Nash walked into his patient’s room as the nurse’s aide was coming out. At a glance, he saw that Bernie’s belongings were all neatly packed. A trolley was full with the remains of a fruit basket and balloon bouquet, together with a travel-sized rolling suitcase containing the personal items he’d brought with him to the hospital. A colorful throw blanket lay atop the luggage. The ever-present bottle of lotion, mobile phone, tablet, and chargers were no longer spread out across the over-bed rolling table.
“All set, Bernie? The rehab facility’s transport will be here soon.”
“Ready as I’m going to be, I guess.”
“Aw, physical therapy won’t be so bad. It’ll feel good to be mobile again, won’t it? And there’ll be plenty of people around to keep you company.”
“I know. But I wish it was all ove
