car.
When they arrived at Juliet's house, Doc. Bryan alighted, took out the wheelchair and helped her into it. He moved her in it while her mother walked in front to open the door.
Entering into the house, he helped her to the armchair, positioning the wheelchair right beside her. "Please Doc., can I have your contact so I can call you if I need your help?" Juliet asked, handing him her phone.
Doc. Bryan collected her phone from her, his fingers brushing against hers sending an exciting feeling between them as their eyes locked into each other’s.
Doc. Bryan quickly ended the glance as he turned towards Juliet’s phone and inputted his contact, his eyes meeting hers again "Here you go," he said, returning the phone.
Juliet smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thank you. I don’t think I remember your name."
"Bryan," he replied
“Doc. Bryan,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Please, spare the Doc., just Bryan would be fine," he said, his voice low and gentle.
Juliet smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Alright, Bryan"
Doc. Bryan eyes scanned the room, just then his phone beeped. Looking into his phone, he stood up abruptly, “I should go. I have some unfinished work to do at the office."
Juliet's mother, who had been watching from the side corner of the living room, spoke up. "But you just got here. At least let me get you something to drink."
Doc. Bryan shook his head. "I’m sorry, I really have to go. But thank you for offering."
As he made to leave, Juliet called out, "Thank you, Bryan."
He turned back, smiling. "You're welcome, Juliet. Just get enough rest."
- Writer
