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She finally relaxes against the headrest, and we ride the rest of the way in a familiar, comfortable silence. Things are always just easy with Penny.
We reach the hospital, and I park the truck in a spot as close to the entrance as possible. I crack the window open and turn off the engine.
I open the door and get out. Before I close the door, I talk to Tex. “You wait here, and I’ll be back soon.”
I head over to the passenger side and open the door for Penny. I find her looking down at her hands clasped on her lap.
“Pen?” I hold my hand out to her, and she looks at it, taking it. I help her out of the truck, put my hand on her elbow, and we walk into the emergency room.
I lead her to one of the seats before heading to the reception desk. But Penny grabs my arm, holding me in place. I scrunch my face and look down at her, only to see her eyes wide with panic.
“Penny?” I ask. “What’s wrong?”
She shakes her head and holds onto my arm. “Please, stay,” she whispers. “I can’t be alone. I c-can’t.”
I sit beside her without hesitation, keeping her hand clasped in mine. The nurses at the reception desk are stealing glances at us. I don’t know if it’s because Penny is crying or she’s in a wedding gown. Either way, I say nothing until she stops shaking.
When she relaxes, I smile. “Do you feel better?”
She takes a deep breath as if to pull herself together and nods. “Thank you.”
“I have to go and speak to the nurses,” I tell her softly. “I’ll be right back. Okay?”
“Our family doctor is Mr. Thompson,” she says. “I’ll feel more comfortable with him.”
“Okay. I’ll see if he’s available.”
I head to the reception desk. “Good evening, sir. How may we help you?”
I run a hand through my hair. “Is Dr. Thompson on duty?”
The nurse narrows her eyes. “Do you have an appointment?”
“No.” I shake my head. “But we didn’t plan an accident either. That’s Miss Penelope Miller.” I gesture to Penny, who is looking down at her lap. “She’s his patient. Can you please call him and let him know she’s here.”
“What’s wrong with her?” one of the nurses asks, while the other calls Doctor Thompson.
“She fell off a cliff.”
“Did you say she fell off of a cliff?!” The nurse with the name tag “Ella” asks. The other nurse’s tag says “Michele”.
Michele sets down the phone. “Come with me, and we will put you in a room. Dr. Thompson is off duty but will be here shortly.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
I return for Penny, and we walk slowly toward the nurse as she leads us to a room.
“Honey, you can have a seat here.” Ella points to the bed in the room. “And Dr. Thompson will be in as soon as he arrives.”
When the door shuts and we’re alone, she sags against me. “It’s okay, Penny,” I murmur. “You’re alright.” I selfishly want to keep her to myself, but I do the right thing and gently push her to sit upright.
“I need to call your mom and Stacy,” I tell Penny, and she stiffens. “Penny, you have to see them eventually. And I’m sure they’ll be worried sick about you.”
She stays frozen for a few seconds before she blows out a big breath and nods. “You’re right.”
I pull out my phone, and she types in Stacy’s number. “You prefer I call Stacy?”
She nods.
