the IV to fight your infection along with the adverse effects of the medication.

It's much

He noticed a He

faster and easier to regulate that way." Chris was feeling more alert. few more things about his situation, too! seemed to be wearing a pink sleeveless nightgown with narrow shoulder straps and lace trim across the square low-cut neckline. It was bunched up around his thighs. Their was a matching peignoir laying across the foot of the bed. And he discovered that there was a large bandage on his right thigh.

"What's the bandage for?" he asked, pulling the sheet away to fully reveal the pink negligee he wore.

"Oh, that?" she said. "When you passed out you knocked one of the coffee cups onto the floor and it broke. According to Mary, you dropped like a rock, and landed smack on top of that broken cup. One of the pieces buried itself in your leg and I had to do some minor surgery. But it's nothing to worry about, just a couple of stitches that will disappear eventually."

"How long to I have to stay here?" he asked. "I'll let you go as soon as I am sure you won't have any more fainting spells and scare Mary out of her wits. How about another day of observation? Let's see, tomorrow's Sunday," she considered. "Barring any complications, you'll be free by tomorrow night.

OK?"

"Fine, I guess," he responded halfheartedly. "The last time I was in a hospital wasn't exactly the best time of my life, you know."

"Yes, Chris, I know," she answered sympathetically. "Andrea, uh.., Dr. Smith told me all about it. Now, let's see if you can stand

up."

Dr. Brown and the nurse held his arms as Chris gingerly swung his bare legs over the edge of the

bed. He stood slowly on wobbly legs that managed to hold him up reasonably well. The nurse slipped the peignoir over his shoulders, the IV preventing use the sleeves. A pair of fluffy pink scruffs appeared beside his feet but Chris ignored them as he took a few tentative steps to prove his stability before the ladies released him and he walked cautiously around the room, then over to the large window. He was on the second floor overlooking the huge garden and groomed landscape of the grounds. Two comfortable chairs were place by the window to take advantage of the sunlight and fresh air, and there was a small table with several magazines stacked neatly on it.

"You're doing just fine," Dr. Brown declared. "I'll be back to check on you tomorrow. You know the routine. If you need anything just buzz for a nurse. And I believe Mary will be up to see you as soon as I go tell her you're awake. She was awfully worried about you, you know?"

Chris turned to thank her again but she and the nurse had both disappeared. He looked through the stack of mags but they were all the girly stuff, just like at the beauty parlor, so he just stared out the window for the next fifteen minutes, soaking up the sunny warmth and enjoying the veiw.

Chris didn't notice Mary until she broke his reverie. "Hi, Chrissy, how you feeling?"

He jumped. "Oh, hi. Much better, thanks. Sorry about the trouble I caused you."

I'm just She

"Oh, please, don't worry about that. glad it wasn't something really serious." handed him a gayly wrapped parcel. "It's not much but I hope you like it."

Chris thanked her with his eyes as he tore away the paper and opened the box. It was a white leather purse with an adjustable shoulder strap. Inside was a brush, comb, and mirror. He smiled