Home

You got home before long where you were met by your mother, baby sister, your aunt and cousin, as well as your uncle. As you made your way out of the car, your uncle helping you out of the vehicle, your relatives cheered for you. There was a banner hanging from the roof that read "Welcome home John" and streamers accompanied it. You smiled as you saw it all.

"Welcome home, honey" your mom said, giving you a hug awkwardly as you tried to work your arms out of the crutches you'd been issued with by the hospital. She laughed and held you close, kissing your cheek. Dawn was next, hugging you tight and almost crying. You gave her a kiss on her hair and smiled, comforting her as well as you could. After that you got a manly hug from your uncle Abram followed by more tender hugs by your aunt and cousin. After that you were ushered inside where you were all but pushed in a chair and waited upon by your mother.

A few hours later you were beat and seeing this your family excused themselves. Your aunt Kim and Jessica went home, not long followed by uncle Abram on his motorcycle. That left you with your sisters and mother.

"Why don't you get some rest?" the latter suggested, "I can see you're tired."

"Thanks mom, I will. Bec, some help?" you asked. Smiling, your sister took your hands and pulled you to your feet. Almost tripping, you ended up with your arms around her. Laughing, she hugged you and then kissed your cheek.

"You could have asked me if you wanted a hug" she told you. Smiling back at her you nodded.

"Alright. Can I have a hug?" you asked.

"Of course" she said, hugging you close. Even if you hadn't ever really been close to her in the same way as you had been with Dawn, it felt good to be close to your sister. Perhaps you could start now, as a way of becoming closer. After all, it wasn't every day you came back from what was essentially a near-**** experience.

"Hey, don't leave me out!" Dawn said. She put her arms around you and Rebecca both. Apparently Rebecca had gestured at your mom because before long she joined the hug.A little later you had hobbled your way to your bedroom where you laid down and took your phone out of your pocket. You frowned when you saw you had a message from a contact named Molly. Realising what had happened, you grinned. Rebecca had been right.

'Hi there' Molly had sent.

You replied simply with: 'Hi yourself'

'Did you make it safely home?' Molly asked.

'Yeah. Thanks for asking'

'Good! Now when can we go on a date?' she asked.

'When can I?' you replied. 'You're the nurse'

'Give until Saturday' she told you.

'Think I'll be able to walk on my own by then yet?'

'Well no but at least that way you'll have an excuse to have me on your arm' came the reply. You laughed to yourself.

'Good point. Plus I bet it's good physical therapy, right?' you asked.

'You got it. So Saturday it is. Think you can make it to the Red Door?' was Molly's next question.

'Probably. My sister'll bring me' you answered.

'The brunette or the blonde?' Molly asked.

'Rebecca, the brunette' you said.

'Alright. She'll probably wingman for you, but you won't have to, I bet' Molly said.

That was promising.