Johnny nods. “Yeah, she wanted to make sure I was in asafe environment, since I got shot and all.”
Bram sets a bag and a drink carrier on the table attached to Johnny’s bed and hands me the overnight bag that I had asked for.
“Oh man, is thatrealcoffee?” Johnny glances over at the paper cup on the other table. “That shit is gross.”
I grin at him. “Told you.”
“Yeah, it was pretty bad. Figured I wouldn’t torture you any more than you already have been.” Bram opens the bag. “Donuts, too. But I’m not sure if you’re allowed to have either.”
Johnny fumbles through his drugged-up state to snatch the sack and pull one out. “I almost died. I think they can make an exception.” He pops the lid on one of the cups to let it cool.
With each thing he does, I feel the weight continue to be lifted from my chest. The burden of thinking I had lost him nearly crushed me completely.
“Does anyone else know I made it?” Johnny asks us with a curious look on his face.
I tilt my head at him. “I’ve been here the whole time.”
Bram adds, “I snuck in while everyone was busy. Didn’t talk to anyone at the diner.”
“What are the chances they actually think I’m dead?”
“Well, considering I was convinced until I heard the medic say your blood pressure was low, I’d assume they’re pretty high.” I hate recalling this entire nightmare.
“Why?” Bram meets Johnny’s gaze.
With the most serious of expressions, Johnny blurts out, “We’re going to fake my death.”
“What can I do?” Bram stares at Johnny with the same intensity.