“What is guard mode?” Sean asked.
“Guard mode is the body’s reaction to the trauma. When you have a trauma like this to your spine, the muscles around it can tense up in order to help avoid further injury. When they lock up, it can cause pain and hinder movement, especially when you have a suspected disc herniation.”
“Suspected?” Jackie asked.
“Right,” the doctor replied. “I don’t see the need for an MRI given his recovery so far.”
“So, now that these muscles have unlocked, he’s going to be able to walk?” Sean asked.
“He should take it slow, but yes.”
Everyone sighed in relief. Clay smiled for the first time.
“Good news,” Sally interjected and leaned forward with her finger up. “Uh, how long before he can return to work?”
They all looked at her, faces frozen, ignoring the question.
The doctor gave her a reproachful look. “Uh, well...” Then he turned and spoke directly to Clay, “You shouldn’t have any strenuous movement for a while—at least a week or two. Make sure to take it easy until that bruise heals. We did a CT scan to check for internal bleeding from the concussion and found none.” The doctor smiled, nodding to Clay. In an attempt to lighten the mood, he added, “You took a pretty good knock on the head, but it looks like you still got all your marbles.”
Everyone chuckled a bit, and Clay gave a soft, “Phew,” wiping his hand over his forehead in relief. “Thanks, Doc. Not like I have any to spare.”
The doctor smiled as he placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and said, “We’d like you to stay overnight for observation just to be sure. If things continue to improve, you’ll be able to leave tomorrow.”
“Thanks again, Doc. Really, thank you,” Clay said as he shook his hand.
“Sure thing, young man. We’ll have information on the room transfer soon,” the doctor said as he left.
𓂓
Sean sat down in a nearby chair in an exhausted heap. He rested his head in his hands for a moment then took out his phone to update his brother. Jackie and Sally sat down also, pulling their chairs closer to Clay’s bed, Elena between them.
Clay eyed Sally, unsure of her presence since their last conversation did not go well. “I’m not sure when I’ll be back to work, Sally, but we’ll finish as soon as possible.”
“We can talk about that later. In the meantime, you can have Sean and the others continue work.”
Jackie turned. “Sally!”
“What?” Sally replied.
The stress of the day showing, Jackie let loose, “Is that why you came? To make sure your project got done?”
“Well, I—”
Jackie cut her off. “That’s enough, Sally.”
Sally leaned forward. “I have every right to make sure—”
“Yeah, and NOW is the time,” Jackie clapped back with an unmistakable level of sarcasm.
Sally sat back and narrowed her eyes. “Why don’t you mind your own business.”
“You should be ashamed of yourself,” Jackie continued, louder now. “A few minutes ago, we weren’t sure if the guy was paralyzed, I mean...” She let out a small huff, “Maybe you should just relax and give the man some space.”
“The doctor said he would be okay, so—” Sally replied.
Jackie pointed toward the hall. “You know what, Sally. Why don’t you go wait outside.”
Sean grimaced, concentrating on his phone with a small smile.
“Clay, I—” Sally started.
Clay interrupted her. “Look, we’ll figure it out. Okay? Just give us a minute, Sally. Please.”
All the color drained from Sally’s face. She frowned and got up to leave in silence.
Jackie looked at Elena, embarrassed now by her reaction, and didn’t know what to say. She looked over to Clay, who raised his eyebrows and puffed out a short laugh through a small smile. Jackie did the same, shaking her head, eyes wide.
“Thank you for that,” Clay finally said. “It’s been a rough time with her.”
“That’s the word on the street,” Jackie replied.
Not sure what to make of that, Clay brushed off the comment. “Yeah, well, anyway, I appreciate you all checking on me.”
“Are you kidding me? It’s the least we could...” Jackie stood and turned away, crossing her arms as her eyes welled again.
Clay spread his hands palm-up and mouthed the word ‘what’ to Sean, who shrugged.
“Elena, will you be okay here for a moment with Sean and Clay?” Jackie asked her.
