you can. I’ll write a discharge order. But wait until about ten, which marks twenty-four hours of keeping fluids down. We’ll measure and test your output to be certain the dehydration is gone. You look more than ready to go.”
“I am.” She reached for her socks. “Miss Harker should be back from breakfast with Reece soon. We can catch a noon bus.”
“Not today, I hope. Dr. Callahan wants to see you in his office Friday afternoon, at two.” His pen waltzed across a prescription pad. He tore the top page off then handed it to her. “Here’s an appointment reminder and the address. Need directions?”
Amelia stood, pulling her IV stand close when the line pulled taut. “No. What I need is that appointment moved up so I can catch a bus. I have to be at a job Tuesday morning in another state. I need to prepare.” She smiled but Ben didn’t miss the quiver in her eye. A tiny wobble remained in her gait, telling Ben she was still mildly weak. Or majorly stressed.
From Riviera’s scalpel-sharp gaze, he noticed, too. “I’m afraid that’s not possible. Dr. Callahan won’t be out of surgery until about one, and our office closes at noon on Thursdays. Tomorrow is booked solid until two. I’ll send the nurse in to discontinue your IV if I can get your word you won’t try to travel, even by bus, until Dr. Callahan clears you on Friday.”
Her shoulders slumped. “Okay.”
Face casted in empathy, he nodded before turning to Ben. “Nice to see you again, Airman Dillinger.” Head tipped, he left.
Ben nudged a tissue box across her table. He drew near. She angled her face away but her tremulous chin and damp eyes didn’t escape his notice.
“Thanks.” Her shoulders shrugged then drooped. Like the anvil of her burdens made it difficult to draw breath.
“No problem.” Maelstroms of compassion swirled inside Ben. What could he do to lift her? Life repeatedly knocked her down. Yet she remained unbreakably determined to crawl up this hull of hardship and break free of poverty’s stranglehold.
Admiration for her rose up. His faith suggested hardship could become a harbor if she got to know God better through it. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the idea she felt she could trust God to help. Another reason he wanted to befriend her. For sure, she’d be the object of his present and future prayers.
Help me help her without hindering what You’re trying to teach her. Prove You love her and care about what’s happening in her life. Be the strong tower she runs to, Safe Harbor.
Ben stepped closer. “Hey listen, I’ll take you to your appointment tomorrow if you want.”
She lifted her face and studied him.
Maybe humor would make charity easier to receive. He waggled his brows. “Just think, you could be escorted by the cutest chauffeur in Refuge.” He splayed fingers on his chest and adopted a French accent. “Moi.”
That caused her to laugh. She rolled red-rimmed eyes at him. “You’re something else.”
He grinned, waiting for her to answer.
She nibbled her lip. “Okay, if you’re sure it’s no trouble.” She tucked long, loose curls behind her ear. Her hair boasted a golden-brown luster and shine not present yesterday. Having a thing about ladies with long hair, his fingers itched to touch the silky coils. Her face held more vitality today, too.
When she caught him staring, her head tilted down, causing a thicket of curls to fall over her lazy eye. “I might need to use your phone again to check when the bus leaves Friday evening.”
“No trouble on both counts. Though I don’t relish the idea of you and Reece riding alone on a bus, not especially after dark.” He handed her his phone.
When she took it, her hand brushed his. Tingles traveled up his arm. She froze with an enemy-in-the-grenade-path expression. Evidence she felt it, too. He bit his lip to contain his smile.
The door swished open. “Miss North? I’m here to remove your IV.” A woman in teal scrubs appeared through a
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