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"It really is. These powered people are really changing life. Jenn, I shouldn't do this, but it will be quiet for a few more minutes. As long as you
don't disturb him, you can go in and see him. He's cute." "Thanks Sylvia, I owe you one," Jennifer said sincerely. As she approached the door,
she wiped her hands against her pants. I'm really nervous. I feel like I'm about to ask him out on a date or something. OK, deep breath! Jennifer took a deep breath and let it out
slowly. Quietly, she opened the door and peeked in. Why am I doing this? Because I'm fixated with powered people and this guy Josh Faulkner was
in close contact with one. That's about as close as I'll get. Why am I fixated with powered people, anyway? Josh was breathing with the rhythm of sleep so she slipped in. Despite her quiet
motion, Josh stirred gently. "Hi," he said warmly, "I don't shink we've met. I'm Josh." His speech was a bit slurred from the painkillers, and he didn't open his eyes. "Um, hi," Jennifer replied in a soothing whisper. She took a look at him with a clinical eye. He was pretty banged up, with several bandages on his face and
arms. His ribs were heavily taped as if he'd broken or cracked several of them. Jennifer noted she felt comfortable near him, despite her earlier nervousness. He is cute. "I didn't mean to
disturb you, I can leave.""No, s'okay. Please shtay a minute. You sheem familiar. What'sh your name?" "Jennifer Mulligan. I'm a paramedic and I just came by to see how you were feeling after
being attacked by Element." "I'm okay. He was pretty tough, but I'm tougher. You know what I mean, I can tell," he gave her a conspiratorial grin. "Are you the one who brought me in?" "No," she answered honestly, "that was a different crew. I guess I just wanted to talk a little about the powered people." Josh turned his head slightly to the door
as if he heard something. A few seconds later, Jennifer heard footsteps coming. The door opened and an older woman entered. The woman was slightly startled to see a paramedic in the room. "Oh," the woman gasped, "is something wrong?""No ma'am," Jennifer assured her with a warm smile, "just wanted to meet the hero. Your son is very brave. He's in
great hands here, and he's going to be just fine." Jennifer turned quickly to Josh, "Josh, I've got to go now. Thanks. It was really nice meeting you." "Sure," Josh slurred happily, "schtop by any
time Paramedic Jennifer Mulligan. Hope to talk again shumtime." Jennifer sliped quietly from the room. |
