In My Dreams II

When Can I Leave?

She turned to Amelia. How are the kids? Have they been a lot? Be honest.

They could be a lot. Bailey was mischievous, and Zola bossy. Ellie looked sweet and cute until you found her painting herself and the walls purple with magic marker. She really felt bad for Amelia, knowing how crazy they could be.

This week? Ellis is leaving dishes all over the house. Bailey is mad that he can't fly, and Zola's teacher has asked that Zola stop 'correcting' her.

Meredith chuckled at their antics. At least they were alive, and mostly happy, coping without her. But she still really really missed them.

When can I leave?

Your oxygen requirements are decreasing, so if they continue in that direction, we can probably discharge you within a week, Deluca said.

A week. Not soon enough.

I'll be back in an hour to do another ABG okay?

xxx

Okay. Sats are incredible.

You must be able to do those in your sleep by now.

Sleep? What sleep?

Meredith turned to him, shocked.

Kidding, he said quickly. I've been getting sleep.

How are my patients doing?

If she wasn't worrying about her kids, she worried about her patients. The COVID ward was intense, and so were the relationships she'd formed with her patients. She cared deeply for each and every one of them. Now more than ever it seemed, as she now had a first hand perspective.

Okay, Randal, Thomson and Patel are okay. They were all discharged.

Walker? Meredith asked. They'd shared a moment once, talking about lost love.

Deluca shook his head.

Dammit.

Did his son get to see him at least?

He barely made it in time, but... yeah. Deluca nodded.

Meredith rubbed her aching limbs. I wish I could help.

If it's any consolation, I've been working here every single day, and I don't really feel like I'm much help either. He sighed as he re-bandaged her ABG site.

Deluca's pager beeped. Look, I really need to go- but

No, go. It's okay.

He stopped, looking directly in her eye. Hey. It's really good to hear your voice.

xxx

Wrapped in hospital blankets, Meredith stared outside, watching the rain patter lightly on the window. The beach seemed farther and farther away, and so did Derek. Despite her newfound health, her heart panged for him.

Still, she was glad to be alive.

And awake.

The rattle of the doorknob got her attention and she rolled over. Who?

Meredith stifled a surprised gasp as Tom Koracick was wheeled in. He dismissed the orderly with a wave. You can go now.

It got you too huh?

Like an eighteen-wheeler on a sheet of ice, he muttered. But uh, I just had to see for myself that it's possible to beat this thing.

Almost beat it. Meredith chimed, not to raise anybody's hopes. She'd met this 'thing' face to face before and knew how quickly it could turn.