Big Love Read Free Page A

noticeable PBN—‘pot belly noted’—walked into the room. His nametag read Dr. Stein. “Ah, I’m glad to see you’re awake. You should have pressed the nurse’s call button, but no matter.” Carol moved from the bedside, giving the doctor room. She intentionally stood in front of Zing, blocking her access to Nell.
    Dr. Stein took Nell’s pulse, listened to her heart, and noted both on the chart. “Everything is looking good so far.”
    Zing waved at Nell over Carol’s shoulder to get her attention. She mouthed, “Tell him you pooped.”
    Nell nodded that she understood.
    The doctor looked up from the chart and asked, “Have you gone to the bathroom yet?”
    “Yes, and I pooped,” Nell said proudly.
    Zing gave Nell a big thumbs-up.
    “Good, good.” Dr. Stein scribbled some more on the chart. “Do you feel well enough to go home?”
    “I do.”
    “Then you shall. Can your friends help you out for a bit just to make sure you’re functioning at full capacity?”
    Zing’s arm shot up in the air. “I can. I can help!”
    “I don’t think so,” Carol said, pushing Zing back. “I’ve got this. I’m sure Zing has other patients to read to.” She picked up Zing’s volume of The Guardian Angel’s Handbook . She glanced at the title and made a face. “Yeah, I really think you should stay away from Nell.” She shoved the book at Zing and pushed Zing toward the door.
    Nell saw Zing’s face drop. She offered, “Zing, why don’t you stop by the bakery tomorrow and I’ll give you some donuts. You know, for helping me out.”
    “Thank you. I’ve never had a donut. I’d like to try one.”
    “Bye,” Nell said.
    “Bye.”
    “Good riddance,” Carol muttered.
    Zing walked out the door with the book under her arm. She had twenty-three hours left on earth to make amends with Nell. That was plenty of time to enjoy a donut or two.

Chapter Two
     
    After leaving the hospital Zing didn’t know what to do with herself. She strolled down the street in her pink outfit. It was a sunny day. She liked the feel of the warm sunshine on her face. She saw a park so she headed that way. The grass looked green and smelled fresh. Smells were a new thing to her. The hospital smelled funny and not very nice.
    She crossed the street, careful to avoid manholes and fast cars. She remembered that Miracle—she was Annabelle’s human— had almost gotten hit by a car while trying to save a stray dog. Thank God, Annabelle had saved her and the dog, too. To date, Annabelle had saved Miracle from 32 fatalities involving cars, trains, airplanes, white water rapids, soap in the shower, an avalanche, a ski jump, three motorcycles, and a curling iron. Miracle was not only a daredevil, but she was klutzy. That’s why they nicknamed her Miracle—because it was a miracle she was still alive. Her real name was Sheila.
    Zing sat down in the middle of the park and ran her fingers through the grass, enjoying the way it tickled her fingers. She thought about Miracle and the stray dog she had rescued. Miracle had taken the mangy dog home. The dog looked nice after Miracle washed him. He looked healthy after she fed him. And because he looked so clean and healthy, Miracle had been able to find him his forever home.
    If Miracle took in stray dogs, maybe she’d take in stray angels? She could use a bath and food. Zing didn’t need a forever home but a place to spend the night would be nice. As Annabelle was fond of saying: you can’t find rainbows unless you look. Zing wasn’t sure what that meant but she did like rainbows. Perhaps Miracle was the rainbow and Zing should go looking.
    Zing left the park and crossed the street, once again avoiding manhole covers and fast cars. She used the crosswalk this time, waiting with the other people who were watching the white walking person on the sign to tell them it was safe to cross. She saw a bus stop with an old woman sitting on the bench.
    Zing was intrigued with how the old woman’s skin