Open the Box

I ate my food as I inspected the box. It was small and green, wrapped by a little red ribbon. I noticed that the box sat on top of a sealed pink envelope. I was very curious about what was in the box but I decided to finish my lunch before opening the box, the good doctor had already spoiled that it was something edible. I ripped open the envelope with a mouthful of chicken and pulled out a very strange get well soon card. the card was made of thick cardstock and feautured a very strange and decidedly unfunny comic of Garfield telling me to get well soon. it seemed so long since I got such a stupid looking pharmacy card that I couldnt help but smile at the sentiment. I opened it to see an equally stupid comic of Odie being kicked by Garfield, but under that was some handwriting.

"Dear Hero,

I wanted to thank you personally for what you did, but I couldnt stay until you woke up, so I rushed to make you these cookies. I hope you enjoy them!

-Sally Ruth

P.S.

I do still want to thank you personally. if its not a bother, please give me a call."

Sure enough her number was there. I swallowed my food and looked again at the box. I read the message again...everything about this has just been really surreal. everything, not just Garfield, felt really weird, but it also felt kind of nice. when I finished my food I finally opened the box and took a look. just like she said, a few fresh cookies, snickerdoodles it looked like, greeted me. they smelled marvoulous. I picked one up, promising myself I would just have one, and before I knew it the box was gone. the fact that it was a gift really made them taste even better. my mind glazed over and I sunk into the delight of these cookies.

after a minute I came back to my senses and looked over at the door. I should probably figure out my next step. I scooted myself off the mattress and stood up, giving myself another stretch before reaching for the bag with all my stuff in it. I threw off my gown and put on my clothes. this was a relief, those gowns made me feel so exposed. I know its apart of the job but knowing that the nurses who changed me must have seen my junk is still really embarrassing. could that be why Esther acts the way she does? thats pretty unlikely but I cant push it from my mind.

After getting dressed I check around for my phone in my jean pockets, pulling it out and seeing that I only had about 7% battery. I sighed and saw that I had about 14 texts from my mom, 2 from my dad, and 4 from my brother. A quick glance at the calender and... I've been out for 3 days?!? I didnt have the energy to deal with it all at the moment so I just texted the family group chat.

'I'm fine

at hospital

come get me'

I pressed send and threw myself back on the matress, closing my eyes while I waited for my ride.