Chapter 36: Nothing to do with me

The McCann, Smith and Palmer clans attempted to pass time by engaging in boardgames, but they all could feel the weight of the current situation. When the "surgery in progress" light finally switched off shy of just 11 hours, the tension was palpable. Only Fred came out followed by 2 nurses who pushed old madam towards the ICU room, Xavier was nowhere to be seen. Fred advised the Clans that gathered at the waiting area that the next 24 to 48 hours were critical for Grandma McCann's recovery, but that the surgery went well, and everyone let out the breath they had been unknowingly holding. Xavier finally came out and advised his family to go home with the exception of his grandfather; he advised that the hospital staff organised him bedding next to his wife. Xavier knew asking his grandfather to go home was equivalent to sending him into an anxiety dictated 24-48hours and it would be painful for everyone involved.