Dawn Patrol

152

Dave's still there that afternoon when Boone says, “I have to get up.”

“You have to lie down,” Petra says. “You have a major concussion.

They want you to stay here at least two more days for observation. They're going to run some tests, see if you have brain damage. Although, how'd they tell…”

“There's something I have to do,” Boone says. He forces himself to sit up, then swings his legs out and puts his feet on the floor. It's sketchy, but he manages to get his legs underneath him and stand up.

“Boone…”

He's not listening. He gets dressed and walks down the hall toward the lobby. The nurses ignore him-they have their hands full with people who want help and have no time for people who don't. Johnny follows him in case he falls, but Boone doesn't.

Petra's out in the hallway. “Dave, don't let him be an idiot,” she says. “Bring him back.”

Dave opens the door for Boone and follows him out.