Page 168 - Where the Dream Ends ebook
P. 168
Marc Erdrich
“It seems we’re all sorry,” Harry said, trying to relieve the
awkwardness of the moment.
“How is the patient doing?” she asked, going over to the
bedside.
“That’s what we all want to know,” Harry said. “What’s
going on? Why isn’t he awake?”
“He’ll be awake, soon enough.”
“And…?”
“That’s the big question. I’m afraid I don’t have the answer
yet.”
“Can you tell us anything?”
“There’s damage, no question about it. But how much, I’m
just not sure.
“Will he be all right? Will he be…”. Harry stopped. The
doctor waited for him to continue. “…Normal, I guess that’s
what I mean? Will he be normal?”
“You mean, the way he was before?” she asked, as if con-
firming what was on Harry’s mind.
“I guess so. I mean, no, not really. He wasn’t all right before
this happened. The reason this happened in the first place was
that he wasn’t all right…”
“You know, Mr…”
“Harry. Just call me Harry.”
“Harry. Yes. Well, Harry, since I’ve been doing this kind of
work, I’ve had to redefine ‘normal’. I’ve seen so many patients
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