“Arthur Stops By”

Colin lay in his hospital bed, groggy from the pain killers he’d been given moments before. After a thorough examination and several x-rays later, the doctor had informed him that his ankle was indeed broken in 2 places and would require surgery. That’d mean he’d be laid up for a couple months, unable to work or do much of anything else. Shit.

“Colin... are you awake?” Arthur asked as he hesitantly stepped into the room.

“Arthur? That you, Mate?” He tried to sit up but the meds had really begun to kick in and he was barely able to even lift his head.

“Just lay still there, Colin, you’ll be alight, then,” Arthur told him as he stood next to his bed. “Mr. Ross told me what happened... said Miss Campbell had something to do with your accident? Is this true, Colin?”

“Yeah, bloody crazy sheila pushed me out the window... hadda jump from the fuckin’ balcony,” he slurred, “doc says my leg is broken in two places... needs surgery.”

“Oh no, that’s just bloody awful! Why would Miss Campbell do such a thing? She always seemed like such a nice lady, always very pleasant to be around.”

“No idea, Mate, none,” Colin replied, “Hasn’t even come ‘round to explain things. Not sure if I want her to, for that matter. Reckon I don’t know what the fuck I’m gonna do with a broke leg and a fuckin’ business to run, though. How the hell am I supposed to earn a living with a fuckin’ cast on my leg then?”

“Well, don’t you worry about a thing, Colin, I’ve already rang Dom and he’s agreed to take up the slack while you’re away. Managed to get in touch with all the current customers, as well, let them know what’s happened,” Arthur told him.

“Ta, Mate,” Colin said, managing a slight smile. “You’re alright, Arthur... a true friend. Don’t get many of those.” His words were becoming more and more slurred with each one spoken, and he was now unable to hold his eyes open at all, as he began to drift off in a foggy haze of drug-induced unconsciousness.

“No worries, then, Colin,” Arthur beamed, “You just rest up there and I’ll be back tomorrow to see how you’re holding up.”

He quietly turned and left the room, quite concerned about the news of Colin’s leg.