Chapter 7
7
Giselle
“N o, we’ll start you out with a very small dose and see how things go. In a week or two, we’ll reassess and see how you’re feeling.” The doctor sat down on my bed and handed me a small bottle of pills. “I have to be frank with you, here, Mrs. Sovrano.” Carlo had told her we were married. And to tell you the truth, I didn’t really mind.
She grasped my hand in hers. “These aren’t a miracle cure. They typically take time to work. And you’re still in considerable pain. Mr. Sovrano informed me that you’re not taking anything to relieve that pain. In order to heal, you need to move around. And in order to move around, we need to relieve your pain. Now I’m not talking about narcotics. Just regular old ibuprofen will help you out considerably.”
I nodded and looked at the pill bottle in my hand. Was I ready to try taking pills?
“I’m recommending one of my colleagues come visit you this afternoon. She’s a licensed therapist. And I think she can help you out, too. If you let her.”
The doctor rose to her feet and let go of my hand. “If you have any concerns at all, feel free to contact me at any time of the day or night. Good luck, Mrs. Sovrano. And I truly hope you take those pills.”
She turned and swept out of the room so quickly I barely saw her leave.
I sat up and read the bottle. Then I read it again.
And again.
I looked over at the blueberry muffin Eve and Dani had brought in an hour ago. Dani had been so proud of what she’d made with her auntie.
My eyes filled up with tears, knowing that I should have been doing that with her instead of Eve.
I picked the muffin up and started slowly eating it. I had to have something in my stomach for the pain pills I was going to take.
Yeah.
I was going to take them. The doctor was right. I wouldn’t get better by laying in bed all day in pain.
Even if that was what I felt like doing.
So, I ate the muffin.
And took my pain pill.
And then I slid back down into bed and went right to sleep.