Nick is settling in to a private room on a regular ward. It has been four days since his last surgery. The tube came out as promised with no complications. He stayed in ICU until his kidney resumed normal function. It was an emotional farewell, but one that everyone at ICU were very happy about. Nick persuaded his dad to stay away until the afternoon. He couldn't help but see how exhausted he was looking. He argued that he would be busy packing and moving which would then tire him out and he wouldn't be up for visitors until he had a sleep. He knew his dad would be stubborn about it but he had a back up plan and Burton couldn't resist him and Kate's persuasion. It frustrated him that such a simple act where he really hadn't done much but lay there and answer questions could wipe him out but here he was barely able to keep his eyes open. The nurse finished her welcome routine and he was left alone to sleep.
The lunch tray woke him up. He has been on what the hospital considers food now for two days. It's all soft and tasteless but it helps him feel closer to the outside world to be doing something 'normal'. What he can't wait for is the day he can get up and use the bathroom, then he really will feel human again. The doctor said that in a couple of days he may be strong enough to attempt getting out of bed and using crutches. As he finishes his lunch there is a knock on the door and a man enters carrying a bouquet of flowers.
"Nicholas Fallin?"
Nick nods.
"Where shall I put them?"
Nick looks around and figures that the window sill would be the best place. The man obliges and goes back out the door but quickly returns with another one. Following behind him is his Dad, Burton gives him a big smile and Nick is relieved to see him looking more relaxed.
"These make the place look cheery. Who are they from."
"I don't know they have just arrived. Are there any cards?"
Burton moves to the window and retrieves the cards and hands them to Nick.
"This one is from LSP ' Missing you boss' and the other one is from the courts 'Life is too easy around here without you Fallin'."
"That is nice of them."
"Yes"
"How are you feeling"
"I'm doing alright. They brought me down here around 9:30 then I had to answer a few questions and have all the usual stuff done and I was left to sleep until lunch arrived. How about you did you get some extra sleep. You look better."
"I did and stop worrying about me, use your energy to get yourself out of here."
"Amen to that."
"I have brought you a magazine and a couple of papers to read, Thought you might like to catch up with what is going on in the world."
Laura breezes in.
"Hi, you must be his Dad."
"Yes, call me Burton."
"My name is Laura and I am the lucky girl who gets to be Nick's nurse. I'm here to do the checks and then give you your medications Nick."
"Sure"
Laura finishes writing everything down.
"Everything looks excellent. Just don't over do things, it's easy to do with the longer visiting time. If you feel tired, sleep, don't try and stay awake for people. Okay."
"Don't worry about that nurse I will shoo everyone away when I see he's tired."
"Good. Doctor Moore will come by in a couple of hours.
Nick and Burton settle down and read the newspapers.
"Good afternoon Nick."
Doctor Moore has entered the room and spies the flowers
"These are lovely. Now lets have a look at how you are doing. Your bruising is fading nicely. Is it still giving you pain?"
Nick shakes his head.
"The incisions are doing well and the stitches will just dissolve, you don't have to worry about them."
She listens to his lungs
"There is still some rattling in there and with your ribs I think that breathing is going to be a problem still for a few days. I am going to keep you on oxygen and the antibiotics until they are clear. You need to let us know immediately if you have any difficulty breathing, even if it is just a slight change. I am ordering an x ray of your leg to check that everything is still well there. Any questions?"
"Just one, when will I get out of here?"
"It will be a few days yet. Your lungs need to be clear and when you are able to hobble over to the lifts without it tiring yourself out, then I will know you are strong enough. I know you want to get out of here but I want to make sure you are not straight back in."
That doesn't sound good to Nick, he is afraid that it could be days before he can meet those requirements.
"There is one other thing. The fire department are wanting to talk to you about what happened that day. Can I tell them they can see you?"
Burton interjects
"Is that wise doctor."
"They assured me it wouldn't take long but I will only let them if Nick feels he can handle it."
"My memories are not very clear for that day so I don't know how much help I will be."
"You never know talking to them might jog your memory."
"Okay, that would be good."
"I will tell them they can come tomorrow. Great to see you on a ward and lets get you home."
"Thanks Doctor."
Burton follows the doctor out
"I'm not sure about Nick talking about what happened, he might find it very upsetting."
"I'm sure with you there he will be fine."
