Dr. Smith studied Steve’s chart as he walked over to the hospital bed. He looked at Sami. “You must be Mrs. Corey.” They shook hands. “I suppose I must.” He laughed. “I bet she keeps you on your toes.” Steve smiled wanly. “She does. Hey, Doc, will I be able to play the piano after the operation?” At Sami’s urging, they got permission from Dr. Smith to mellow the patient. The nurses put a mild sedative in Steve’s IV. Steve wasn’t a needles kind of person, and he felt sick enough as it was. Dr. Smith smiled. “Can you play it now?” Steve shook his head and laughed like it was the funniest joke in the world. Sami looked at the doctor. “The drugs have kicked in,” she said. He laughed. “Yes, I see. I guess since you’re the only consenting adult in the room, I need to talk to you.”
