“Okay, one, two, three…” the nurse pulled out the IV, tether severed, “hold that” cotton ball staunch,  covered with a band-aid, “here are your percocets, and let’s fill your cup” she poured the pitcher of water into the white styrofoam, Gulp numb the gauze-filled crater where colostomy was, metal staples seal the seam from pelvis to naval. 

Upswell of energy after sitting in bed for a week, stand up hunched, hands up strettttccccchhhhhhuhhhhh for the ceiling until sore core contracts. Gown ungirdled and laid across my bed, can pull my soft cotton t-shirt overhead now and redress as a civilian, close my laptop into backpack, ready to go, seat by the window and wait, only a few moments more.

 “Alright here are your discharge papers, and prescription for pain meds, you’re not taking any other medications, right?”

“No, that’s it.” None needed if this works.

“Do you have any other questions for me?”

“I’ll pull out the staples myself?” 

“Yep, when they’re ready to come out it’ll be easy. The skin will dry up and they’ll pop right out.” 

“So I won’t need a staple claw?” 

“Haha, no, you can just pull them out with your fingers, but be sure to use gloves whenever you’re treating your medical sites, right?”

“Of course.”

“Okay, well you’re looking good honey, some red coming back in your cheeks.”

“Thanks, feeling good.”

“Your stomach?”
“Had a small movement a couple hours ago.”

“Great. And you said your mom is coming to pick you up?”
“Yep, she’ll be here in a couple minutes.”

“Okay, well we hope you take care now, and that we never see you again! Well not in here anyway.” Pat on the back and a warm smile as she left the room, angel. 

“Thanks for everything.”

“Of course.”

Almost free, need it to hold this time. Careful what I eat, only soft foods, no stress, generous amounts of ganja, plenty of walks, strengthen legs and help digestion. 

Door open, mom, “Hey, are you all set?”

“Yep, I’ve got my discharge papers and everything’s packed, good to go.”

“Okay, I got your backpack.”

“Thanks, what do you think about a short walk in the park?”

“I’m glad to hear you have the energy, but the car is parked in a temporary spot.”

“Okay, yeah, that’d probably be a bit too much.”

“You think you can make it to the car a few blocks away? Or do you want to wait in the lobby and I’ll call you when I’m outside?”

“I can walk.”

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