Chapter 14
Danny was finally leaving the hospital. The bolt had long been removed although his head was still bandaged. He still needed the use of a wheelchair but his broken legs were well on their way to being healed. During the past few weeks he had been making more improvements. He still had no memory of the fall and Dr. Sloane doubted if he ever would. But his speech was nearly back to normal although sometimes he would have to stop to think about what he wanted to say. The main drawback was the lack of improvement in his left hand despite the therapy he was receiving for it. He still couldn't close it properly nor grasp anything in it. But Danny seemed to mind it less than he had before.
The detective told Steve to stay back as he climbed into the wheelchair. Steve and Catherine had shown up to pick him up. He would be coming to stay with Steve for as long as he needed. Despite his complaining and attempt to object, Danny was actually glad he wouldn't be alone. He had known he probably wouldn't be.
Steve had kept his promise about being an ass over the past few weeks. At times Danny seemed to lose his temper for no reason. He would suddenly try to hit Steve or throw things at him. Dr. Sloane warned Steve that this could be more than just Danny being frustrated. If the personality swings didn't stop, Danny could be put on medications to help control it. But through all of it, Steve had been more patient and helpful than Danny had thought.
Danny managed to pull himself into the chair and watched as his friends packed up his remaining things, changes of clothes as well as all the cards, flowers and balloons well-wishers had sent. The detective had truly been touched by the sheer amount. Duke and the HPD had sent a basket, even Rachel and Stan had sent a card and flowers. The models who had befriended Grace had sent baskets for both himself and one to Grace. They promised the next time they had a show on the island both would have complete access behind stage and had even sent him an autographed calendar for the next year. His parents had been unable to get out to the islands, mainly due to bad weather and his father's own failing health but they had sent cards and phoned every day.
Danny's favorite gift was the birthday card Grace had made for him while he was still in the coma. He had kept that one beside his bed the entire time he'd been here. He almost couldn't believe he was leaving. At times he didn't think this would ever come.
"Ready to go?" Steve came back in after taking the last of Danny's things out to his truck.
"The faster the..the better," Danny said as Catherine got behind the chair and began to push him toward the door. The release papers had already been signed and Dr. Sloane had given him instructions for them all to follow to help continue with Danny's care at home.
"I'm glad to see this view of you, Detective," Dr. Sloane said as the small group moved past him. "I don't want to see you back here again."
"You smell like rotten fish, too, doc," Danny replied.
(Okay, one or two more chapters and I'll be wrapping this up. As you can see, Danny is doing much better. Hope you've all enjoyed the ride along. It's been great!)
Just a note, the line about the rotten fish was what my Grandpop would say whenever we had a long visit and he wanted his television back. He would say "I smell fish, Ginny. The fish has gone bad." Time for hugs and to go home. :-)