It was only broken in two places.
Ryder kept repeating the fact, like a poisonous mantra, as she and Charlie hurtled toward the hospital.
Charlie thought he would punch his wife if she said it again, and yet Ryder kept saying it.
Being an athlete made life fundamentally different.
Hadnt Kerri Strug proven that in the 1996 Summer Olympics?
He couldvedied, Charlie finally snapped.
Ryder replied, He couldve, but he didnt.
Im just saying that it could have been worse.
Very optimistic of you.
A broken leg will heal.
Hes alive, and now he falls under the 5150.
Charlies fist loosened a fraction.
He scratched absently at his face.
Is he in restraints?
I know thats why we cant see him, said Charlie.
Were not going to throw a shit fit about restraints.
What he means, Ryder quickly said, is that we know the drill.
The nurse stared at them.
Im sorry, she said, but thats the policy.
Well, when is he going to be transferred?
How are we supposed to know when hes been transferred?
Theyll call you, said the nurse.
Charlie and Ryder returned to the waiting area.
An elderly man moaned to himself as he curled forward, like a tender fern, over his knees.
A woman held a screaming baby to her chest.
Everyone looked raw and in need of care.
I dont think they have our phone numbers, Charlie said.
Ryder said, Theyll just call our names, babe.
Fuck, Charlie said, and the tears came in spite of himself.
Engulfed, Charlie could smell the deodorant she usedsomething apricot-scented and sweet.
Ryder, on the other hand, seemed to have hardened in response to distress.
If one of them was upset, the other had to compensate by being stoic.
But they were trapped nowcalcified: Ryder was strong, while Charlie couldnt help but crumble.
Now she pulled away from him.
He shrugged, embarrassed.
Im sorry you had to come out here, he said.
No, baby, Ryder said.
Her hand rose to his shoulder, hovered, and then swiftly withdrew.
You dont have to apologize.
It looked monstrous, with its metal scaffolding and screws.
Charlie asked, gesturing.
My leg… Jon slowly looked down.
It seems pretty bad, said Ryder.
I shouldve thought of that, Charlie thought.
Youll be here for a bit, she continued.
Until some things get straightened out.
Both Jon and Charlie were still gazing at the broken leg.
I cant be helped.
Charlies head jerked up, as if controlled by string.
Youll get better, Charlie said.
No, Jon said, I wont.
Ryder stood at the kitchen counter, stirring her tea with a spoon.
Shed used three bags of PG Tips tea to make it extra strong.
She dripped honey into the cup.
She had showered to get the scent of sex off.
He would be tired and grumpy.
She would cheer him up.
That was how their marriage operated.
She pressed her mouth hard to the mugs rim.
The liquid scorched her lips and she kept them there.
