Memory lapse

Joey stared at the ceiling deep in thought. It hadn't been long since he had opened his eyes but knew something was wrong. He had been glad to see his mother, dad, Amber and his siblings but equally happy to have them ushered out by the doctor. What he couldn't understand was why Martina was there and Shifty wasn't.

"Mr Boswell." He snapped his eyes to the older man stepped nearer. "I'm Dr Saddiq. I've been responsible for your care while you've been with us in the ITU."

"How long?"

"Have you been here?" Joey nodded. "Three days."

"What!"

"You were , Are badly injured. You've been in a coma since you arrived." Joey frowned slightly, not really able to appreciate everything he was being told. "We kept you asleep to let the body heal and rest. We decided you'd become stable enough to wake."

"Right." Joey ran a hand over his face.

"Do you have any questions?"

"I." Joey nodded. "My family? They're ok?"

"All the better now you are on the road to recovery." The doctor smiled. Joey sighed heavily, regretting it as his lungs burned.

"When can I go?"

"When you are well enough. At the moment you have 2 chest drains, three intravenous drips, a catheter and up until 9 am you were on life support. So I wouldn't rush things. Ok?"

"Ok."

"Do you remember what happened?"

"Coffee. I'd bought coffee." Joey remembered the small cafe on the outskirts of the city. "Don't think I drank it though."

"Anything else?"

"Women talking. Im not sure what they said but they weren't happy. Why can't I remember clearly?"

"Give it a chance. I dare say that was your mum and one of your sisters. The older girl? What's her name?" The doctor knew he was pushing Joey but he wanted to assess what degree long term memory was affected. Joey stared at him. He knew he should know the answers but the names alluded him. "Take your time."

"Jack. I've a brother. Jack."

"That's right." The doctor was just happy his patient had remembered one person in context. He had a feeling the young man had a long way to go.

Xxxxxxxxx

Adrian walked back through the house keen to get away from prying neighbours and feed the dogs. Mongey sat on the sofa watching him.

"You ok? I've put your dinner out." He smiled as both dogs ran into the kitchen. He had no idea what to do next, finally letting the shock of the last few days hit him he curled into a ball and sobbed.

"What Er crying for?" He wiped his eyes before looking up to see Grandad watching him. "The police have been to me. Shifty gone."

"They arrested him?" Adrian asked as the old man shook his head before sitting down. "Grandad? Has he hurt you?"

"No son." Grandad smiled slightly. "He just broke my heart. And he's not been arrested yet. He buggered off before the police got him. I dunno. 89 I am. 89 years old and I get the police on my doorstep! I've never been so ashamed. This is worse than my boy running off with the mad Irish Woman."

"Lie low Lil?"

"That's her but I always said Nellie was too good for him. I said the same thing to Martina. She's too good for Shifty. Clever girl like that. Should have her sights set higher."

Adrian smiled. "She should Grandad. You're right."

"Aye, I know I am. Don't get to my age without knowing some things. You, Adrian Boswell. You need to step up now. You, Billy and Jack. Let Joey lean on you rather than the other way around."

"Yes Grandad." Adrian was serious once more.

"I lost one grandson tonight. Can't lose another." He tapped Adrian's leg. "There's a good lad. Go to chip shop for me and for God sake don't tell yer Mam!"

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