Both doctors laughed, and Cooper washed his hands at a nearby sink, then went quickly out the door. Just the short walk to the lounge seemed to revitalize his soul. He found the room empty and went directly to the vending machines.
After finding his wallet in his back pocket, Dr. Cooper took out his computer card and placed it in the slot of the sandwich machine. He pressed the proper buttons to order a ham and cheese on rye, and the sandwich neatly
appeared on a plastic plate out of the large slot under the glass display window. Removing his card, he moved to the next machine and did almost the same for a cup of hot, black coffee. He consumed these quickly, being one used to eating in a rushed atmosphere, hardly using the small table nearby. Then, on his way out, he got a slice of apple pie with whipped cream on top to finish off on his way back up the corridor. This was kind of a private celebration on the boy's behalf. He prayed there had been more improvement during his absence.
"How are things progressing with Mike?" Dr. Cooper asked when first entering the door. He saw Dr. Horton still studying the monitors and writing rapidly. His friend was silent, but gave him a reassuring smile. Cooper had always felt actions spoke louder than words. He nodded back his approval then turned toward the sink and dropped his plate into the wastebasket underneath.
"I take it you had a good meal," Dr. Horton spoke up, "and whipped cream with dessert! You had better watch that waistline, son, or I'll have YOU for a patient in this bed! Give me your radiation tag, will you?" he ordered.
Looking sheepish, Cooper wondered how Horton had known about his special indulgence. When, as he moved his right hand to pick up a pencil from a metal table, he realized it was all sticky with whipped cream! Being most unprofessional about the situation, he put the hand to his mouth and sort of chewed on its first two knuckles to keep the whipped cream from dripping on the floor.
"I'm being careful," Dr. Cooper half mumbled passed his fingers. He removed his radiation tag with his other hand, and passed it to Horton. Wondering why he was speaking so strangely, Dr. Horton turned and couldn't help but laugh at his partner's actions. "Thank you," he managed to say after accepting the tag.
Turning slightly red, Cooper added, "I think I'll go wash my hands!"
When he'd finished at the sink he told the man he was ready to take over again for him if he wanted to rest. He noticed his partner had been quite busy by the radiation detector reader, and was curious as to what was going on. Neither man noticed the dim light that flashed twice behind them, or that it radiated from Mike's body.
"All right," Horton agreed. "I need to check up on Jeanie and Larry again, anyway."
"How are they, by the way? Sorry, I forgot to ask earlier, but Mike...."