Throbbing

"Sarah? What ... what are you doing here?"

She smiled. "I might well ask you the same question, Adam Cotter. Man of mystery, you are. What were you doing round that part of town, then? Do you remember what happened at all? The police are waiting for a chat with you, but I've said they can't come in till you're fit to do it. How are you feeling, anyway?"

Adam closed his eyes, trying to clear his head. Too many questions. And when she'd mentioned the police, there was some little flicker of ... what? Recognition? Dread? Whatever it had been, the moment had passed.

"Sore," he groaned. "My head. Sore all over. Don't feel like..." he swallowed, mouth dry, "...don't feel like talking yet. Is that OK?"

"Course it is," she said. "Doesn't seem to be too much damage from what I can see - some grazing, and you'll have a cracking lump and bruise - but of course, it'll only be official when the doctor's had a look," she grinned.

Sounding apologetic, she said "you're to get X-rays and tests later, so I can't give you anything stronger than a couple of paracetamol right now - but that should take some of the edge off your pain."

She popped out a couple of capsules, left them on the bedside cabinet, and went to fill a plastic cup with water.

As she was standing at the sink with her back to him, he said "so. That was a surprise. I never knew you were a nurse. When did you..?" He trailed off, uncomfortable, as ever, talking to her.

"Qualified a couple of years ago," she replied. "I hated doing the degree, but it was worth it in the end. I just suddenly realised it was what I'd wanted to do all along."

Adam nodded as she returned. "I'd never have guessed," he said. "Suits you though, somehow. You look sort of right, in your uniform."

She smiled at the blush he couldn't conceal.

Then, after a pause, he asked "and how's Nick?"



Part Two begins here.