Cal was running, he wasn't sure why. RESUS was only a short walk from the staff room but he was scared he wouldn't see his brother again. He burst through the doors of RESUS just as the surgeons where about to leave.
"Two minutes! please he's my brother," Cal said. He just needed to talk to Ethan. The surgeons nodded and took a step back. Ethan was nearly conscious.
"You're going to be ok and what ever happens we'll deal with it together ok?" Cal said knowing Ethan wouldn't be able to reply. Cal gently sweeper Ethan dirty blond curls out of his eyes. He then took a hesitatingly slow step back and gently nodded to the surgeons.
With that the surgeons, porters and nurses continued their way to theatre. And left Cal standing looking at the doors his brother just went through, on a trolley.
It took him a few seconds to realise that his legs were actually moving. He could make this route with his eyes closed. From RESUS to the staff room. It was the route he took when he lost a patient and needed to be alone. Through the first double doors, past the nursing station, next set of double doors, a right and he was there.
Robyn was still sitting, probably waiting on him. But he was glad of the company.
Absent mindedly he walked forward and took at seat next to Robyn, who placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. She than reached forward and grabbed a tea that, she had made for Cal, was sat on the coffee table handed it gently to Cal.
"Cal, I know it must be hard and I can't even begin to imagine what's going through your head but you need to be strong for Ethan," Robyn said, trying her best to put on a brave face.
"It's going to be years before he can walk again, years of physiotherapy. He going to be in so much pain," Cal said once again on the verge of tears.
"And your going to help him," Robyn replied in the most convincing tone she could muster under the circumstances.
'What if he is permanently paralysed? how is he going to work? why if he does? what if he can't walk again?' All those thoughts swirled round in his head.
"Once Charlie gave me some great advice. No what-ifs, the what-ifs 'll kill ya," Robyn said.
"Thank you, now all we have to do is wait," Cal stated taking a sip of his tea.