S2 2. Surgery

– You woke up? Ilari is getting ready for work and finds Venla staring at the ceiling. - It's really early.

– Can’t sleep. I’m so scared, Venla replies. Operation is going to happen later in same day.

- Everything is going to be fine. You are in good hands, Ilari assures nervewrecked woman. 

- But if it won’t be? 

- Then we figure something out. We’ll handle it. 

- We? 

– Mm. You aren’t alone in this. 

– That means a world to me, Venla sighs.

 - I’ll come to see you when I get back from work. 

– Thanks, but no need. Tanja is coming with me. Venla gives him nervous smile. 

– Good she’s there for you. Ilari pets gently Venla’s hair. – I’ll come anyway.

 - I’m not going to be good company. Venla says with shaking lips. - I’m probably going to be in great pain and look terrible too. You don’t want to see me like that. 

– Shut up Sweetie, Ilari gives her encouraging smile and kisses her forehead – I want to be there for you. and when it’s done I’m going to bring you back home. Now, be good soldier for me and try to sleep. You’ll need your strenght.

It was easier than Venla thought. They didn’t even need to put her to sleep and she watched insides of her leg and knee from the monitor. Fascinating yet disgusting. Operating surgeon explained what was happening and how they released pinned nerves. She was even let out the next day though feeling tired and battered. Tanja escorted her home and she went straight to bed.

It was late in the evening when she woke to the sounds from her kitchen and dog steps pacing from her bedside to kitchen and back again. She gave Ilari her keys days ago and listening him doing something made her feel somehow better. It was very comforting to know she wasn’t alone and if she would need help it was close.

- Hey, Ilari says in gentle tone when he walks in and founds out Venla is awake. – How are you feeling? 

- Like crap. Feel like a tank rode over me. 

– Ouch. Are you in pain? 

- Not much. I’m probably so high with painkillers right now I can’t feel a thing.

 Ilari chuckles at that. 

– I ordered some pizza. You should try to eat even a slice. 

– Very thoughtful of you, Venla looks at the plate he’s offering. – Thank you!

– Can’t let my girl to starve. 

- Aren’t you sweet! 

– I have a lot to make amends for, Ilari sighs. - Hmm, is that my shirt? He notices oversized t-shirt Venla is wearing. She nods. 

– Made me feel safe, she replies. 

And there it is. The smile Venla was dying for to get from him.