Page 5 of When the Leaves Fall

DREW

“ D oes she have a pulse?”

“They’re on their way,” she responds calmly. “The Sheriff and first responder are only three minutes out.”

“Please tell them to hurry,” I cry out.

“They’ll be there soon, I promise,” she replies. “Now, let’s check for that pulse.”

M y back is fucking killing me.

Light from the rising sun gleams into the room and shines right in my freaking eyes. It’s hard to enjoy a beautiful sunrise from an uncomfortable hospital couch, but at least the warmth is slightly enjoyable.

I glance around the room and see it’s not Luca sitting at the nurse’s station. Glancing at the clock, I see it’s 7:30 in the morning, and a ping shoots through my chest. His shift ended at seven.

I will my stiff body to rise; my muscles protest the entire way. Once I’m sitting up, I stretch my arms into the air and let out a big yawn. The nurse looks over at me, and a smile lights her face.

“Good morning. Drew,” Ruby greets me.

“Morning, Ruby,” I reply.

“How did you sleep?” she asks.

I look down at the couch and then back at Ruby and let out a small laugh.

“That good, eh?” she smirks.

I smile in return. “Did she wake up anymore last night?”

“Luca said she opened her eyes three more times, and each time lasted a little longer.”

I nod. “I, uh, think I’m going to go get some coffee. Please call my cell if anything major happens. Otherwise, I’ll be back soon.”

“Of course, take your time,” she replies.

Before I leave the room, I make my way to my Mom’s side and give her a good morning kiss on her forehead. “I’ll be back soon,” I whisper.

Sleepily, I trudge down the hallway, around the corner to the elevator, and take it to the ground floor. I have this part of the hospital layout memorized at this point. I’ve taken this route so many times over the past few days.

No, week. My mom has been here a full week now.

This part of the hospital has two coffee shops to choose from.

When I step off the elevator, I have to decide to go right or left.

I let my nose guide me and follow the scent of toasted bagels.

As I take a step around the corner and into the long hallway leading to the cafe, I almost run right into someone.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry,” I say as I quickly jump to the side and luckily avoid a collision.

“No problem,” a familiar voice responds. I look up to see Luca standing there holding not only one, but two cups of coffee and a bag of what I assume, by the delicious scent, is bagels.

“Oh, hi, Luca,” I say, the corners of my lips curling up. I’m genuinely happy to see him, and I can’t help but notice the butterflies in my stomach.

“Morning, Drew.” He smiles back. “Where are you off to in such a hurry?”

“I need coffee,” I say matter-of-factly. “And those bagels smell delicious.”

He lifts the bag and a cup of coffee. “Well, then it’s a good thing I got one of each for you.”