Empire of Shadows

Chapter 43: Business

Johnny woke up around 4 a.m., not because of a peaceful sleep but because the excruciating pain from his injuries jolted him awake.

Having recently undergone surgery, the anesthetics had worn off, leaving the raw agony of multiple fractures to assault him. His screams woke his daughter, who rushed to his bedside to comfort him.

"It’s over now," she said soothingly. "You’re safe."

Johnny’s scattered thoughts gradually coalesced as he blinked through the haze of pain. His pale face was covered in visible beads of sweat. "It hurts so much," he groaned. "Get the doctor—I need them now!"

His overweight daughter hurriedly complied, bringing the doctor, who gave Johnny a quick check-up.

"The surgery was successful," the doctor explained. "Pain is expected when you’ve got over a dozen fractured or broken bones. It’s unavoidable."

Johnny couldn’t take it anymore. Groaning and writhing, he pleaded, "Isn’t there something for the pain? I can’t stand it—I feel like I’m dying!"

The doctor nodded. "We do have effective painkillers, but they’re not covered by your insurance."