Mission (Aftermath #1)

5. Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Will

T he pain is a dull roar, echoing through my body with every breath. My leg feels like it’s on fire, my back and pelvis a solid mass of ache. I’m floating in and out of consciousness, the haze of discomfort clouding everything, but then I hear her voice.

“Daddy?”

It’s soft and hesitant, but it pulls me like a rope back to the surface. I force my eyes open, and the first thing I see is Phoebe’s face. She’s sitting in a chair beside me, clutching her stuffed rabbit and looking at me with wide, worried eyes.

“Hey, Firecracker,” I rasp, my voice rough and weak.

“Daddy, you’re awake!” she says, her face lighting up. She leans forward, gripping the edge of the bed with her small hands. “I knew you’d wake up.”

Katie’s there too, standing just behind her. Her face is calm, but her eyes betray the tension she’s been holding. Aaron is leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, watching silently .

“How are you feeling?” Katie asks, her voice careful, measured.

“Like I lost a fight with a truck,” I say, managing a faint smile despite the pain.

Before Katie can respond, the door opens, and a man in a white coat steps in. He looks up from the chart in his hands and offers a nod.

“Good to see you awake, Mr. Harper,” he says. “I’m Doctor Ahmed. I’ve been overseeing your care.”

I glance at Katie and Aaron, then back at the doctor. “What’s the damage?”

Doctor Ahmed steps closer, his expression professional but not unkind. “You’ve been through significant trauma. We repaired the two ruptured tendons. There’s extensive bruising and muscle damage in your pelvis and abdomen, though fortunately no fractures. The ruptured artery which was dealt with by the doctors in Tajikistan is recovering as planned. You also have superficial cuts on your face, but those will heal without issue.”

I nod slowly, trying to process. “What does that mean for recovery?”

“It means you’ll need time and assistance,” he says. “You’ll be on crutches for several weeks and won’t be able to stand or walk for long periods. For now, you’ll need help with basic tasks—getting to the bathroom, bathing, moving around. Physical therapy will be crucial, but the good news is that you’re expected to make a full recovery.”

I let out a breath, my hands clenching lightly around the blanket. Weeks of needing help to do the simplest things. The thought makes my stomach churn.

“Help?” Phoebe pipes up, her brow furrowing. “What kind of help? ”

“Someone to look after your dad,” the doctor explains gently.

Aaron clears his throat, stepping forward. “We can hire a nurse,” he says practically. “I’ll get in touch with someone. No problem.”

Phoebe sits up straighter, shaking her head. “Daddy doesn’t need a nurse. He can stay with me and Mummy! We’ll help him.”

Her voice is so earnest, so full of conviction, that it takes me a moment to respond. I glance at Katie, whose expression is unreadable.

“Phoebe,” Katie says gently.

“No, really,” Phoebe insists, turning to her. “We can do it, right Mummy? We can help Daddy.”

My heart breaks a little as I watch her, my strong little firecracker. She’s so determined, so sure. I glance at Katie again, half expecting her to shut the idea down immediately, but she doesn’t.

Instead, she hesitates, her eyes flicking to mine for the briefest moment. “We’ll... talk about it,” she says finally, steady but noncommittal.

Phoebe looks satisfied with that, as though she’s already won the argument, and sits back in her chair, clutching her rabbit like a trophy.

“Rest is your priority for now,” Doctor Ahmed says, redirecting the conversation. “We’ll keep you updated on next steps.”

As the doctor leaves, the room falls quiet again. I glance at Aaron, who shrugs as if to say it’s your call, and then at Katie, who’s avoiding my gaze now, her expression carefully neutral .

“Phoebe,” I say softly, breaking the silence. “Thanks for the offer, Love, but we’ll see what’s best, okay?”

She nods, her smile unwavering. “Okay Daddy, but I want to help.”

“I know you do,” I say, reaching out to brush a hand over her hair. Her confidence is both heartwarming and humbling.

Aaron checks his watch and stands. “I’ll make some calls, see what options we’ve got. I’ll leave you to it.”

As he leaves, Katie sits down beside the bed, her hand resting lightly on the edge.

“Thanks for being here,” I say quietly, looking at her.

She meets my gaze finally, her eyes softer now. “Of course,” she replies.

Something about the way she says it gives me some unfound hope. There’s no promise in her words, but there’s no rejection either. For now, that’s enough.

Aaron’s been gone for about thirty minutes, but Phoebe has been anything but quiet in the meantime. She’s perched on the edge of her chair, chattering away like the world’s most enthusiastic news reporter.

“And then Granny made this huge cake, Daddy—chocolate, your favourite! It had sprinkles and candles and everything,” she says, her eyes bright with excitement. “Everyone sang really loud and I made a wish, but I can’t tell you what it was or it won’t come true. ”

I smile at her; my heart is squeezing in that familiar way only she can manage. “Sounds like a brilliant party, Firecracker. Did you save me any cake?”

Phoebe giggles, clutching her stuffed rabbit. “I did. We put it in the freezer so you can eat it when you are back from... uh, where were you again?”

“Tajikistan,” I reply, wincing as I adjust my position slightly. The movement sends a sharp stab of pain through my leg, and Katie immediately leans forward, her brows knitting in concern.

“You all right?” she asks softly.

“Fine,” I mutter, gritting my teeth. “Just a twinge.”

Phoebe doesn’t notice the exchange, launching into a description of the presents she received. “Ella got me a bracelet-making kit, and Mummy gave me this new book about animals—it’s so cool, Daddy. Oh, and you know what? Auntie Jess sent me another puzzle! She said it’s really hard, but I think I can do it.”

“I’m sure you can,” I agree. “You’re a pro at puzzles.”

She beams at me, and for a moment, the pain fades into the background. Having her here, hearing her laughter—it makes everything else seem a little less overwhelming.

The door opens then, and Aaron strides back in, his phone in one hand and a determined look on his face. “Right,” he says, pulling up a chair. “Good news, I’ve sorted a day nurse. They can start as soon as you’re discharged. The insurance will cover the cost so no worries there.”

Katie tilts her head, frowning. “What about at night?” she asks.

Aaron sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Still working on that. Finding someone reliable for overnight care on short notice is tricky, but I’ll sort it.”

I nod, but the weight of the situation presses harder on my chest. The thought of strangers coming in and out of my house, helping me with things I should be able to do myself—it’s not sitting well.

Before I can respond, Katie shifts in her seat, clearing her throat.

“I have an idea,” she says. “What if Phoebe and I move into Will’s house temporarily?”

I blink, caught off guard. “Katie, you don’t have to—”

“Just listen,” she interrupts, holding up a hand. “Your house is better equipped for this. You’ve got a guest room I can stay in, and Phoebe already has her own room there. Plus, you’ve got that walk-in shower, which will make things easier for you.” She pauses, glancing at Aaron before turning back to me. “It’s just until you’re back on your feet.”

Phoebe’s face lights up immediately. “Yes! We can help you, Daddy! Please?”

Aaron raises his eyebrows, leaning forward slightly. “That... actually makes a lot of sense,” he says, his tone thoughtful. “It’d save on the cost of overnight care, and you’d have people you trust around all the time.”

I look between them, my mind reeling. The practical part of me knows Katie’s suggestion is the best option. The guest room is plenty big for her, and Phoebe’s room is always set up for her weekends at mine. And Katie’s right about the shower. It’s one of those modern ones with a built-in bench, a handheld showerhead and a big rainfall shower. Perfect for someone who can barely stand.

But the emotional part of me, the part that’s spent years trying to keep my distance, trying not to rely on Katie, feels conflicted. This isn’t her responsibility. She’s already done enough by being here.

“Katie, you don’t have to uproot your life for this,” I say carefully. “I can manage with the nurses Aaron’s arranging.”

She sighs, folding her hands in her lap. “I’m not doing this because I have to, Will. I’m doing it because it makes sense. And because Phoebe wants to be close to you.” She hesitates, her eyes softening. “And... because it’s the right thing to do.”

Phoebe bounces in her seat, looking between us. “Can we, Daddy? Please?”

I let out a long breath, rubbing a hand over my face. My body feels heavy, worn down by pain and the weight of the decision. Finally, I meet Katie’s gaze.

“Are you sure?” I ask quietly.

She nods without hesitation. “Completely.”

Aaron claps his hands together, breaking the tension. “Well, there you have it. Problem solved. I’ll still get the day nurse lined up, but this takes care of everything else.”

Phoebe grins, looking victorious, and I can’t help but smile at her. Despite everything, she makes it impossible not to feel some semblance of hope.

“All right,” I say finally, my voice low but steady. “Let’s do it.”

Phoebe squeals in delight and tries to climb onto the bed to hug me. Katie smiles faintly, relief flickering across her face. Looks like we are getting through this as a family. Together.