At two in the morning, my oxygen level dipped and the nurse adjusted my position.
Every movement hurt.
Graham stood to help, but I asked him not to touch me.
He sat down again.
That was the first boundary he respected without argument.
By morning, the bruising had spread across my side in dark bands.
Dr. Mercer explained that the lung bruising appeared stable, but I needed another night of observation and strict follow-up after discharge.
He also told me that rib injuries could worsen if I tried to rush recovery.
Graham asked whether he could take me home.
“No,” I said.
I called a coworker I trusted and asked whether I could stay in her spare room after discharge.
She did not ask for the polished version.
She only said, “I’ll be there.”
Graham heard the call.
He looked like he wanted to object, but he did not.
