“Th-they’ll hospitalize you and run s-some tests. The actual biopsy pr-rocedure will be th-the next day.”
She nods but the somber expression returns on her face and stays the entire evening.
Her face swims before me throughout the night. Even though I know her doctor is doing everything right, I can’t escape the worry. Sleep stays away as my brain conjures terrifying images, reminding me of all the things that can go wrong at the hospital.
16
VIENNA
“Mrs. Teager, how are you feeling?” I hear a soft voice as my drowsy eyes open.
“Um… I’m okay.”
She holds a flashlight in front of my face. “What’s your name?”
“Vi… Vienna. Where am I?” I look around at the unfamiliar surroundings.
“You’re in a recovery room. The biopsy procedure was successful. Can you move your arms, fingers, and toes for me?”
I do as she asks, but everything still seems foggy. “I’m sleepy,” I drawl.
“Yes, it’s the anesthesia.”
“Uh-huh.” I’m about to fall back into the inviting deep sleep when I whisper, “Is… Zane here?”
“Yes, your husband is waiting for you outside. He hasn’t left for even a second.”
My eyes close as my insides fill with a foreign comfort.
* * *
It’s afternoon and I’m no longer groggy. The reality of my situation is starkly clear before me. My heartbeat pulsates, and crippling fear grips me as the nurse fixes my bed. She’s just leaving the room when Zane appears at the door. His steps halt, and his somber dark gaze stays on me. He leans against the doorframe and lets out a heavy sigh.
My heart clenches at the sight of his tired face.
“Zane,” I whisper and tears start to roll down my cheeks.
My blurry eyes watch as he grabs his neck and takes a slow step toward me, passing the nurse on her way out.
“I was so scared.” A hiccup escapes my mouth as soon as he’s seated next to me.
He grabs my hand, and when I look up, unlike usual, there isn’t a smile on his face but a serious look, almost like worry or…even fear. And then he confirms. “Me t-too.”
I thought he’d say something like, You shouldn’t be scared or All will be okay. But his concern for me feels much stronger than any comforting word.
“Thank you.” I’ve just said the words when his lips make contact with my forehead. My arms, as if they were waiting for him to do so, grab the lapels of his jacket, and I hide my face in his chest.
“Vienna. I’m r-right here. You ar-ren’t alone.” As always, I feel like he knows what I want to hear. “We’ll leave t-tomorrow and forget about th-this place…for a while. Don’t th-think about what happened. Think about wh-what’s coming.” Zane’s voice is a whisper as he continues to stroke my arms.
I try to imagine the next few days, once we’re back at his place. Tassels and Mystery will be waiting for me. During the day, his family might drop by and discuss the wedding preparations.
Zane would look impossibly handsome waiting for me under an arch decorated with flowers. But when I imagine myself, I’m wearing a hospital gown and one side of my head is shaved.
“Hey, wh-what happened?”
“My hair.” My hand goes over the bandage attached to one side of my head. I pull my gaze away from his alert eyes, which are focused on me. “I must look like a wreck.”
Embarrassed heat tingles my face and my cheeks burn, possibly scarlet, as Zane pulls my chin up. “You look t-tired, wor-rried, but…you’re s-still the most beautiful w-woman I’ve laid eyes on.”