Page 19 of When the Leaves Fall

LUCA

M om, Dad, and I have an annual tradition of going to the local Fall Fest. But I don’t think it will happen this year. Not with Dad being laid up in bed and Mom working around the clock, either taking care of Dad or actually at her job.

Sean’s family offered to take me this year, but I told Sean to tell his parents I most likely won’t be able to go with them. I don’t get to do anything these days. Not since Dad had his stroke. Even though Dad is moving around more on his own, he still needs someone here at all times, just in case.

So far, being twelve has majorly sucked.

I ’m assigned to Sandra’s room again tonight.

She only has two to three more days in the CCU before she’s moved to another floor for more general care.

Right away tomorrow morning, she’s having a pacemaker and defibrillator placed right below her left collarbone.

She’ll have one to two days of observation, and as long as everything goes as planned, she’s leaving us.

Which, don’t get me wrong, is great news. But that also means my time with Drew will lessen. Not only will I see her less if she’s on a different hospital floor, but Sandra’s improvement means we’re that much closer to Drew heading back to Colorado.

I shake the thoughts from my head. There’s no time to think about that right now. I need to get Sandra ready for her procedure, and honestly, enjoy the time I do have with Drew.

I’ve become quite attached to Sandra as well.

She’s been so fun to care for. She regains physical strength every day, but cognitively, she’s currently at the level of a six-year-old.

A six-year-old who remembers what it’s like to be an adult.

An adult with thoughts and opinions, but the filter of a six-year-old who doesn’t realize what can be considered inappropriate to say out loud.

You know, those inside thoughts, kind of thoughts.

Last night, Sandra’s brother Scott visited, and Drew told him not to ask any questions or talk about any topics he didn’t truly want to know her mom’s opinion on. She learned the hard way when Sandra mentioned how much she hated the last person Drew was seeing, a woman named Elsie.

Scott made sure to steer clear of any topics that could stir up some drama and mostly listened to his sister tell him about her day.

They watched a show, colored, and even made a birthday card for Drew together.

Apparently, her birthday is tomorrow, and Sandra wanted to get the card done before her procedure.

She used watercolors to create the birthday card. And while it looks like it was done by a child, Sandra is so extremely proud of it, and I know Drew will always cherish it.

I inhale a deep breath to hold back the emotions trying to take over right now. Again, I don’t have time for this right now.

“Alrighty, Sandra,” I chirp. “How are you feeling about everything?”

“Umm, good. I think,” she replies.

“That’s good.” I nod in agreement as I place her Oximeter back on her finger. She keeps taking it off, either completely intentionally or by accident. It’s impossible to get any accurate readings with her.

Scott plans to stay at the hotel with Frank tonight so he can be here tomorrow. Drew volunteered to stay at the hospital so they could both get a good night’s sleep. There was definitely no ulterior motive there.

This could be our last night in the hospital together.

I don’t work tomorrow night, and I have a feeling Sandra will be moved before my shift on Friday evening.

I shoot a glance at Drew, who is already looking at me.

She winks, and I can’t help the large grin that takes over my face. This woman has me in a chokehold.

And I don’t want to be released.