His eyes felt hot, burning as he opened them, squinting only enough to recognize the silhouette of Dr. Lind; the old man’s incessant chuckling filled the room with its usual vigor.“There you are. Welcome back, Mr. Grenier.” Lind closed his black bag with a loud snap that reverberated within Julien’s skull. The doctor continued, “I just gave you another dose of antibiotic, but we need to get you taking the oral medication prescribed by Dr. Ptak… and eating. You do want to get well, don’t you?” he asked, patting Julien’s arm.“How long was I asleep?” Julien inquired as he tried to focus, glancing around the room; his own voice startled him, hoarse and foreign. We’re alone.Lind and I are here alone.“A few days. I came up yesterday and gave you the first shot of antibiotic, but the girls say you’ve been asleep just about the entire time since you were released from the hospital.”Julien grabbed the old man’s arm. “Do you know?” he pleaded in a desperate whisper.The startled doctor responded, “Know what?”
