Greg awoke but failed to open his eyes. He knew he was at the hospital, deep down he knew. But if he just kept his eyes shut for a few more seconds he could pretend it was all just a horrible nightmare. That he would wake up and be in his bed with cold sweat down his face. But unfortunately reality soon caught up with him. Greg opened his eyes, still a little dizzy from being hit in the head.
Nick was in a chair next to his bed, staring down at the ground. Catherine and Sarah were sitting at a couch and Ray was in a chair like Nick. None of them were currently looking at him. Feeling the need to speak up Greg asked, "Hey is there a party in here are what?" He was surprised how hoarse his voice was and coughed, trying to get rid of it.
Everyone looked up at him. It looked like Catherine had been crying. The way they looked at him Greg knew they knew what happened to him. He looked at Nick, but Nick wouldn't meet his gaze. Greg felt a little hurt and wondered if Nick was still cold because of their fight. But surely that didn't matter, did it? Greg's thoughts were interrupted when Sarah suddenly spoke.
"Hey, Greg. You need anything?"
"I'm thirsty." He half whispered, just noticing how dry his mouth felt. Sarah left the room to get him some water. Greg turned to Nick and asked quietly, "What happened?"
Nick glanced around uncomfortably, "Well you were-"
"I know that part. What happened afterwards?" Greg cut him off. He felt a little bad by his tone of voice, but he was just angry at the men who did this. And partly at himself, too.
"Well, um, I was going to my car and I found you." Nick said quietly, "After you passed out I called for help and they drove you over to this hospital."
"What hospital is this." Greg asked him.
"Greenwood." Nick answered as he stared at him.
Just then Sarah walked in with his water. Greg gratefully took it and sipped some of it, "Thank you."
"No problem." She said as she sat back down. Ray coughed and looked at Greg.
"We need to ask you a few questions."
"Now? Can't it wait?" Greg protested, not sure if he was ready to do this.
"Your memory would be better now."
"I don't think I'm going to forget anything soon."
"Greg, I know this is hard. But please, this needs to be done now."
"O-Okay."
So Ray asked Greg some questions following protocol. Greg answered the questions the best he could fearing he would accidently leave something out. He didn't really want to drag the law into this, but if the attacker's victimize another man like him he didn't think he could forgive himself. Finally the questions ended and Ray scribbled some things on his paper, "That's all for now."
Ray, Catherine, Sarah got up to leave. He knew they had a job to do and them leaving was actually relieving. The whole room was filled with awkwardness and he hoped it was go away when they did. They all said their goodbyes and left. Except Nick. Nick stayed. Greg stared at Nick and asked quietly, "Aren't you going to go with them?"
"No." Was Nick's reply, "I'm going to stay with you."