“The doctor said the tests should only take a few hours. I’ll come and grab you on my lunch hour and take you back to the retireme-” Mike started, but Ulysses spun his head around. Mike knew he hated that word.

 

              “Back to your place, okay?” Mike finished.

 

              “Yeah, okay,” Ulysses said.

 

              “Hey, and don’t give the staff any trouble if they have to bring you out in a wheelchair this time.”

 

              “If I can walk out on my own steam I’m going to do it. I don’t need a goddamn wheelchair.”

 

              Ulysses flung the passenger door open, climbed out, and slammed the heavy metal truck door behind him.