Page 126 of Fierce-Matt

“It’s like my mother can’t catch a break,” she said. “Why do things happen to one person more than another?”

“One of the mysteries of the world. What does your mother like to eat or drink?”

They passed several small takeout options, and Anya moved to Dunkin Donuts. “A coffee and muffin might be good. She can pick at it.”

They got in line. “Get something for yourself too. I hate to say you might be here for a while.”

Her cheeks puffed out with air. “Not the best way to spend my night. For any of us, but I’m sure you’re right.”

They placed their orders, he paid, and they moved to the side for it to be ready. He had his credit card out before she could complain she didn’t have her purse with her. She’d left it with her mother when they’d gone to the nurse’s station.

Twenty minutes had passed by the time they returned with everything.

“We can check in with Patrick when we are done eating,” he said.

Amber was sipping her coffee and nibbled at her muffin.

“You did that to kill thirty minutes, didn’t you?” Anya saw right through it.

“It worked,” he said.

When their thirty minutes were up, Matt stood, but Patrick came into the waiting room. “Your father is on his way back. Once he’s here, I’ll grab you so that you can see him.”

“No update on anything?” she asked.

“No,” Patrick said. “I’m sorry. I just know that he’s en route back. It should be about five to ten minutes. I don’t know anything else though.”

“Thanks,” he said.

“There, Mom. You’ll at least be able to see Dad. That will make you feel better.”

“Or worse if he is looking helpless. I don’t know if it’s worse for him to be out of it or awake and agitated.”

“I’d think if he was awake and agitated, Patrick would have seen that in his chart,” Matt said. “If they had to give him something or needed someone to calm him.”

“I didn’t think of that,” Amber said.

Ten minutes went by and Patrick popped his head in and waved his arm for them to come.

Everyone sprang up and followed him down a hall and behind a curtain.

Elliot looked to be resting peacefully, his leg in a splint, IVs in his arms.

“The doctor will be in next. I checked. The X-rays are being read now and you’ll get some answers.”

“Has he been awake at all?” Anya asked. “Do you know that?”

“There is nothing in the notes that he has. I’m sorry.”

Patrick left and Matt moved back to let Amber and Anya get close to Elliot.

Both were talking to him, trying to get a reaction, but there wasn’t one.

All he could think of was if this were his father and how helpless he’d feel having no answers.

It was almost as bad as him not being able to help Anya.

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