My second Ed Edd n' Eddy story.
This story also starts a new technique for me on how I transition in and out of flashbacks, so please let me know how you thought of it.
Whether you liked or hated this, please use respectful language if you decide to comment and review. Constructive criticism is fully allowed and encouraged. Please feel free to point out grammar errors.
Ed Edd n' Eddy doesn't belong to me. The show belongs to its creator, Danny Antonucci, as well as Cartoon Network.
"His heart rate's pulsating!"
Where am I?
His world was a complete blur, his senses running havoc. Sound was in overdrive, he could practically hear everything that was being said. But his sight was the strangest; his world was merely a speedy void. Everything that moved were seen with blurs and with him the one being moved the whole hall was seen as such.
He couldn't understand it but there was a bright shine that penetrated his vision. First it was his right eye, then the left.
"Pupils not dilating!" said another voice. He could tell the tone was urgent. But why?
He tried to think but a throbbing ache was his reward. He tried to move his head to no success. He tried to speak but his tongue and throat was too swollen. Even if that weren't the case, the excessive saliva would had made it the same outcome.
"Get him to the ER: severe allergic reaction to the venom!"
A sudden, bone chilling screams reverberated within his head. An image of a person's hand painfully withdrawing from something on the grassy ground. "Ed!" cried a horrified voice, echoing within his mind.
Ed? Me? Yes, that was him. I am Ed.
Now Ed remembered his name. But who was the screaming voice he remembered? It was feminine but that was all he could recall.
There was a burning throb that began to make its presence known and Ed didn't like it. Managing to swerve his head slightly down he noticed his hand. It was swollen red and moving up the arm. Part of the hand appeared like rotten flesh with bone exposed. Ed just stared. How was he not repulsed by such a sickly sight?
His head pounded again as the vision returned. Ed's hand was now clutched by his other hand as he fell over, the fall being accompanied by a loud rattling noise and audible huffing hiss. A rattlesnake! That was the figure on the ground. Examining his hand, the mental fog lifted slightly to give him the harsh truth he was bit.
Images of a small redheaded girl filled his mind. She was panicked, not sure what to do. "Ed!" she had screamed.
Who was she?
"Hold on, an ambulance is the way!" This voice sounded male and was familiar.
"Don't worry, lumpy!" This voice was also also familiar. Like the other, this one was panicked. "Don't you die on us! Don't die!" The sound was soon followed with tears from that voice.
The pain in Ed's hand was worsening, along with a sharp pang in his head. He must had knocked himself out when he fell on to the ground. He then felt a sharp pain in his chest.
He could feel his rapid heart beat. He couldn't breath and when he tried to grab his chest, he couldn't move his arms!
"He's going into respiratory distress!" shouted one of the doctors.
Ed felt a doctor place an oxygen mask over his mouth. It helped but he still felt labored. He wanted to thank the doctor but his throat still refused to cooperate.
As he was raced down the corridors on a gurney, his barely functional eyes caught sight of the over passing ceiling lights, each filling his mind until everything froze on a single light that filled his vision, all the commotion dying away in his mind. Ed felt that he was now in peace.
The white, blinding light slowly transitioned to yellow.
"Oh, Ed," said one of those familiar voices. It was rather sweet, almost cooing. "Ed." Ed suddenly felt his had being rattled as someone shook his body. The voice yelled, "Ed, wake up you lummox!"
Ed finally registered what was happening. He was in the cul-de-sac. It was a nice sunny day and all the children were playing. And on Ed's chest stood a small boy around his age, gripping the collar of Ed's shirt. The boy had three hairs and held a scowl that told that this person was not in the best mood.
Ed smiled. "Hiya, Eddy."
Eddy sighed as he gently shook his head. Eddy calmed down but he was still clearly agitated, but he did relent his grip. "What are you doing?"
"Looking at the sun."
Ed could feel Eddy's grip tightening but let go with his other hand, to face palm. "And why were you looking at the sun?"
Ed's smile faltered. Why was he looking at the sun? He shrugged. Perhaps he'd figure it out later. "I don't remember."
Eddy grumbled something beneath his breath. He let go of Ed's shirt and allowed gravity to pull Eddy back down to Earth and walked over to a pile of wood, muttering words Ed couldn't understand.
"You know, Ed, it's not healthy to be looking at the sun," said another familiar voice. Ed turned to see a taller boy, but not as tall as him. He wore an orange shirt with purple cargos and wore some kind hat to obscure his head. It was Double D! "Staring at the closest star in the sky can lead to photokeratitis, – or sunburn of the eyes – leading the corneas to blister, excessive tearing, tissue inflammation, and, in severe cases, blindness."
Ed rubbed the back of his head, letting this knowledge to sink in. "I did not understand a single thing you were saying, Double D."
Double D sighed in defeat.
"Hey, if you two ladies are down chatting I would appreciate you get a move on!" shouted Eddy. He gestured to all the used products on the wooden stand. "Everyone is gonna want to buy our beauty and healthcare products, and I can't make money if you two clowns are wasting time."
Eddy grabbed a used deodorant stick and exposed the insides. He grabbed a tweezers and began plucking off the hairs still present.
Eddy glanced back at the two Ed's still in the middle of the cul-de-sac. He cocked an eyebrow. "Well? Time is money."
Double sighed.
"Coming," said Ed and Double D. The two marched over to Eddy, who was now finished plucking off the hairs.
Eddy began rubbing his hands, grinning as he snickered. "We're gonna be stinkin' rich."
Eddy reached beneath the wooden booth and slid a hairspray themed costume over Ed. He grabbed the largest of the three and pushed him into the street. "Now fetch me some pigeons," Eddy said.
"Oh, I love pigeons, Eddy," Ed said. He wandered off into the street leaving Eddy and Double D to their own devices.
"Yahoo!" Ed hollered exuberantly for all to hear. This was great. Ed absolutely loved dressing up in these neat costumes Eddy seemed to pull out of nowhere.
Ed happily danced in the middle of the cul-de-sec, throwing out fliers and just having fun. Ed didn't agree to the health and beauty booth scam, but as long as Ed didn't have to apply any of the deodorants, soaps, or other germ killers, he was more than pleased to go along with it; especially if it made Eddy happy, because when Eddy was not happy, he and Double D weren't happy.
A few of the kids walked past him. Some like Nazz and Rolf greeted him happily while the others mostly stopped to watch Ed dance before going on with their day. Everyone was out and playing while Kevin flirted with Nazz.
Every so often Ed would turn to see how the booth was doing. And it looked like there was some business.
Johnny, along with the eternally smiling piece of wood, Plank, stood at the booth holding a bottle of deodorant. Eddy slammed his hands onto the wooden stand before snatching the deodorant from Johnny's hand. "If you think we're going to give you high-grade products for seeds, then hit the road!"
Johnny trudged over to Ed, muttering beneath his breath. Ed smiled and waved to him. "Hiya, Johnny!" Johnny ignored him. Instead he kept trudging off into the distance. Ed waved goodbye. "Okay, hope to see you soon."
Going back to his merrymaking, Ed spotted two figures walking on the grass. The boy in a blue shirt with white cargos and circular retainer was Jimmy. The redheaded girl in a pink shirt with blue jeans was none other than his baby sister, Sarah. The two youngsters were playing with dolls, either unaware of Ed's presence or just ignoring him. Or both.
Ed smiled, always happy when he saw his sister happy – when her happiness wasn't causing him pain, that was. But a frown replaced his smile. Did Sarah love her big brother? Ed deeply loved his sister and he truly wondered if she cared about him and that her antics was just her way of affection.
"Hey, I'm not paying you to stand in the middle of the cul-de-sac!" yelled Eddy, before muttering, "Ingrate."
"You don't even pay us," Double D said, earning Eddy's attention.
"Shut up."
But right, Ed must get back to advertising. He begun tapping his feet when he heard a rattling sound.
"Huh?" The sound stopped. Had he heard a rattle? Must'd been inside his head. He sat his foot back down… Rattle! Ed was certain he heard a rattle.
He looked around and saw no rattles anywhere. But he knew he heard it and something seemed different about this rattle. It sounded more ominous. He just couldn't place it.
"We!" Jimmy ran around Sarah, holding his doll in the air to simulate flight.
"Yeah, way to go, Jimmy!" Sarah said. Jimmy continued running around until he tripped, the doll now flying through the air till it landed. Sarah ran to her friend and helped him up. "You okay, Jimmy?"
Jimmy nodded as he wiped some of the grass off his shirt. "A little stained, but I'm okay."
Sarah chuckled. "Wait right here, let me get your dolly."
She ran into the direction of the doll and, for whatever reason, Ed looked at the doll and what he saw made his blood freeze. His breathing became labored.
Toxic! Slithery! Deadly! Rattlesnake!
And Sarah was running into its direction! The serpent coiled and rattled its tail and bared its fangs.
"Ed, get back to–!"
Ed deliberately defied Eddy's order. He didn't care how mad his friends got at him but family came first and Sarah needed him! He tore the costume off and charged to his sister, adrenalin coursing through his veins. "Sarah!"
She either didn't hear him or ignored him. It didn't matter. He had to save her. Ed increased his speed; Sarah was nearly on top of the snake. She was about to reach down!
Ed gasped. "No! Sarah! Leave my sister alone you evil serpent!"
Ed pushed his sister out of the strike range. All the kids of the cul-de-sac gasped in horror, Ed heard it all. But the gasps and Sarah's angry tirade were drowned out by Ed's blood curdling scream, mixed with the ominous rattle of the serpent and huffing hiss.
His hand felt like Eddy had slammed the door on it then set it on fire! Ed's hand recoiled from the snake as he fell on to his back, his head slamming into concrete.
"The Ed-boy has been bitten by the snake with rattling tail!" Rolf screamed. The shepherd grabbed a staff and whacked the snake miles out of the cul-de-sac.
But it was too late; on his hand, two holes bled. This was pain that no boy should have to endure. Tears fled from his eyes as everything was blacking out.
He saw his sister running into his field of vision. She was panicked, tears brimming down her face. "Ed!" she screamed, no, sobbed.
"Hold on, an ambulance is on the way!" Double D ran on to the scene. He ushered the other kids back before crouching down to Ed, Double D's eyes full of tears. "Ed, stay calm. Stay calm."
Sirens filled the air as Ed's vision continued to blacken out. "Here comes the ambulance!" Kevin shouted.
"Don't you sleep, mister," Double D said. "Stay awake, Ed. You need to stay awake!"
Ed wanted to follow Double D's orders. He really did but felt like a failure for not being able to. His eyes were hardening and his breathing and heartbeat became more erratic.
There were times Ed felt scared, but not until now had Ed truly felt the bite of fear. Everyone present in the cul-de-sac were all huddled around him. Nazz, Jimmy, Johnny, and Eddy were crying. Even Sarah was crying. He saw Rolf was on his knees, his hands held together and eyes shut, his mouth moving with no words present. He was praying.
The ambulance arrived and Kevin was flagging them down then pointed to Ed's direction. The first responders ushered all the kids aside and placed Ed on a gurney.
"Don't worry, lumpy!" Eddy hollered, still choked from the tears. Soon the ambulance doors closed. "Don't you die on us! Don't die!"
Eddy's sobbing was all Ed could remember before everything drifted off to a colorless void. But before his conscious left him, he heard a voice. A new one he had not heard before.
"Ed."
The voice echoed in the void till reality itself seemed to drift away.
Sarah wiped the tears from her reddened eyes, which seemed only to aggravate them further as a layer of dried tear and mucus formed upon her arm. She didn't care. Her outward mien didn't matter anymore.
Since the incident, Sarah had all ready called her mom and told her what happened. Sarah was so scared and traumatized telling her mother what happened and her mother's hysterics did nothing to alleviate Sarah's own worries. Sarah was told to stay in the house until her mom returned –which would be an hour from then– and that they'll be heading straight to the hospital and meet up with Sarah's dad there.
"I can't believe this," wept Sarah. She sniffled and wiped more tears away while she sat on the stairs. Her pink shirt was damped at the bottom from using it as though it were a tissue.
"If I had paid more attention, or played somewhere else." Sarah blew her nose in a vain attempt to purge the access mucus. "Or perhaps if I had been nicer."
The tears surged, her hands unable to wipe them aside. Now Ed was in some hospital fighting for his life and it was all her fault. What if Ed didn't pull through? What was she going to do?
She truly prayed that she wouldn't find out. But Ed was tough! Resilient. Ed had taken numerous blows and impacts and walked off, nearly unfazed in some cases. This snake bite should be like drinking lemonade, Sarah deduced.
She wouldn't change her belief. Ed would walk off. He had to because he was Ed. "He has to," Sarah wept in a lowly whisper.
Sarah heard the dangling of keys as someone unlocked the door. It swung open to reveal an older woman who was a spinning image of Sarah, only with blonde hair.
Sarah's heart leaped from her throat as she lunged into her mother's embrace, Sarah's tears dampening her mother's shirt.
"Mom, I'm so scared."
Sarah could hear her mother's whimpers as she tightened her embrace around Sarah. The older woman had been crying too. "I know, baby. I know. I'm scared too."
Sarah looked at her mother in surprise. Her mom was scared too? But she was the bravest person Sarah knew. Did that mean…? "Is Ed gonna die?" Sarah wept.
Sarah felt herself being cradled. "No, no, sweetie. Ed will make it. He will." Sarah's mom was still crying. Was she not sure of her own words? "Come, we need to get to the hospital."
Sarah's mom carried Sarah out the house and closed the door. She put Sarah in the back seat and buckled her in before situating herself in the driver's seat. Her mother started the engine and pulled out of the driveway, now on route to the Peach Creek Hospital. Sarah stared through her reflection in the window as the cul-de-sac became nothing but a blot in the distance.
"Don't worry big brother, we're coming," she whispered.
"Ed," called a voice, in between the rhythmic beeps of machines. It was soothing and he had never heard this voice before. It was an adult, from what Ed could guess.
Ed groaned as reality returned to him. Ed's head felt like Kevin had pounded him relentlessly.
"Edward."
Ed opened his eyes then flinched when a white shine moved between the eyes. Flashes remained in his vision but slowly dissipated, allowing him to see a face. It was doctor and he was writing something down on his clipboard. "Eye dilation, good," he murmured to himself.
Ed stared quizzically at the man. The doctor finished his writing and focused his attention back to his patient. "Good morning, Edward. How might you be feeling?"
"Like the time I got my hand stuck inside the toaster." Ed gestured his left hand, swollen to twice its size. Parts of his flesh was blackened and bone was exposed.
The doctor nodded. "Do you know where you are, Edward?"
Ed looked around. He was in a modest room, lying on a comfy bed. He was hooked up to an IV and various other wires and machines that, to what Ed guessed, was monitoring his heart. There was a wooden chair and drawer by the bed and a window on the side of the room. "A hospital?"
The doctor murmured a yes and written something down. "Do you feel any pain?"
Ed took another glance at his swollen hand. He looked at his forearm and noticed it too was swollen, though not as bad as his hand. There were also black lines drawn across his arm. "My arm is hurting me. And my head."
The doctor nodded and wrote something down. "We administered some pain killers to help with that and they should start kicking in here soon. Ed, do you remember why you're here?"
Ed thought about it. There was Eddy's latest scam and him dancing in the cul-de-sac. Then there was Sarah getting her dolly when the snake…!
"Sarah!" The doctor jumped back from Ed's outburst. "Slithery, evil serpent tried to sic fangs into rotten to the core, baby sister! Ed must protect!"
Ed tried to stand but a wave of nausea overcame him, the room almost spun as he collapsed back into the bed. The cardiac monitor Ed was hooked on began beeping wildly. The doctor put his hands on Ed's shoulders to keep the patient still.
Ed struggled to free himself.
"Ed, your sister is all right but you won't be if you continue to struggle!" Ed relaxed himself upon hearing the doctor's warning. "You had a lot of venom injected to your system and you had a severe reaction and that venom is still inside you!"
Ed shrunk down into his bed at hearing the doctor admonish him.
"It's all right, Edward. Your sister is fine and the antivenin is all ready doing its job. You just need to remain calm so the medication can do its job. Do you understand?" Ed nodded and the doctor smiled.
The phone in the room rang and the doctor answered it. "Hello? Yes, the patient is awake. What now? Of course, let me ask." The doctor turned to Ed. "Ed, your family's here to see you. Would you like them to come in?"
Ed nodded vigorously. He needed to see his sister. He had to see if she was okay!
The doctor smiled and returned to the phone. "Bring them in."
Three figures entered the room: Ed's mom, a tall woman with delicately looking long, but surprisingly strong arms. She was tall and was adorn with blue jeans and a blue sweatshirt. The other person was his dad, two heads taller than Ed's mom and very buff. He had red hair like Ed and Sarah, and also wore glasses. He was wearing a white shirt.
But Ed's eyes rested on the tear stained sister. "Sarah!"
Sarah's lip quivered as she lunged at Ed. "Ed!"
Sarah embraced her brother, which Ed happily returned. This was the first time the two held each other without malicious intent, from Sarah. Sarah was sobbing. Ed patted Sarah's back. "There, there, baby sister. All is fine as evil serpent has not bitten you."
Sarah lightly pushed away from Ed and looked at him. She sniffled. "Me? Why are you worried about me? It's you, you should be worried about."
Ed smiled. "Because you are my baby sister and it is my job to protect you no matter what."
Sarah had tears welling up, to which she hugged her brother again and Ed returned it.
Ed's mom sat on the side of the bed while Ed's dad stood close by. The mom gently rubbed her son's head. "Ed, I can't tell you how worried I was."
"Yeah, when your mother called me my heart literally stopped," said the dad.
"You… You were worried about me?"
"Of course we were," said Ed's mom. "You're our son and we will always love you."
"I know we're often away because of our jobs, but that doesn't mean we don't stop thinking about you," said the dad.
Ed's heart began to warm. He smiled and engulfed his family into a group hug as best he could with his one good hand. When it was over the parents turned to face the doctor. "How bad is he?" the dad asked.
"When will we be able to bring our baby home?"
The doctor sighed and looked them in the eye. "Come with me. I feel that we best discuss the matters in the hall." The parents nodded and explained they'd be back soon and followed the doctor, leaving Sarah behind with Ed.
"Ed, how are you feeling?"
"I am fine, though my hand has had better days." He gestured his swollen, disfigured hand. Sarah cheeks turned green, about to hurl which she held back with her fingers. Ed quickly hid his hand beneath the covers and apologized.
He felt saddened for doing that to Sarah. He forgot she didn't have the same tolerance to such disturbing images, especially since she was still quite young.
Sarah soon recovered and took a deep breath. "It's all right." She looked away from her brother. "Ed, I truly am sorry that you ended up in here because of me." She began sobbing. "You didn't deserve this; it should be me in your place."
"Don't ever say that!" Sarah jumped from Ed's shout. He looked at her with a scowl. His features softened before continuing. "I am big brother and would gladly take another bite for you."
"But why, Ed? After all the rotten things I did to you and your friends: humiliated you, lied to you, gotten you into trouble, blackmailed you, and threw your freezer experiment away, why would you defend me? Why?"
Ed brought his tearing sister back in to another hug, smiling. "Because you're my sister and I love you no matter what you do. That is what big brothers are for."
"I love you, Ed."
Ed began to weep. Never in his life had he ever thought to hear those three words from Sarah. He always suspected his sister loved him, even in the time he greatly doubted it, and now he had his proof. Ed had succeeded his roll as big brother and went beyond.
Baby sister does love Ed. That thought would always remain with Ed until the day he died. And that would be for a long time. Ed knew it.
"And Ed loves Sarah too."
Two days had passed since Ed was bitten and he still remained bedridden. He lounged to go outside as he saw the day go by through the window. His family visited daily but he also missed his friends.
Feeling the warmth of the sun while you ran around. To feel the exuberant terror of a scam gone wrong. To even stand there and listen to Double D's lectures. He missed it all. Ed never knew how much that meant to him till now.
Ed looked back to his arm, the swelling still persisting up the arm. The black lines the doctors would draw to mark the swelling was now halfway up his upper arm, the venom showing no signs of slowing despite the antivenin still being administered. His forearm was completely wrapped in gauze to keep it safe from infection. Ed was told by the doctors that the swelling had created a complication called compartment syndrome, so the slicing of his arm was necessary to relieve that pressure.
There was a knock at the door before the doctor, who Ed now knew as Dr. Brennan, walked in. He walked over to Ed. "Good afternoon, Edward. How are you feeling?"
"Bored."
"I'm not surprised. But I think I have some good news to cheer you up."
"I'm going home?" Ed was ecstatic! He had been waiting to hear those words since he first arrive, but the doctor's frown was enough to alert him that it wasn't his time.
Dr. Brennan shook his head. "No, I'm sorry Edward, but you're still needed here. But your friends are here." Ed beamed at the doctor. He missed them so much. "Would you like them to come in?"
"Boy would I!"
Dr. Brennan looked out the doorway. "All right, come on in."
And for the first time in two days, Ed finally got to see his best friends Double D and Eddy walk through the doorway. Sarah was also with them too! And to Ed's surprise, also joining the three were the other cul-de-sac kids: Johnny and Plank, Nazz, Jimmy, Rolf, and even Kevin. Also joining them were the Kanker sisters: Lee, Marie, and May. Each one of them said hello as they entered.
"I think I'll give you all some privacy." Dr. Brennan smiled and closed the door.
Ed felt a slight chill from the Kankers' presence but was certain they wouldn't cause harm in a hospital, so he relaxed.
"Oh, my pooky bear!" May raced over to Ed and gave him a hug. Ed tensed from instinct but relaxed when it didn't go further. "I was so worried when I heard you were bitten by a poisonous snake."
"Well actually, May, snakes aren't poisonous," Double D said. He was carrying a duffel bag as he approached Ed's bedside with Eddy. "The correct term would be venomous, specialized proteins and enzymes located within modified salivary glands."
"Like anyone cares, sockhead," Muttered Eddy.
Awe, my friends are bickering all ready. It feels just like home.
"So what brings you all here?" Ed asked.
"Because we miss you," Sarah said.
"You all missed me?"
"Of course we missed you," Eddy said. He folded his arms across his chest. "Why would you even ask such a thing?"
"The cul-de-sac's been so boring since your absence and we all wanted to see you," Nazz said. She leaned in and gave Ed peck on the cheek. Ed then blushed lightly.
"Hey, back off!" May glared at Nazz as she trudged closer to Ed. "He's my boyfriend." The blonde Kanker then pecked Ed's cheek.
"Now come on, ladies," Double D said, acting as the mediator. "We all came to see our dearest friend and hand him some presents, not start a fight."
"Presents?" Ed perked at the sound of that. But present or no present, Ed was just glad to be in the company of his friends and sister. Everyone nodded to Ed's question.
Double D reached into his duffle back. As he rummaged around, he said, "I know things can get rather dull in a hospital setting so Eddy and I took the liberty to go to your room and bring some of your things."
"Yeah, you know, so you'd feel more at home," Eddy said.
Double D pulled out several dozen comic books and monster figurines, to which Ed gasped in joy. It felt like Christmas! "I know you probably read all of these but it never hurts to reread," Double D said as he placed the comics on Ed's lap. "Oh, and I also disable the flamethrower from your monster toys for safety reasons."
Ed smiled. "Thank you guys, this means so much."
The Kankers approached the bedside next. May held out a small ship in a bottle. Ed recognized it. That was the doohickey he got his finger stuck in! "We wanted to lend you this," May said.
"Yeah, that way you have something of us nearby," Lee said.
"We hope you enjoy it, Ed, and that it will help you sail away from the hospital," Marie said.
Ed accepted the item and placed it on the drawer beside him and thanked the girls. Now Kevin and Nazz walked up. "Since we knew how much you loved jawbreakers," Nazz said, only for Kevin to continue.
Kevin pulled out a white, sugary orb from his pocket. "We thought you might enjoy this!"
Ed's eyes beamed and he eagerly wolfed the bowling ball sized orb, his taste buds happily embracing the sugars. Boy, won't Dr. Brennan be displeased to learn what I was eating right now!
But Ed didn't care. This was a delight from the health food the hospital wanted him to eat. Ed cheerfully thanked the two.
Now it was Johnny and Plank. "Ed, me and Plank wanted to apologize for how rudely we acted around you a few days ago and to give you this." Johnny gave Ed a strange looking plant. It was all green an it looked like it had a mouth which was red on the inside. "It's a Venus flytrap! It's a carnivorous plant."
"Cool!" Ed ogled at it. "It looks like the mutant space plant from the Little Shop of Horrors. Thank you Johnny and Plank." Ed gingerly accepted the plant from Johnny and placed the plant on the nearby drawer.
"Right back atcha'!"
Now Rolf approached him. The shepherd was carrying a bag, which he placed on the bed. He reached in to grab something. "Ed-boy, I am aware of your passion for Rolf's animals and was certain you'd be finding Rolf's gift pleasing."
Ed's eyes widened at the sight of Rolf's gift. It couldn't be true! Dr. Brennan would definitely be displeased to see what was allowed in Ed's hospital room. "Chicken!"
"Now, Gertrude, be nice to the weakened Ed-boy."
Ed quickly snatched the chicken and hugged it like one would a cat. "Pet the chicken, pet the chicken! Thank you, Rolf."
Rolf smiled. "No thanks are necessary, but I must inform you that Gertrude must come back with me once we make our leave."
Ed frowned a little, but understood. Chickens didn't belong in the hospital so Ed needed to make this moment last. And now it was Sarah and Jimmy's turn. They approached the bedside, each holding the same paper card. It was large and blue in color. On the front, it read: "Get Well Soon!"
"We want you to have this, Ed," Jimmy said. He and Sarah handed Ed the card. "It was all Sarah's idea."
Sarah blushed. "But Jimmy was the one who designed it."
Ed opened the card to notice the monster theme inside and the signed names of everyone Ed knew. He smiled. The names of everyone's parents and school teachers were also present. Even the hoof and foot marks of Rolf's various animals were added.
"We hope you like it, Ed," Sarah said. "We all worked hard on it."
"Yeah, you try tracking down all the teachers," Eddy said.
Ed read all the little messages individual people had put. Tears threatened to spill as Ed put down the card. "You all are the best."
Ed and the rest of the kids all chatted for as long as they could and Ed thoroughly enjoyed it. He didn't want this to end, but sadly it had to. The kids had to go home and Rolf had to bring Gertrude with him, which he snatched from Ed before Dr. Brennan saw that there had been a chicken in the room.
"We wish you well, Ed," Double D said. "I know you defeat the villainous venom your body is fighting."
"We'll see ya' soon, lumpy," Eddy said.
One by one, each of the kids left with quick goodbyes and words of encouragement, until Sarah remained.
She walked up to her brother and gave Ed one quick hug. Ed returned it and smiled. "See you soon, big brother. I'll make sure to get as much gravy for when you return."
And now was time for Sarah to go. "I will see you soon, baby sister. You remain strong for Ed."
Sarah nodded. "I'll remain strong for, Ed. I love you."
Sarah walked out the door when Dr. Brennan re-entered the room. The doctor approached him and knelt down. "All right, Edward, lets run a few…. Is this a chicken feather?"
Ed smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "I don't think so."
Coming along nicely. At least that's what Sarah felt while drawing a picture of her and Ed, also incorporating Eddy, Jimmy, and Double D. She put down the orange crayon and grabbed a green crayon to color in Ed's jacket.
The picture depicted Sarah and her brother with their closest friends in a grassy meadow.
"Big brother's gonna love it."
Sarah paid careful attention to detail to her two-dimensional artwork. It's been four days since the bite and Sarah had visited Ed each day, and she wanted this picture done and perfect before she went to the hospital to visit Ed. She wanted him to have it.
"Hello, Sarah." Sarah's mom closed the door and put down some bags. "We'll be leaving soon. You almost ready?'
"I sure am, Mother." Sarah grabbed her drawing and approached her mother. "Are we going now?"
"In a second, just let me change and–" The phone rang. The older woman sighed in annoyance and told Sarah to get ready. Sarah chose instead to add some touch-ups to her masterpiece. "Hello, who may I ask is speaking?"
"No!" Her mother's ear shattering screeched caused Sarah to flinch, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest. Sarah ran to her mother to see her on the floor in hysterics.
Sarah's heart raced. "Mom?" The call was merely a whimper.
Her mom turned to her daughter, the woman's eyes pouring liquid. Now, Sarah's heart might as well had stopped now. Sarah covered her mouth, dropping the drawing she had made.
Words were not needed in this silent communication. Ed had died, Sarah now realized as nausea built up in her and her mind became despondent to the world around her. "Sarah, just go to your room right now," sobbed Sarah's mom. "Now's not the time to be hearing this."
Sarah's tears spilled onto the carpet. She didn't go to her room. Instead she went to the basement in hopes her brother might be there. He had to be. There was no way he could be dead. The girl ran to her brother's room and slammed the door shut. It was empty. She now laid sprawled on the filthy floor of her brother's rarely cleaned room, weeping into her arms.
"Ed!" she hollered, only to be the first of many she would not receive a response.
This was the first time she'd been down here since her brother went to the hospital, the laughing of Ed now muted by the louder sound of silence.
Sarah watched as the coffin that held her brother was lowered into the hole. She had cried during the whole sermon.
Sarah now stood alone, staring at her brother grave. The tombstone reflected her image against the sullen sky while she read the inscription.
Edward Horace Jones
1989-2001
Dearest friend and loving brother.
Sacrificed his life to save his beloved sister.
Will always be remembered.
Sarah cried reading the inscription. Everything was so true yet she was so spoiled to see it. She felt a hand rest on her shoulder. Ed?
She turned only to see Double D and Eddy. Both were somber and tear stained. Sarah felt so much sorrow seeing them, knowing that they too lost Ed too. But she also felt jealously. They actually got to be with Ed on a personal level for years, which Sarah never allowed herself to do because of her own pride. But she would forever cherish the time she truly spent with her brother
"I am so sorry for you loss," Double D said. "Ed was a caring and upstanding human being and will forever be missed."
Sarah latched onto the Double D and began to cry. She could feel Double D returning the hug and Eddy putting his hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, squirt," Eddy said. "Just know Ed will always love you."
Sarah thanked them tearfully. "And thank you for being Ed's friends. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need some alone time."
Both Ed's nodded. "Take all the time you need," Double D said.
"We'll be waiting," Eddy said.
The two walked off and Sarah headed toward the entrance of the cemetery. She wanted to cry in peace but the rustling of fallen leaves from years of buildup beneath the bushes caught her attention. She yelped when a snake slithered out.
Anger burned inside her. It was because of this creature her brother was gone, the thought burning as she rose her foot above the serpent. But she couldn't deliver the blow. It was just a small, black snake with two yellow stripes going down the back.
It didn't do anything to Ed.
Sarah's foot lowered back to her other foot as she watched the snake return to the brush. She still had tears. She wanted to enact vengeance. She always enacted revenge on those who angered her.
But she couldn't. Ed wouldn't want her to take revenge. Fallen to her knees, Sarah didn't know what to do as she sobbed. "Ed, I'm so sorry I've been a jerk to you all these years."
Sarah continued to sob, her heart still shattered.
You remain strong for Ed.
Her brother's voice almost seemed to echo through the wind.
Yes. Sarah had to be strong for Ed. She would miss him terribly but she knew Ed wouldn't want her to lament forever.
A ray of light burst through the clouds and shined on the girl. She looked up to see the clouds begin dissipate. The light around her continued to widen as the sullen clouds slowly vanished, the crepuscular ray vanishing with them too, leaving behind one Ed shaped cloud. The Ed shaped cloud appeared to have its hand up, the limb shaped part of the cloud being blown away making it appear to be a wave goodbye before the cloud vanished.
"Goodbye, Ed," she whispered. Sarah got back to her feet and went back to look for her family.
She would always be strong for Ed.
What did you all think of the story? This was my first tragedy story and it was hard to write, mainly because Ed is one of my favorite characters. But I chose Ed because I felt that his death would have the biggest ripple in the cul-de-sac.
How was the story? Anything you felt could be improved upon? Let me know. And again, please keep reviews and comments respectful. So please, no profanity.
On a side note: I know that the snake was portrayed somewhat negatively here, but please don't use this story to hate snakes. Snakes are amazing animals and don't deserve any of the hate we bring them. I understand snakes can be dangerous and people are killed by them, but the majority of snakes are harmless!
Snakes provide humans far more good than harm. They eat the rodents that eat your food and spread disease. Studies on snake venom are showing that it could potentially help fight cancer and diabetes.
So, what should you do if you see a snake and you aren't certain as to what it is? Firstly, leave it alone and seek an adult or someone who does know. Do not attempt to handle a snake you aren't certain is safe or dangerous. For young children, seek an adult regardless. And remember, if you do hold a wild snake, remember that they too can bite. But a more common response is that they might musk, which is a foul smelling liquid that they spray to deter predators from eating them. I experienced that once.
What should you do if you (or someone you're with) is bitten by a venomous snake?
1) Remain calm! Staying calm will help slow the spread of the venom. Also make sure to keep the bitten area below the heart, if possible.
2) Seek medical help immediately. Make sure to divulge all medical problems and medications the victim is taking to the doctors and first responders.
3) Do not try to kill or catch the snake, unless absolutely necessary. Attempting to catch or kill the snake delays treatment to the bite victim and you run the risk of being bitten yourself! Instead, try taking pictures of the snake and recall as much detail as you can. Also alert to the doctors or authorities as to where you or the person you're with was bitten.
4) (preventative) Remember, most snakebites occur because someone was harassing or trying to kill the snake in the first place. Always give these animals the respect they deserve and give them their space. Also remember to remain vigilant of snake, especially at dawn or dusk, and make sure to teach kids to be vigilant. If you see one in your yard or home, move yourself and any children and pets you might have to somewhere safe and call the authorities or animal control. Do not attempt to catch it yourself! If you're a child and you see a snake in the house seek your parent, or neighbor if they're not home.
Also, make sure to learn more tips on what to do, as there are many more suggestions I had not listed. Also make sure to learn what snakes inhibit your area, or places you might be traveling to.