Stanford looked apologetic again, keeping his gaze on the hall. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything to you earlier—"
"Nope—we're done apologizin'. Besides, you were worried about you're little—I mean, Fids. "Stan turned his gaze toward the hall as well. "He's one brave little guy."
Stan's brother chuckled. "Well, he's very loyal. In the week I've known him, he's become such a good friend." Stanford looked sad. "There's a big heart in that little body. "
"Has he got family nearby? " Stanley asked, wondering if they should call someone.
"Well, he told me he hasn't got any siblings. He's never mentioned his parents. "
Just then a doctor came up the hall and stopped at the admissions desk. "Nurse," the twins heard him say, "Is there anyone here in connection with the young man with the stab wound that was brought in? "
Both Stanford and Stanley perked up. "That's us!" they chimed in unison.
The doctor turned to them. "And you are—?"
Stanford stepped forward. "I'm his roommate, Stanford Pines. This is my brother Stanley. "
"We were both there when the kid got stabbed." Stanley added.
The doctor's eyebrows raised a bit at Stanley's statement, but he looked down at his chart. "I'm Doctor Graton, I first examined your friend when he came in. Does-Mr. McGucket have any family close by? "
"No, sir, not to my knowledge. "Stanford answered. Stan shook his head.
"I see. Are either of you eighteen?"
"We both are. Twins." Stan answered matter of factly, pointing to himself and Stanford a few times.
"Very well, if you'll come with me. "
"How—how did you get my friend's name?" Stanford asked. "Is he awake? "
"We go it off of his driver's license when we removed his wallet from his pocket. "Doctor Graton explained matter-of-factly.
Stan noted the look of deep concern that appeared on Stanford's face.
The two followed the doctor down the hall, then into an elevator. They were a bit surprised when the doctor brought them to an office-like room.
"When can we see our friend? " Stanford asked.
The doctor gestured to two chairs on the opposite side of him. "He's in surgery right now, but if you'll—"
"Surgery!?" both Stan and Ford fairly shouted.
The doctor gestured toward the chairs again. "Please sit down and I'll explain. "
The Pines twins did so, looking at each other.
"Now, the dagger needed to be removed and any bleeding stopped. "Dr. Graton told them. There was a bit of muscle damage, and the dagger went in far enough that it nicked one of your friend's lungs. "
Stanford drew a sharp breath and covered his mouth with his hand. Stanley asked, "Is he gonna be okay? "
The doctor blinked slowly and grinned. "The last I heard, the surgery was going well. "
Stanford exhaled and his shoulders slumped. Stanley put a hand on his brother's arm.
"Now, because Mr. McGucket is a minor, I'm going to need one of you sign the forms when he's released, as we can't seem to locate any of his family. "
"I'll gladly be responsible for anything you need. "Stanford said. Stanley didn't know if they would need anything from him, but he chimed in, "Me, too. "
"Very good. "
The doctor leaned over, and the twins heard the "ssszzzzt" of a drawer opening, then paper rustling. The doctor shut the drawer and slid a piece of paper, then a pen across the desk to Stanford. "This form gives you permission to take Mr. McGucket from the hospital when he's released, and says that you understand you take full responsibility for him while he's here. "
Stanford scanned the document, Stanley watching his brother's eyes. He nodded when he was through, and signed the line at the bottom.
Stanley reached over and slid the paper toward himself.
"Stanley, what—"
Stanley signed his own name in the space next to Stanford's. "That guy saved your life. The least I can do is help pay his bills 're whatever he needs. I don't have a job now, but I'll get one. I'm not going to let this be all on you. "
Stanley's twin smiled. Dad would be proud of you, Stanley.
