Burton rushes into the emergency room and heads straight to the reception desk

"My son was brought in here after an explosion. Nicholas Fallin."

"Yes Sir he has gone up to surgery it is on the 4th floor. If you wait I can get someone to take you up."

"I'll take him. I'm Officer Mayfield Mr. Fallin I called you about your son."

"Can you tell me what happened. Where did it happen?"

"Your son was visiting a client in his home when a gas explosion occurred. We don't have any more details the home owner is too dazed to help and I haven't been able to talk to your son."

When Burton enters the waiting area he sees Laurie Solt and another woman who he recognises from LSP, Emily, he thinks her name is.

"Hi Burton, Good they found you."

"Has anyone said anything."

"No. No one has been out."

Just then the doors open and a man in hospital scrubs appears.

"Nicholas Fallin?"

Burton holds up his hand

"Here, I'm his father."

"Come take a seat."

"Your son was unconcious when he arrived, although the paramedics informed us that he had drifted in and out of conciousness while at the scene and had been communicative. While on the scene he had complained of severe pain. He was buried under rubble and only limited first aid was administered until he was free. He was given oxygen, mild pain medication and saline solution. Once he was uncovered the paramedics were able determine that his left leg was broken and that a piece of metal had pierced his right, front side.

The priority upon arrival at the hospital was to get him into a stable condition for surgery and to treat him for smoke inhalation. A bronochoscopy was performed where they were able to suction out debris and secretions from your son's lungs. He was then intubated to help with his breathing and to stop him from choking on secretions as it suctions off building mucus. Blood work was performed and xrays. Then he was transferred into my care. My immediate priority was to remove the piece of metal. X rays showed that it had lacerated his kidney. I removed the metal and repaired the kidney. HIs leg was also set."

The surgeon stops to allow Burton to process this information.

"He is going to be alright now?"

"Your son is in a very serious condition. He is stable right now but there are complications that we have to watch out for. We have him on antibiotics to and ward off infections. His lungs are a concern as he inhaled a lot of debris that could have caused irritation. We will be keeping him intubated for the time being to rest his lungs. My main concern is his kidney and we are monitoring it's function. At the moment levels are low and a dialysis machine is helping to make up the deficiency. If it doesn't improve then we may have to remove it. X-rays also showed that he has a couple of cracked ribs and there is deep laceration on his temple that has required stitches. We will also be watching for any sign of compartment syndrome, particularly in his broken leg. Do you have any questions?"

"When can I see him?"

"He is currently in recovery but as soon as he has been moved to intensive care you can see him for a short time."

"He is going to be alright?"

"Only time will tell Mr Fallin but I have high hopes."

The Doctor leaves and Burton leans back and closes his eyes. He needs to see his son. He is relieved to hear he is doing well at the moment but it sounded like he was still in danger from numerous angles. He knows he probably should have asked more questions but his brain just isn't functioning properly. He feels a hand touch his, he opens his eyes and sees laurie Solt.

"Are you alright Burton?"

"It's a lot to take in. It's his birthday today. I left to visit a friend on my son's birthday and it could be his last."

"You know Nick never bothers about his birthday and I'm sure he didn't mind you going away."

"He came over last night and I gave him his present and he stayed for dinner. He was telling me he had a dilemma to solve involving a cat."

"That's what he was doing when the explosion occurred"

"You mean my son has almost died because of a cat!"

"Nick was concerned the client had some health issues and he was trying to determine the extent. I went with him yesterday to help him."

Laurie smiled at the memory of flustered Nick.

"A neighbour came across as we were leaving and propositioned Nick, you would think it was the first time it had ever happened to him he was so embarrassed, but maybe it was because she was almost old enough to be his mother."

Burton smiled

"I would have loved to have seen that."

A nurse approaches them.

"Burton Fallin? You can see your son for a few minutes now, come with me."

"Thanks Laurie."

"No problem Burton, just come and let us know how he is,"

"I will."

On the way to intensive care the nurse prepares him for what he will see. He is reminded that Nick is intubated, there are machines hooked up to him monitoring his vitals, the dialysis machine and a central line. His broken leg is raised in a sling, in mid-air. None of this actually prepares him for when he enters Nick's room. Nick is dwarfed by all the machinery, the cut in his hairline looks red and nasty and a bruise is forming all down his face. He makes his way to his side and takes hold of his hand that is resting on top of the blanket. He gives it a squeeze, there is no response. He has been informed that Nick has yet to regain conciousness since surgery but that they expect him to wake up soon.

"Hey Son, lets stop being a lazy bum and wake up."

Burton is rewarded with a slow flutter of eyelashes.

"Nurse!"