At the hospital
Hello, Mr. Petroci, my name is Catherine Levair, I'll be your nurse. What happened to you?
A bike fall.
And how is the bike doing?
I think it passed away.
I'm sorry to hear that. In any case, you got off lightly. You're going to have surgery on your wrist this morning to put everything back in place, and I'm going to change the bandages on your other injuries.
Okay, thanks. Will the surgery take long?
About an hour, so you'll get a snack in the afternoon and a delicious meal tonight.
Please don't make me laugh, I hurt everywhere.
You have three broken ribs, so don't worry if you have trouble breathing deeply. And it's probably going to sting when you sneeze, cough, go to the bathroom… pretty much all the time, actually.
Oh great, thanks for reassuring me.
Sorry, reassuring you isn't my job! But good news: we're going to spend at least three days together before we discharge you. So, happy?
Please stop making me laugh, or I'll file a complaint!
I'll come back to bother you after your surgery, okay?
**********
The next day
Good morning, Mr. Petroci, how are you this morning?
Please call me Hugo, it feels strange otherwise. I'm doing great—I was hesitating about going for a jog, but given the weather, I'm still debating…
Well, at least you've got your sense of humor back, that's a good sign. And how was your dinner last night? I hope you'll leave a glowing review online.
Just for that, the bike fall was worth it. It was the best ham-and-macaroni of my life.
I knew it! What's your pain level at the moment?
Let's say I wouldn't say no to general anesthesia for a week.
That bad?
Since yesterday I've been trying to play the tough guy to impress you. Too bad—my ego's going to take a hit, but I'm two seconds away from crying in front of you.
Don't play tough, there's no point. I'll increase the IV right away. You haven't had any visitors. Would you like to call someone?
No, no need. I don't have anyone here.
Then I'll come back later to keep you company.
With great pleasure, thank you.
*************
At the restaurant
Hey, you look better! It's nice to see your smile again.
Yes, things are settling down little by little, Mel.
Tell me, because a smile like that means more than just "settling down," I know you too well.
Well, first of all, my parents are helping me pay the rent so I don't lose the apartment.
That's nice—maybe they don't want to see you move back in with them either…
Yeah, that's not wrong, I hadn't thought of that… anyway, then my manager changed departments before I did, so I've got a bit more peace of mind at work.
But was that a punishment or a promotion for her?
More of a promotion, I think, so she'll probably start again—but on someone else.
And?…
And what?
Hey, Cathy, don't pull that on me. All that stuff is practical, we don't care, there's something else, for sure.
Oh, Mel, I can't hide anything from you, it's exhausting.
If we were a couple, I'd know right away that you were cheating on me.
Relax, I'm not that desperate yet. Okay, I admit I have an adorable patient I really enjoy taking care of.
A rich old guy?
Not at all, he's 29, he completely wiped out on his bike.
Ah yes, that creates an instant bond!
Oh, don't make fun! I mean he's pretty banged up but nothing serious, and he makes me laugh—it feels good.
Yeah, I can see that. What happens next?
Sick leave for a month and rehab for his wrist.
Oh come on, don't be dumb, that's not what I mean. Are you going to see him again after?
Come on, Mel', he's a patient, I can't.
Yeah, well, a patient… but he won't be there much longer, I think.
No, a few days, so it's just a little break. It's a change from poor old people!
Listen to me carefully, young lady: there's no way you're letting this one go without his number, understood?
Oh no, never, I'd never dare. Hugo knows where I work…
Hugo… well, well. You're already on a first-name basis. That's not very common with a patient—had you ever done that before?
No, you're right. But asking for his number is out of the question.
But why? Give me just one good reason, just one!
Marc.
What, Marc? You're kidding, right?
Come on, Mel', I can't flirt with another guy like that…
Yeah, right—while he's with another woman and his kid, playing house.
That's not nice.
Sorry, Cat', but I'm not far from the truth. You haven't talked for months, he left your place, stopped paying rent, took his things. What are you waiting for from him now?
I don't know. I think I haven't really realized it yet, actually.
Cat', I'm sure he still loves you, but you said it yourself: you don't want to live with him right now, and especially not with another woman's child. So don't ruin a chance to enjoy yourself a little. After these past months—your arguments, Bertille and her kid, the harassment—sorry, but you deserve a little Hugo who makes you smile, don't you?
Yes, you're probably right.
**************
Three weeks later
Catherine!
Oh, hello Hugo. How are you?
Um… not great, to be honest. With only one arm, it's a nightmare. I struggle with everything, and staying at home is really not my thing.
It's just a matter of practice. Why are you back?
First, I've got a follow-up appointment. And then… I wanted to return the book you lent me. I loved it. I wanted to give it back before leaving, but they discharged me while you were off.
Yes, I was worried when I saw you weren't in your room anymore. It's good they were able to let you out early — you're always better off at home than in a hospital.
Yes, probably. But at home, I'm all alone. Here… you were here.
…
Would you like to grab a coffee one of these days? It's about the only thing I can manage to hold without dropping it or spilling it everywhere.
Uh…
I'm sorry, that was a bit forward, and I don't even know if you're available, so please forget I said anything.
No… I'd like to go have a coffee with you.
Really?
Yes. You look surprised. Would you have preferred me to say no after all?
Oh no, definitely not. Well, I'm very, very, very available at the moment, so I'll let you choose. Here's my card — call me whenever you feel like it. That way there's no pressure, you decide.
Thank you, that's very kind. I have to go now. Enjoy your appointment, and see you soon.