Tree Houses are for the Birds
These good fellows don't belong to me but I promise when I'm done to pick um up, dust um off and with a kiss on the cheek return them safely home.
"We are not only our brother's keeper; in countless large and small ways, we are our brother's maker." Bonaro Overstreet.
Chapter 7
Driving behind the ambulance Marco could see the flurry of activity going on and knew that things had gotten worse for Johnny. He followed down the road saying silent prayers for his shift mate and friend. Not far behind Marco were Mike and the engine. Hank called the station down as a 10-8 to Rampart so they could find out how Johnny was doing and give Roy the support they knew he was going to need.
Upon arrival to the hospital Brackett, Early and Dixie were at the doors to help get Johnny off the ambulance. He was whisked away into exam 3 for stabilization. Joe early was deeply concerned about his head injury but then encouraged by Roy's description of his awake times.
Roy looked at his unconscious friend knowing his injuries were all so bad. The head wound was probably a skull fracture, his battered insides with internal bleeding and then the spinal injury. It was almost too much for Roy to bear and he felt his knees buckle beneath him. Dixie suddenly was right beside him and taking his arm she guided him to a chair.
"Doc, his back, his legs?" Roy fumbled over the words.
"There's just no way to tell this early on Roy. You know that. Let's look at the x-rays first." Roy sighed and hunkered in the corner like a lost puppy. He was just staring at the action surrounding Johnny. After Dixie made sure that the doctors had enough help she took Roy by the arm again. It was with protest, of course, but she led him out of the room and down to the doctor's lounge.
"Roy I will be back as soon as there is any word, I promise." She put her arm around him and hugged him knowing the pain he was in. After a few moments she stood up and moved towards the door.
He looked, "Dix, how's the wife doing that 86 brought in for me?" He was hoping that something went right today.
"I'm sorry Roy. They couldn't stabilize her enough to get her to the OR. She died shortly after arriving." Her heart went out to him; she knew how hard he worked to save her. Even while his shift mates were digging for his best friend. "Roy, her injuries were too severe. If they could have operated in the tree house she still wouldn't have made it."
Reassuring words to him but they just felt empty somehow. All those trips out there, their own injuries as they tried to help them. Why did this have to happen? Something had gone very wrong today and now one was dead, the other…..he couldn't even think it.
"Thanks Dix," he said softly. He knew she was trying to comfort him. His heart ached more than he thought was possible. Johnny was more than a friend to him, he was a brother. There was a connection between them that had been instant the day they met to sign Johnny up for the paramedic training. Roy couldn't explain it to anyone, not even Joanne. It was just there. He had never had this kind of friendship or feeling of family with anyone before and he didn't want to loose it now.
Sometime in the interval of him waiting Mike, Marco, Chet and Hank came into the lounge with him. No one even spoke as they entered and found a place to sit. It was obvious that Johnny was critical. What was there to say? Everyone there knew how much Johnny meant to Roy and you just can't ease that type of pain with idle chatter. They simply sat with him, patted him on the shoulder and gave looks of compassion and comfort. They simply waited with him.
Brackett came in to find all the men staring at the walls, in a daze it seemed. When they heard the door they jumped up. Roy didn't like the look on his face.
"Doc?" he asked.
Kelly looked at them, "He tolerated the surgery fairly well and we were able to stop the internal bleeding. We're replacing the lost blood now and his vital signs are stable." He paused.
"Doc?" Roy pressed. There was more, he could see it in his eyes.
"Roy there are no reflexes in his lower extremities right now. But we can't fully assess his leg movements because we haven't been able to wake him up yet."
Roy sat down. Johnny had a head injury, a skull fracture. He was so worried about his legs he forgot about it. Johnny was in a coma.
Chet moved over to Roy and stood by him for support, "How long will he be out doc?" Chet asked, his voice shaking.
"There's no way to know Chet. We'll take it day to day and wait for his body to heal. He had a severe spinal shock and the paralysis could be temporary. We just have to wait for now. I'm really sorry fellows."
"Doc?" Roy was back on his feet, "When can I see him?"
"Come with me, he's in the ICU. You can see him for a few minutes."
Everyone else also wanted to see him but it was an unspoken agreement between them that Roy was the one to be at his side right now. Hank moved over to Roy.
"Go ahead Roy. Stay as long as you need to. I have already called in replacements so you're off shift as of now. Just keep us posted ok?"
Hank's compassion for his crew never ceased to amaze Roy, "Thanks Cap, I will."
"We'll be back by tomorrow morning after shift."
"Thanks, again." Roy words felt hollow but he was truly thankful for Hank Stanley as his Captain. His understanding of him wanting to stay by Johnny's side was more than Roy could have asked for himself.
Roy sat by Johnny's bed, taking in all the bandages, including the head one. Skull fracture Brackett had said. God Johnny, wake up. We are all here for you. His breathing was controlled by the ventilator and he was being kept completely sedated now. Joe had decided that he didn't want him to wake up yet. They were going to keep him in a medical coma for a few days and allow his body to heal.
The nurses knew what the visitation rules were, but no one even thought of asking Roy to leave. Hour after hour he stayed in the chair, leaving only to call Joanne and tell her what had happened. When the nurses needed to care for Johnny, Roy would simply move out of the way but as soon as they were gone he was again at his side. But mostly he just sat and watched the monitors.
Hank peeked into the room to find Roy asleep with his head on Johnny's bed. He was still in his turnout clothes. He hated to wake him up but came on in when he saw him start to lift his head up.
"Roy?" Hank spoke quietly, afraid he might disturb all the monitors and machines that surrounded Johnny.
"Hey Cap." Roy looked exhausted. It was obvious he had little to no sleep.
"How's he doing?" The whish of the ventilator, beeping of the monitors and dripping of the IV's told Hank that things had not improved any.
"He had some blood pressure problems after surgery and they had to give him more fluid and blood but since then he's been stable. Doc's got him sedated so he won't wake up right now. They want some of the swelling in his head and spinal column to improve first.
"OK, well the guys are here and want to check on him. I will stay with him and I want you to go get cleaned up and some breakfast."
Roy started to protest, he was afraid to leave him.
"I mean it. We will come and get you if anything changes ok? Now go." Roy knew that authoritative voice of Hanks meant there was no arguing with him. As he left the room he looked back.
Behave while I'm gone Junior. I'll be right back.
Turning back he almost ran right into Joanne. "Oh Jo," he melted into her arms and began crying. She moved him away from the door, cradling him in her arms. She watched as Marco went into the room next.
"Shh babe. Remember how strong Johnny is ok?" She pushed his hair back from his brow and wiped his tears, kissing him on the cheek. She loved him so much and although she didn't understand the tight bond between him and Johnny, she loved him for it. His love and care of his friend showed her how much compassion he held inside his heart.
He looked up at her and smiled, those blue eyes melting her. He knew that every time he looked into her eyes he remembered why he loved her so much. She was always there for him when he needed her.
"Now, I have some clean clothes for you so let's go get you cleaned up ok?" She spoke softly to him and then guided him towards the restrooms. With gentle encouragement he went into the men's room and changed clothes. He looked into the mirror. Cap's right. Johnny will chew me out when he wakes up and finds me not taking care of myself. He paused, realizing what he just thought about. Yes, I have to believe that it will happen. You will wake up and no matter what happens I will be there to help you through it. Joanne, Chris and Jen, we are all there for you Junior.
Marco entered the room and reached into his pocket silently whispering a prayer of healing for his friend. He moved up beside him and leaned in close. "Get better soon Johnny. The station won't be the same until you get back. Oh, and just so you know. Chet hasn't found your surprise for him yet. I will let you know what happens, ok amigo?"
Roy left the restroom and found Joanne. Marco joined them and they headed down to the cafeteria for something to eat. Of course Roy only picked at this food despite Joanne's protesting. When they decided they couldn't keep him seated any longer they headed back upstairs to the ICU.
Chet entered the room after Marco. As Hank stepped outside Chet moved closer to Johnny's bed. The monitors and noises were not only intimidating to Chet but they were frightening. They represented how hurt he was. "Johnny boy, don't know if you can hear me but, uh…" he swallowed hard. "We're all here for you. And I'm sorry about the rough shift you had and for me not making it any easier." He smiled a little, "Never did find out if you discovered the phantom's last prank." He looked down, "Just come back soon. The phantom is gonna miss you." He squeezed Johnny's hand then headed back to the door, wiping away the tears.
Passing Chet, Mike came in. He stood back from the bed and studied his friend before approaching him closer. "Johnny, its Mike. Time for you to wake up. You're giving Roy a heart attack buddy. And Chet, geeze he's going to go nuts without you around. I mean he would never admit it but when you miss a day he drives us crazy. If you lay around here too long he's going to pick a new pigeon and the next one won't be so tolerant. I think one of us would probably kill him. So for Roy's sake and Chet's safety get better soon."
Hank came in and paused. He hadn't heard that many words from Mike in a month. Mike turned around, hearing Hank come back in and headed out the door, quietly.
Roy came back into the room to find Hank talking to Johnny. Looking a little bit flustered Hank backed away from the bed. "It's ok Cap. I've been talking to him too. They say that sometimes people in a coma can hear you."
Hank patted Roy on the back. "Everyone has gotten a chance to visit with him for a few minutes," he looked at Roy. "And now you look almost human too."
"Feel some better, thanks Cap."
"Ok pally. You know the drill. Call me if you need anything ok? I'll be back tomorrow."
Hank left and Roy was alone with Johnny again. He walked over and took his hand. It was warm but too still and lifeless. He squeezed it, hoping for a squeeze back but there was only stillness. He leaned back in his chair, "Johnny I don't know if you can hear me but its Roy again. I'm right here with you Junior and I won't leave ok?"
Roy turned, surprised, when Joanne put her arms around him from behind, "I hope he can hear me Jo."
"If he can't honey, he has to feel the love in this room with so many people that care about him."
Roy's eyes filled with tears again, her security and comfort so close to him. His voice was a whisper, "What will I do if I loose him?"
Joanne could only hold her husband. She pulled him tighter to her, trying to give him her love and support while he grieved.
It was three days since the horrible accident. Roy was sitting his usual spot when Kelly, Vince and Hank came into the room. Roy stood up knowing that something was wrong. What was Vince doing here? And Cap, he just left this morning.
"Sit down Roy, we need to talk to you about something," Hank said. Roy noted he seemed in Captain mode. He wasn't here to chit chat. Reluctantly he sat down. His body was just too tired to fight them over it right now.
"Cap, what's going on?"
Vince spoke first, "Roy, do you remember the day of the accident that you wanted me to talk to the neighbor lady?" He waited to Roy to process what the conversation would be about.
"Not really Vince." It seemed like a hundred years ago but he remembered her telling him something.
"It's ok Roy, you've been through a lot since then. You asked me to talk to her about some type of home remedy that she was giving the Kilgore couple."
Yes, it was coming back to him. "She told me she was trying to help them but I didn't have time to find out any details. You were able to talk to her?"
Vince continued, "I sure did. She didn't know the names of the herbs she was using, just something that her family had used for generations. Treatments for various disorders."
Kelly chimed in. "Apparently the Kilgores met in a support group for people with bi-polar disorder. They were both on a prescription medication to help them control their mood swings and had been fine for quite a while."
"What changed them?" Roy's mind was reeling now, their flat affect and apathy towards each other.
Vince stepped in now, "Apparently the helpful neighbor lady started serving them her own helpful fixes. We found several different kinds of plants in her home, two of which she had started giving them on a regular basis."
"What was it?"
"Kratom and Salvia," Kelly informed him. Roy just shook his head, he didn't know what they were. Kelly saw his confusion. "Roy, there natural opioid's. The Kilgores were fine on the medication prescribed by their doctor but when she added an additional drug to their system they began having the side effects of drug induced psychosis. Depression, apathy, mood swings, violent outbursts."
Roy stood up and paced. "Their behaviour was drug induced? They never even told us they were on a prescription drug." Then Roy realized. Amy was dead. His breathing quickened, "She's dead. Amy died for a stupid reason of a home remedy? How can this happen?" Then he looked back to Johnny, "Because of what happened to them we were drug into that mess. Johnny might loose his life over helping them!" Roy was mad now.
That's were Hank stepped in, "Roy, the couple were also victims. They didn't know. They could rationalize enough to call for help but beyond that they were helpless. I talked to Mr. Kilgore. He's been off the neighbors 'help' long enough now. Roy's he's just now understanding that his wife is dead."
Roy sat down. Will this nightmare ever end? But he knew that he couldn't blame them. Amy paid the ultimate price and now her husband had to live the rest of his life trying to understand what happened. He put his head in his hands. Hank simply put his hand on Roy's shoulder for support as the other's left. He knew it would be hard on Roy and he didn't want him to be alone. Hank looked up to see Joanne peeking in the door. He waved her in and left them alone. Only she could help Roy get through this now.
Four days into the mind numbing nightmare and Roy remained at Johnny's bedside when Joe Early came in for morning rounds. "Doc," Roy said tiredly. Joe looked at him and knew how exhausted he was. He had been at Johnny's bedside non-stop since day one. Everyone had been checking on him and Johnny. Joanne was bringing him changes in clothing and some food, trying to get him to eat along the way. The A-shift was here daily also making sure Roy had everything he needed, including support.
"We're gonna let him wake up today Roy."
"Ok doc," Roy was ready. Ready to know what was going on with Johnny under all those drugs.
Later that evening the 51 crew came by for their visit.
"Any news Roy?" Hank asked.
"He's off all the medications now and breathing on his own but he still won't respond."
Hank could see that Roy was on the verge of loosing hope for his friend.
"Give him time Roy. You know Johnny. He's gonna do everything his own way," Chet tried to encourage him.
Roy shook his head, "That's true. We'll see I guess."
They were all saddened by the despair in Roy's voice.
Roy was again alone with Johnny and talking to him. It had been four days off the sedation and Johnny remained in a deep coma. When no one was in the room Roy talked in an endless monologue to Johnny. Johnny would just love this wouldn't he, me doing all the talking and he can't get a word in edgewise. That made him smile.
Roy proceeded to tell Johnny about the next vacation that he and Joanne were planning making sure Johnny knew it would not be at a ranch. He included all the reason why. He stopped talking, someone's coming. He waited but no one came through the door. He started back talking about his vacation. Rambling on about the many places that once again had been presented to him to pick from.
"Roy"…………….it was barely a whisper but this time he heard it. He jumped out of his chair, the fastest he had moved in over a week.
"Johnny?"
His eyes were closed and he seemed quiet. Maybe Roy imagined it? He sat back down again and continued to talk about why Cap thought they should go to France. Although he wanted to see France one day he wasn't sure the kids were really old enough to appreciate the history and ………..
"Roy."
This time he KNEW he heard Johnny. "Johnny, open your eyes." There was no response. Roy took his hand and squeezed it hard. "I said OPEN YOUR EYES."
Johnny's eyes fluttered a bit then opened slowly to find his partners mouth open in surprise.
His voice was low, hoarse from the endotrachael tube……"Can……..you." He stopped to get his breath.
"Yea Johnny, what do you want?" Roy leaned closer to hear him better.
"Can... you... shut up? Giving me… headache…. endless talking."
