Dr. Eastman entered Katie’s room, trailed by Megan.
After acknowledging the parents, she stepped close to Katie’s bed.
“Good morning, Katie,” said Dr. Eastman, placing her hand on the girl’s shoulder.
“Hi,” squeaked Katie, with a small quick smile even though she was in a bit of pain. She kept her eyes closed. She had been awake twice now; long enough to be aware of the pain and another side effect from the accident.
Katie kept trying to clear her throat, so Megan helped her drink water from a plastic cup and a bent straw.
“Your throat is raw from the breathing tube, Katie. That will go away quickly,” stated Dr. Eastman. “Katie, would you take a few deep breaths for me? As deep as you can even though it might cause discomfort.”
Katie took one breath and let it out. It was not a deep breath, but it hurt. She drew another, this time deeper, concentrating on the breath, not the pain in her chest while the doctor listened with a stethoscope.
“Am I going to be okay?” asked Katie.
“You are going to be just fine, Katie,” replied Dr. Eastman. “How is the pain?”
“Overall, not bad, I guess. It mainly hurts when I take a deep breath.
“That’s normal with a broken sternum and ribs.” And a collapsed lung and punctured heart. You are so lucky to be alive, thoughts Dr. Eastman kept to herself.
Katie turned her face to the window. “The sun feels good!”
Her comment brought a smile to everyone’s face.
“I’m itchy and my hair feels gross.”
Dr. Eastman laughed. “Megan can help with that. We will be getting you out of bed shortly for a little stroll around the hallways. There is nothing wrong with your legs and we need to get your body moving.”
“Is there anything we can get you, Katie” asked her father. Katie’s parents were smiling with relief.
“I’m really tired, and hungry.”
Dr. Eastman gave her another smile. “Let’s start you on soft foods first, to make it easier on your stomach and intestines. A respiratory therapist will be in shortly. We will need you to breath as deep as you can, as often as you can, so your injured lung can heal and avoid pneumonia.
“Katie, you are doing just fine. Really great in fact. I’ll be in to check on you tomorrow. Please do what the nurses ask of you and get lots of rest.”
“How long will she be in the hospital?” asked Katie’s mother, Lisa.
“Let’s give her two more days, then we will see if I feel Katie is ready to go home,” answered Dr. Eastman.
After the doctor left Megan spoke. “I’ll go order your meal and come back in a few minutes with your medication.”
Richard moved close to the bed.
“We are so happy you are okay, Honey. The tests are all coming back great,” said her mom.
“How long has it been?”
“Three and half days. The accident happened Sunday evening. Do you remember anything?”
Katie smiled.
“A bit, but I’m okay and that’s what matters. Mom, can you bring my art supplies, and the better drawing pad. If I must be here, I would like to draw.”
“Do you want any of your books?”
“No thank you, just my art stuff please.”