Page 90 of Fortunate Miracles
“From what you’ve told me, he hasn’t dealt with his emotions from the accident.”
“Yeah. Zander said it was a trauma response, possibly PTSD. While he's had some success communicating with him, he can’t get through about Jake being back.”
“Let Zander work with him, then. I’m sure he has lots of experience with this from the army. You have a say in Jake's care as well. Remember that and focus on yourself. Don’t let him distract from the miraculous day today. Against all odds, Jake has returned. Enjoy this moment.”
“Thanks Sarah. I'll try to do that.”
“Good. The rest can wait. When you are ready, I’ll have a list of therapists for Ray. Call if you need to talk again.”
“Bye, and thanks again.” Leaning my head back against the chair, I let out a big breath. I’m tired, as if I’ve just completed a marathon, and it isn’t even lunchtime.
Zander and Ray return with drinks. Zander hands me a tea with a smile as they take seats on the couch. Ray is at least looking upward now, though he seems unhappy.
I waste two hours doing SAT prep on my laptop while the news plays on tv before Dr. Crosby joins us. “Hello all. Sorry to leave you here all morning, but I wanted to stay with Jake to make sure he was well.”
I stand up anxiously. “Is he okay?”
She raises her hand. “Fine Summer. He’s just fine,” she smiles. She sits in the chair Leigh pulled over earlier with a small sigh before explaining what’s next. Jake will return to his room after we talk, and he’s doing very well. His brain waves are steady, but his incision area will be tender and delicate until it heals, and it’s vital that he doesn’t bump his head. She doesn’t have a timeframe for him to wake. The room will be dimmed, the door closed, and kept quiet. It’s fine for us to stay here, but we should try to keep things calm for Jake. “Do you know what movies and music he liked before the accident?” She asks.
“Yeah. I can give you a list,” I tell her.
“Excellent. Surrounding him with familiar things will help draw him out. Your voices will help too. Continue talking to him like you have been, Summer. Now, what questions can I answer?”
My first question is what to do when he wakes. He should stir, mumbling and twitching before opening his eyes. We need to get the nurse right away and leave the room. Dr. Crosby will evaluatewhat he remembers and introduce him to his new reality slowly. His acceptance will determine how fast or slow they give him information. We'll follow Jake's cues from then on.
When she has answered all of my questions, she leaves, promising Jake will be up in a few minutes. Leigh comes in, pulling the sheer curtains closed and dimming the tv screen. She leaves and comes back with a pen and paper. “Can you list the movies, tv shows, and music he likes for me, Summer?”
“Of course,” I reply, taking the pen and paper to jot down everything I can think of. “He'd be watching hockey and movies mostly,” I tell Leigh.
“Good. Why don’t you find something on the tv he would like? All the popular apps are on there,” she smiles before leaving the room.
I search through the apps to find his favorite movie and press play, turning the volume down a little. Dr. Crosby comes in with Jake in tow a few minutes later, and I bolt over to his side. Leigh comes back in, and they hook him up to all the monitors and IVs. I notice a round-type pillow under his head when they raise his bed so he’s up at a 45-degree angle. “What’s that pillow thing around his head?” I ask.
“It’s a horseshoe pillow to keep the pressure off the back of his head,” Dr. Crosby replies. “It’s important to keep his head cradled in the pillow until fully healed.”
“Got it,” I nod. Once they leave, I grab the chair and pull it up beside Jake, taking his hand. “Hey Jake. The procedure worked. Now, I just need you to open those blue eyes and smile at me. Your dad's here too. When you’re ready, wake up so we can talk.” I squeeze his hand and settle into my seat. Looking behind, I see Ray still sitting on the couch, lost in his own mind.
Zander walks over and squeezes my shoulder. “What would you like for lunch, darling?”
“Maybe just the food truck across the road? I don’t want to leave Jake right now.”
“Sure. I’ll take Ray with me. Will you be okay here alone for a bit?”
“I’m good,” I smile. Zander talks to Ray, and then they leave the room. Pulling out my phone, I see it’s after lunch for Seb, so I text him an update, then get comfortable to watch the rest of the movie. I’d really like to crawl into bed beside Jake and snuggle, but I don’t know if that’s a good idea with his head. I also don’t want to complain about Ray, so a movie it is.
Zander and Ray return after a short time, so I kiss Jake on the cheek, letting him know I’m having lunch just a few feet away. Taking a seat in the armchair, Zander sets a bag and soda in front of me. “Thanks,” I smile. My stomach growls when I unpack the burger. I’m hungrier than I realized and devour the food quickly. I sit back and rub my food baby as Zander chuckles at me.
“Better?” He smiles.
“Yup. I was hungry.” I look over at Ray, who's also finished eating. “Would you like to sit with Jake for a while?” I ask him.
He shakes his head no. I pull the cupcakes out of my bag, open the container, and offer them each one. Zander smiles and takes one, but Ray declines. Getting up, I retake my seat and hold Jake’s hand. I tell him what I had for lunch, the cupcakes I made him for his birthday, and things we did as kids for about an hour, then watch another movie, rubbing my thumb across the back of his hand as I watch. I can hear Ray and Zander talking behind me in low voices.
Seb calls after school, so I let Jake know I’ll just be in the hallway. “Hi Hurry.”
“Sunshine, I’ve got a few minutes before practice. How ya doing?”
“Fantastic. Tired. Sitting with Jake. No change yet. How is everybody?”
