“What happened?” Annie looked up to see Milly standing over her.
“You fainted,” Milly said.
“I did? I don’t think I’ve ever done that before,” she said, trying to sit up.
“Take it easy, sport,” Robert said. “There’s no rush to get up.”
His warm smile put her at ease. Letting her head slowly down to the pillow, she sighed. “Jack? Any word on Jack?”
“We’ve been in to see him. He’s in good spirits. He wants to see you, but we told him you’d had a little setback,” Robert said.
Annie rubbed her forehead with the palm of her hand. “I’m supposed to be the strong one for him, not the other way around. Of all the times to faint.”
“You hadn’t eaten. They said your blood sugar was low. You’re going to be fine, and so is Jack,” Milly said.
“How bad is it? Tell me now.”
“It’s all wrapped up tightly right now. But what the doctor explained to us was he did lose his hand to the wrist. Fortunately for him, it was his left hand since he’s right-handed,” Robert said.
“How’s he going to be able to continue with his wood business?” Annie closed her eyes.
“He’ll find a way. If I know anything about Jack Powell, it’s that he’s resourceful. He’ll not let this accident stop him. It may slow him down a bit at first, but mark my words, Annie. He’ll come back fighting.”
Annie watched as Robert turned away. He tried to conceal his emotion, but when his hand flew up and wiped the tears, it was a dead giveaway.
“I’m stepping out for some air.”
“Is he going to be okay?” Annie asked.
“Yes. Listen, the doctor said Jack is completely aware of his condition and seemed to take it in stride. He’s on pain pills so he can’t feel anything right now. He’ll need physical therapy for sure, and maybe even some other therapies to help him get through this, but the important thing we all must drive home is that we’re here for him, to support him however.”
Annie saw Milly’s look of sheer determination as she told her how things would be. For the first time ever, she realized where Jack got his tenacity. His mother.
“Please find a doctor or nurse. I want to get out of this bed and go see my husband.” Annie showed Milly that she too could be firm if need be.
“I’m just fine. This is ridiculous that I have to be wheeled in. I ate some food, drank some water. I’m not light-headed at all. Please let me walk into Jack’s room on my two feet.”
“Doctor’s orders,” the nurse said, pushing her.
Robert took the lead when they reached Jack’s room and pushed open the door. Milly followed behind him, then the nurse pushed Annie in. Jack was sleeping.
“Honey,” Annie said, rubbing his arm softly.
His eyes fluttered.
“Babe. It’s me. Annie,” she whispered.
A soft moan escaped his lips.
“He’s probably drowsy still from the meds,” the nurse said.
“Jack. Dad here.”
“Mom is here too,” Milly chirped.
Annie picked up his right hand and kissed it, being careful to avoid the needle that was pumping meds into him.
“Hi,” Jack said, barely audible.
“Honey. I’m here. I’m sorry I wasn’t here earlier. I had a little mishap.”
“Fainted,” he mumbled, then sighed.
“Yes. I guess the news about—”
“Son,” Robert said, interrupting her. “Would you like us to open the blinds a bit and let some sunshine in? Or how about I turn on the television and see if I can find something to bore you with.” He chuckled.
Milly shook her head at Annie, then put her finger to her lips. Annie figured it out quickly. She wasn’t to speak of the accident yet.
“The kids are with Mary and Danny.”
“Good,” he said.
“You’re not in any pain, right?” Annie asked.
He moved his head side to side.
“Hello, Powell family,” the doctor said as he came into the room.
Everyone looked his way.
He moved to Jack’s side. Taking out his stethoscope, he listened to Jack’s heart, followed by feeling his pulse. He looked at the bandaged stump and then made eye contact with Jack.
“Everything is good. Your bandage looks great, your vitals are perfect. I’d like to keep you overnight and see how things are in the morning. We don’t keep patients in hospital beds long these days, but instead, schedule follow-ups and physical therapy right away. I’ll get the orthopedic surgeon to come in and do his assessment before we discharge him, but if things go as they have, I would think Jack can go home tomorrow, early evening. We’ll just have to see how things go. Any questions?”
“Tomorrow? That soon? I mean…that’s great news. I know he’d be more comfortable at Magnolia, but are we ready for him? What do I need to do?” Annie stopped herself from rattling on.
“As part of his discharge, you’ll be given a complete list of do’s and don’ts. I think he’s going to be okay with some modifications as he becomes used to his injury. I’ll get his plan going, and then you’ll feel more comfortable with the discharge.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” Robert said.
Milly put her arm around Annie.
“Thank you,” Annie muttered.
“Can I have a few moments with Jack alone?” Annie locked eyes with Milly.
Robert clasped Milly’s hand and led her outside the room.
“Jack. Can you hear me?”
He opened his eyes. “Yes. I’m still a bit groggy.”
“Groggy is okay. I can understand you clearly. I think you’re coming around.”
“I love you,” she said.
“Love you too. Ashton, Carolina?”
“They’re with Mary and Danny, remember?”
“That’s right. You did say that.”
She was happy he remembered that. Surely that was a good sign.
“Grandmother and Auntie were helping me out with the kids, but I sent in the rescue squad.” She laughed, hoping to spawn at least a smile out of him. And it worked.
“Yeah because they can be a handful.”
“We’re going to get through this, Jack. It’s just a temporary setback. You wait and see. There’s not going to be anything you can’t do.”
“Setback. Like your fainting?” He turned his head slightly and smiled at her.
“Right. Like my fainting.”
He closed his eyes.
“Jack, I’m going to go now. You rest. I’ll be back tomorrow to bring you home.”
“Annie,” he whispered.
“Yes, Jack.” She dropped back down to the chair and touched his arm.
“Next time you want attention, try something else besides fainting.” The gleam from his eye bounced right to her.
A small tear bobbled on her lower lid. She answered with a hint of a smile on her face. “I’ll keep that in mind.” She leaned over and kissed him.
She’d totally forgotten she’d been wheeled into the room until Milly’s jaw dropped and pointed to her legs.
Waving off her response, Annie insisted all was well. “I’m good. Thanks for your concern.”
The three of them walked to the parking garage in silence. So many things were going through her mind. Like how would she tell Ashton, or how would Jack do once he was home. It was all a bit too surreal to sort it all out.
“Call us when you get home. The traffic is going to be awful with all the commuters,” Robert said.
“I’ll take my time. I’ll be fine.”
Milly kissed her cheek. “Stay strong,” she said, stepping back.
Annie nodded.
Robert slid his hand up her forearm and then held it in place. “She’s right. Stay strong for Jack and for the little guy at home. He’s going to have a lot of questions.”
“I’ve been tossing around how to tell him.” She lowered her gaze.
“You tell him Daddy had an accident with a powerful tool. He hurt his hand pretty badly, and they had to do surgery. I’m sure Jack will have the bandage on for quite a while. As time goes on, Jack will find a way to explain it all to him. Right now, you go home, hug those grandchildren for us, and try to get some rest. Would you like us to meet you here tomorrow?” Milly asked.
“Sure. That would be great.”
Once inside her car, Annie took several deep breaths. Closing her eyes, she counted to ten and then ran through the alphabet, trying to ward off any emotional outburst that may come with having time to take it in. Grieving for Jack. No tears came, just the sounds of her heavy breathing. She set the radio for some soothing music and took to the roads which would lead her to home sweet home.
“Mommy,” Ashton said, running into her arms.
“Hey, baby,” Annie said, hugging him close, kissing the top of his head.
She peered over his little head and saw Mary and Danny standing together, a look of sadness in their eyes.
“I let him stay up when you called and said you were on the way home. He’s been asking a lot of questions,” Mary said, tipping her head.
“Sure, that’s fine. How’s Carolina?”
“Sleeping. She took a bottle and went down without a fuss.”
“I’m exhausted. I think I’ll get this guy to bed and hop in the shower.”
“Can we talk to you for a moment?” Danny asked.
The three of them walked into the other room.
“So, spell it out. How bad is it?” Danny locked eyes with her.
“Anytime you have a trauma to a limb where surgery is required, it’s serious. He’s lost his hand. His left hand, but still…”
“How is he doing? Is he depressed, sad, what are his emotions right now?” Mary said.
“Mary, it just happened. How in the world would I know this? He seems like Jack. He didn’t even mention it to me. It didn’t even come up in our conversation. I told him we love him and will support him. But I don’t know the total ramifications of this.”
“He’s being released tomorrow, though?” Danny asked.
“Tentatively. It will depend on a few things. I’m hopeful.”
Mary opened up her arms. “Come here, Sis.”
Her legs felt like stone pillars. Putting one foot in front of the other, she shuffled forward, taking more effort than she’d expected. Finally reaching her, Annie rested her head on Mary’s shoulder, then proceeded to weep like a baby.
Mary patted her back, trying to console her. “Now, now, Annie. Everything is going to be all right.”