Chapter 28: Stanley Awakens
Cassandra’s POV
“He’s awake!” I gasped, rushing to his side. “Stanley, can you hear me?” I gently took his hand. He squinted under the bright light, waiting for his eyes to adjust. For a moment, he looked confused. Then realization dawned on him.
“Cassandra?” he asked, turning his head towards me and smiling weakly. “What are you doing here, dear? There’s no need to
fuss over me.”
I squeezed his hand. I was so relieved to hear his voice. For a moment last night, I thought I’d never hear it again. He still looked very weak and he was hooked up to an IV, but he was awake and alert.
“Nonsense,” I smiled at him. “Of course I’m here. How are you? Are you in pain? What do you need? More pillows? Water?”
“Slow down,” he chuckled. “Always the caregiver, that one,” he pointed at me and winked at Persa.
“I just want to make sure you’re comfortable,” I told him. That’s why I was there, after all. To take care of him.
“I’m perfectly fine, Cassandra. In fact, seeing your beautiful face is medicine in and of itself.”
“Persa, press the call button for the doctor,” I instructed.
“Yes, Miss Taylor,” she replied.
Stanley balked at the mention of my name. He looked at me with sad eyes.
“Already back to your maiden name, huh?” he said.
“Afraid so,” I confessed. “But ONE Smith in particular will always have a place in my heart.”
He chuckled, but it caused him to cough. I helped him sit up and passed him a glass of water. I cradled the back of his head while
he took a small sip to settle his throat.
“Stanely,” I said when he’d relaxed back into his pillow. “The doctor said you have myocarditis. Had you been feeling unwell?”
Maybe there had been signs but he hadn’t told anyone? He could be very stubborn when he wanted to be. That would answer some questions.
But Stanley shook his head. “No, dear. None at all. In fact, I felt fit as a horse. It’s strange. I just had a complete physical not even three months ago.”
“That is strange,” I agreed.
Again, the feeling that something wasn’t right crept into my mind. On all accounts, Stanley had been perfectly healthy. And then BAM. He just suddenly developed a heart condition? Just like that?
It didn’t make sense.
ལེ ༤ རྗ ོ
Just then, the doctor appeared.
“Good to see you up and about,” the doctor smiled brightly as he scanned his clipboard.
“Well, I wouldn’t exactly say I’m up and about, but I am awake.”
“Good, good,” the doctor said curtly. Then he went to examine Stanley. I stood by and watched skeptically.
“Will he be having his tests today?” I asked.
The doctor cast me a glance and scratched his cheek. He read his clipboard. “Tests? Yes. Yes of course.”
1/3
“Because it’s very important that he has them. We really want to determine the cause of this illness,” I went on. But Stanley cut
me off.
“So what’s the prognosis, doc?” Stanley asked playfully.
“The prognosis is myocarditis,” the doctor said, his voice dry. His face was completely void of expression, much like it had been last night.
“I know,” Stanley said, staring dubiously at the doctor. “It’s just something they say on TV.”
“I wouldn’t know. I don’t watch TV.”
This doctor was a real piece of work. He didn’t seem to have a humorous bone in his body.
“He was just trying to make light of the situation,” I explained.
“There’s nothing light about a heart condition,” the doctor said seriously.
“Of course,” I said. I side-eyed Stanley and we both suppressed a smile.
“Everything appears to be well,” the doctor continued. “Your condition is definitely improving. You’ll have to keep taking medication, of course. And you’ll have to avoid any type of overexertion. But overall, things look good.”
The doctor gave a curt smile and then headed for the door.
“I’ll be right back,” I told Stanely.
I went after the doctor, unable to help myself. I wanted to know why Ellie was talking to him in his office.
“A woman came to see you this morning,” I started. “Her name is Ellie?”
“Ellie?” he said. “Yes, she’s a lovely girl.” Personally, I had another adjective for her, but I kept my mouth shut.
“Can you tell me why she was here?” It was a blunt question and I doubted he’d answer me. He probably had to keep all his conversations confidential. To my surprise, though, he nodded his head. “She was concerned, of course,” he said. “About Stanley. She said she’s soon to be his granddaughter-in-law? She came and asked me all sorts of questions about his condition. Very informed questions, actually. Thoughtful ones. She cares very deeply for him.”
“Oh,” I said, surprised.
Ellie?
She cares very deeply for Stanley? I wasn’t expecting to hear that. Maybe I’d underestimated her?
However, I realized that she’d left without visiting Stanley. That was strange, wasn’t it? If she cared so much about him, then why didn’t she come to see him.
“Cassandra!”
I looked up and saw Jordyn rushing towards me, an anxious look on his face.
“He’s awake,” I said bluntly. “He’s doing great.”
Jordyn dropped his arms, noticing my formal tone.
“That’s really great,” he said with a sigh of relief.
I really didn’t want to see him. Not right now. Not after our tense conversation from the night before. Besides, I really had to get
back to work.
“Persa’s in there. He’ll ho hannu to sos uan DIIL
“Right,” Jordyn said. “Speaking of work, I know this probably isn’t the best time, but I’m waiting on pins and needles here. Have you happened to hear anything about my business collaboration?”
“I’m still considering it,” I sighed heavily. Seriously? Jordyn was choosing this moment to badger me about the collaboration? I had a million things on my mind and…
“What do you mean YOU’RE still considering it?” He raised his eyebrows.
Oh shit! I’d been distracted. I couldn’t believe I just said that.
“I…um…” I stammered, desperately trying to think of a way to cover my mistake.
