Four Days Later

Aurora, Colorado

The sight of 'John' sitting at the window in a plastic chair in nothing but a hospital gown nearly broke Andy's heart as he entered the hospital room. John's hospital bed had been freshly made and there was a fresh vase of hospital flowers on the bedside table, but other than that, the room was cheerless.

"Doctor Brown?" John's tired voice asked as he turned his head slightly. "How are you doing today?"

Andy sighed and looked at the bags of clothes and toiletries that sat in the corner, "I should be asking you the same thing, John," he replied as he walked over to the wheelchair. "I heard that you had some surgery; shouldn't you be in bed resting? You've got to be in some serious pain with your injuries…"

"I'm on drugs for the pain," 'John' replied softly as he held up his right hand, revealing an IV line.

Andy nodded and his gaze traveled to the sling that 'John's' left arm was resting in, "The doctors say that you can leave the hospital anytime as long as you have someone to take care of you," he explained, suddenly noticing the look of distress and pain in 'John's' eyes. "What's wrong? Are you in pain?"

Before 'John' could reply, an orderly came into the room pushing a wheelchair that had a sheaf of papers in it, "Here's that wheelchair you requested, Doctor Brown," he said in a calm voice.

"Am I being kicked out?" 'John' asked tiredly. "Hospitals usually don't like keeping charity cases."

Andy shook his head, "No, I'm checking you out," he replied gently. "I'm going to help you get dressed and then you're coming back to Everwood with me; I talked with my wife and kids and you're going to stay with us for a while. My wife, Nina, has made up the den for you so you can get some rest…"

"Why would you do that for me?" 'John' asked softly. "I'm a stranger and I don't know you…"

Andy sighed, but remained silent as he walked over to the bag of clothes, "No, you don't, but you look as though you could use a friend," he replied softly. "Now, sit tight, and I'll help you in just a minute."

The sun was warm, but felt rather intrusive to Bright as he sat in the open back passenger seat of his father's car waiting for his father to get done at the clinic. People passed by the car and gave him curious, almost pitying stares, but said nothing. He knew that he was officially Everwood's freak.

After a couple days of rest in the hospital, Bright had been released and had spent the last couple of days resting at home, talking with his parents about how he just wanted to like himself and life again after hating everything for so long. His mother had arranged several counseling appointments with Dr. Mitchell for the following days, but his father hadn't really had much to say about the whole thing; he hadn't wanted to deal with it after all.

Despite the strained peace between him and his parents, Bright still had bad dreams involving his failed attempt, Colin, and every bad memory of his life. He had told his grandmother about them and she had wanted him to open up to his parents, but Bright wasn't ready to open up to them quite yet.

Now, after resting and eating proper meals for the last four days, Bright had finally succumbed to his father's pleadings to stop hiding in the house. However, trying to move on wasn't that easy…"

"Penny for your thoughts?" Ephram's voice suddenly filtered into his ear. "What's up, Bright?"

Bright sighed and looked up from the pavement at Ephram, "Did my dad tell you to come be my friend because I'm made of glass?" he asked in a tired voice. "I'd get mad about that, but I can't feel it."

"Amy mentioned yesterday that you were thinking of getting out of the house today," Ephram replied softly, remembering his and Amy's conversation the other day. "I just thought I'd come say hi."

Shrugging, Bright climbed out of the car, "It wasn't my choice to come downtown," he replied in a toneless voice as he stared up at the clinic sign. "My dad insisted that I come out into the world."

There was silence as more people walked by the clinic, gazed at Bright, and began whispering to each other as they walked on, "I'm going to the grocery store to get some juice," Bright said in a toneless voice as he straightened up. "If my dad comes out and asks where I am, tell him I'm fine, okay?"

"Do you want some company?" Ephram asked, noticing the sadness in Bright's eyes. "I could…"

Bright shook his head and walked off down the street. For a moment, Ephram stood alone and then letting out a sigh, he went inside the clinic to wait for Dr. Abbott and talk to him about Bright.

"I bet it feels good to finally be out of the hospital," Harold commented as he placed the stethoscope on Jake's back where the gown was open. "You do realize that the effects will go away in time. Breathe…"

Jake took a deep breath, "I feel a little self-conscious coming out to Everwood for an appointment, but Bethany said that she had an interview at ECC and could drive me after visiting her grandparents and I last night," he said in a nervous voice as he felt the stethoscope move around his back. "I can't drive right now because of the muscle pain and it's…"

"You raised a good daughter," Harold said in a gentle voice as he moved the stethoscope away

Jake shrugged, "I did what I could, but I was busy with my career," he replied tiredly. "My wife…"

Suddenly, Jake went very quiet, "Sorry, I don't like talking about her," he replied softly. "Anyway…"

"Your father sent me your latest bloodwork and your viral load is going down slowly," Harold explained as he picked up Jake's chart and skimmed it. "However, you've developed some anemia…"

Jake nodded, "That's probably why I've been feeling so tired," he replied softly. "I'm staying with my parents in Denver and while Bethany was visiting us yesterday, I ended up falling asleep on the couch."

"I'll prescribe some iron tablets," Harold replied worriedly. "Are you taking the cocktail properly?"

Nodding, Jake winced and stretched his hands out, "Back and limb spasms," he said in an apologetic voice. "I've become sort of nocturnal because of muscle pain; I stay awake a lot during the night…"

"Have you tried acupuncture?" Harold asked worriedly. "Your viral load will become unstable if…"

Jake sighed, "I know I need more rest," he replied tiredly. "Maybe when Bethany starts school here in the fall and can get into a routine and if my son ever decides to quit grieving and show his face…"

"Well, I'll write out that prescription," Harold said, seeing that Jake was in no mood to talk anymore.

Nodding, Jake removed the gown and picked up his sweatshirt, "Thanks for helping me out, Doctor Abbott," he replied as he put the sweatshirt back on. "Not everyone would be so kind…"

"I understand," Harold said, thinking of Jake's past in Everwood as he tore off a prescription paper.

Jake smiled sadly as Harold handed him the prescription paper, "I can also refer you to some acupuncturists if you would like some relief," Harold continued softly. "For your aches and pains…"

"I'll think about it," Jake replied tiredly. "My parents have a cabin out here and I'm thinking of staying in Everwood a couple of days so I can help Bethany get ready for college while I'm feeling okay enough."

Harold nodded and watched as Jake slipped on a tuque and sunglasses, "This way, nobody will recognize me and ask if I'm going to open another practice out here," Jake explained. "I just can't do it anymore…"

Nodding, Harold opened the door, "If you start to feel off, call me," he replied, frowning as he suddenly saw Louise standing there looking rather nervous. Jake left hurriedly so not to be recognized by anyone.

"Ephram Brown was just in and said that Bright went to the market for a juice," Louise stated softly.

Frowning, Harold nodded and waited for only a brief second before he left the clinic in a hurry.

Silence filled the market and several grocers were watching Bright rather nervously as he silently ventured up and down the aisles, occasionally pausing for a moment to glance at whatever was on the shelf before moving on. He knew people were staring at him worriedly, but he wasn't able to care.

Even though it had appeared as if he were eating regular meals and getting a good night's rest, Bright had been eating just enough to get people to leave him alone and he had laid awake in his bed at night, not making any sounds so that his parents would think he was asleep. Truth be told, he still felt bad.

Bright was so deep in thought that he didn't notice that he had walked out of the store, nearly barreling into Ephram in the process, and was now walking very fast down the rest of Main Street. He could hear voices calling after him, but it was as if he couldn't get away from everything fast enough to be alone.

"Oh, for goodness sakes," Harold commented as he watched his son turn the corner. "What now?"

Shaking his head, Harold sighed; Bright most likely wanted to exercise and would be home later. There was no reason to worry about Bright any longer because he was fine, Harold mused; all was well again.

Now that Bright seemed well in hand, Harold thought, he could move his focus back to building up the practice that he and Dr. Brown shared and also on helping Jake with his new and very scary diagnosis.

Jake sighed and self-consciously glanced around as he approached the drug counter that was in the back of the small Everwood pharmacy with the prescription for iron pills in hand. He hadn't removed the hat or sunglasses despite being indoors and he had no intention of removing them until he was at the cabin.

"Excuse me, I'm here to fill a prescription," Jake said in a quiet voice to the pharmacist. "Quickly."

The pharmacist gave him a look, but took the prescription, "Right away," he replied nervously.

Nodding, Jake turned away to wait and his heart dropped as Nina, Delia, and Sam came into the pharmacy, "...We've just got to get some of the prescriptions that the Aurora hospital faxed, some vitamins, and then we'll go home," he heard Nina say in a cheerful voice. "Then, I'll have a nap…"

"How long until the baby arrives, Mommy?" Sam asked as Jake turned around. "I'm excited for it."

Jake swallowed hard and turned back to the pharmacy counter, "Here's your prescription," the pharmacist said in a cheerful voice. "Do you think you'll be opening another practice here?"

"Um, no," Jake replied nervously, suddenly hearing a shocked gasp behind him. "I'm not…"

There were footsteps, "What are you doing back in Everwood, Jake?" Nina's voice asked worriedly.

Cringing, Jake turned and saw that Nina was standing there with Delia and Sam, "Sam, Delia, why don't you two go and get a little bit of candy?" Nina asked softly. "I need to speak with Doctor Hartman."

Delia nodded and dragged Sam off, "I see you have prescription drugs," Nina said in a confrontational voice as she glared at him. "Are the sunglasses and hat because you don't want anyone to see you?"

"They're iron tablets," Jake replied softly as he opened the bag and pulled out the bottle. "See?"

Nina scoffed, "Why are you back, Jake?" she asked softly. "I got married again not long after you left and I'm happier now than I have been in a long time; Andy and I have two children, soon to be three…"

"I don't want to get into it," Jake replied softly, suddenly beginning to feel tired. "Goodbye, Nina…"

Nina's eyes blazed and she promptly slapped Jake, "You can't ever have me back," she snapped. "You decided to go back to L.A. and I moved on; you can go back to the city and stay there until you die…"

As Nina moved off to find Sam and Delia, Jake sighed, "I already have one death sentence, Nina," Jake said in a tired voice as he removed his sunglasses and hat. "Don't slap another one on me, please."

"What are you talking about?" Nina asked worriedly. "Do you have cancer or something, Jake?"

Jake suddenly looked terrified, but before he could reply, he suddenly frowned, touched his nose, and saw blood on his fingers, "Oh, I have to go," he said anxiously. "If you'll please excuse me, Nina."

Frowning, Nina was silent as Jake rushed outside and then she went looking for Sam and Delia.

Bethany sighed happily as she pulled her grandfather's car into an empty space in front of the Brown/Abbott Family Clinic; the interview had gone well and she would start at ECC in the fall.

She had called her grandparents before leaving the college and they were coming so that they could all have a celebratory, albeit early dinner at the restaurant just outside of Everwood. All she had to do now was find her dad so that they could talk about ECC during the drive out to the restaurant.

As she got out of the car, however, Bethany was horrified to see her father walking very quickly down the street with a bloodstained hand covering his nose, "Dad?" she asked in a concerned voice.

"I'll be just a few minutes, Bethany," Jake replied anxiously as he approached her. "I was in the drugstore and my nose suddenly started bleeding; the air is just so dry here and it's so much…"

Bethany nodded, "Do you want some ice from the cooler that's in Grandpa's trunk?" she asked softly as she hurried around to the back of the car and opened the trunk. "He put it in the car last night."

"Yeah, but I'll get it," Jake replied softly as he opened the cooler and pulled out an icepack.

Bethany silently watched as her father pressed the icepack against the side of his nose, "I got blood on my hands and my shirt," Jake said in a distressed voice. "I'll have to change somewhere before…."

"Grandpa always keeps spare clothes out at the cabin," Bethany replied softly. "And, if you're not feeling well today, we can always do the dinner next week before school starts up again. I've got time…"

Jake sighed, "That might be a good idea," he replied apologetically. "I should rest out at the cabin."

"I'll drive you," Bethany said in a gentle voice. "Maybe you should take a nap during the drive."

As Jake got into the passenger seat of Bethany's car, he and Bethany were unaware that Harold was watching from the medical office doorway. Harold was moved by Bethany's compassion for her father.

The house was quiet as Andy opened the door and helped 'John' walk inside, "Wow," John said in an awed, but very tired voice as he gazed around the house. "This is a really, really nice house."

Andy smiled, but his smile immediately faded when he saw how tired John looked from walking from the car, up the front steps, and into the house, "How are you feeling, John?" he asked gently.

"Tired and a little sore," 'John' replied tiredly. "The painkiller I took at the hospital is wearing off."

Andy nodded and watched as John winced and gazed down at the oversized sweat pants, old t-shirt, and sandals that was covering his bandages and also that the sling his arm was resting in, "If you want, I can set you up on the den couch so you can rest a bit; the doctor said you're supposed to take it easy."

"Yeah, okay," John replied in a pained voice. "Doctor Brown, am I ever going to remember my name?"

Andy was silent for a moment and then sighed, "I'm honestly not sure, John," he replied somberly. "The last MRI they took showed that the portion of your brain in charge of memory is still recovering from the head injury you have. It could take a little or a great deal of time for your memory to return, if it does."

"I understand," John replied softly. "Do you think I could do something to be helpful to you and…?"

Andy shook his head and gestured to the den, "What you can do is rest," he replied softly. "Come on."

Nodding, 'John' followed Andy into the den and was shocked to see a bed all made up for a person to rest and a small table beside it that was filled with magazines, books, videos, and a mug of liquid.

"Now, just lie down and relax," Andy insisted as the door opened. "That must be Nina, Delia, and Sam."

Smiling reassuringly at John, Andy left the room. John walked over to the bed and slowly sat down. He could hear Dr. Brown and his wife talking about something, but he was too tired to care what it was.

The air was cold, but Bright didn't seem to care and he continued to lean against Colin's tombstone where he had come after spending hours walking around the woods. He had used his cell-phone to contact Dr. Mitchell for a brief chat about life and then he had turned it off to have time to think.

"…Colin, dude, I can't help wondering what would have happened if my attempt had actually worked," Bright said in a tired voice as he gazed up at the sky. "I don't mean to wish I was dead, but nothing's really working out for me anymore and I can't even tell anyone that cause they'll think I'm crazy."

Silence greeted Bright and he sighed, "Maybe I should do what Amy did when she was depressed," he spoke in a tired voice. "I hurt every day and nobody really notices; I just want to feel something…"

Bright swallowed hard and stood up, "Maybe I should just keep pretending I'm fine since my parents don't really care what happens to me," he said in a tired voice. "I should just register for some crap at ECC and try to get on with things as if none of this attempted suicide stuff ever happened to me…"

Suddenly, Bright was silent, "Wow," he said in an awed voice. "That's the first time since it happened that I actually admitted to myself that I tried to end my life. I also feel like that urge is still there, but…"

"Whatever," Bright said, stopping himself from going any further. "I'll just pretend everything is fine; it's no big deal."

As Bright left the cemetery, he was unaware that Bethany, who had left her father at her grandparents' cabin to be looked after by her grandparents and had elected to take a walk around Everwood, had overheard him and was silently processing. She had experienced similar suicidal feelings in the past, but had gotten help for them. It was obvious that Bright still needed help and either couldn't ask or was much too afraid to.

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