Fighting to Breathe Ch. 21
Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural or anything recognizable in this story, including the motion picture Bambi…Disney Productions owns the right to that.
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Previously: As Sam heard the whispered words "S'alright kiddo", he knew they had been meant for more than just Bambi, that Dean was a remembering a time back to when they were young. Anytime a storm would rage outside, he would climb out of his own bed and go over to Dean's where his big brother would always lift the blanket and allow him to snuggle in close before covering him up. Still to this day, he felt protected just knowing that Dean was nearby when it began to storm.
As he continued to watch the movie, Dean was awed by the scenes that were playing out before him. He couldn't believe how much the movie reminded him of his and Sam's childhood. Watching as the animals frolicked in winter, he remembered a time when he and Sammy had been playing in the snow and their dad had actually came out to join them, but Bambi mentioning that he was cold and hungry also brought back memories of the old drafty houses his dad would rent at times during the winter when they had little money to spare. He and Sammy would have to huddle under blankets together to try and stay warm as their dad tried to whip up a dinner with what little food they had.
As Bambi's dad, the Great Prince of the Forest made his appearance on the small screen, Dean couldn't help but compare the stag to his own dad. The deer commanded attention just by making his presence known. The other animals bowed to his authority, just like he had seen people do with his dad. Chewing on his bottom lip, he felt the pang of his father's loss once again, but quickly relegated those thoughts to the back of his head since he didn't want Sammy to see him upset.
That point however became moot as Dean watched Bambi's mother fall to a hunter's gun in the lush green meadow as she encouraged the fawn to run faster once man had invaded the forest. He couldn't help but shed a tear as Bambi cried out for his mother upon reaching the thicket thinking they had both made it there safely. As Bambi called out for his mother again and again. Dean could remember doing the same just before finding out his mother had died in the fire that had consumed Sammy's nursery. He had been so traumatized by the incident that he had quit talking, only responding to baby Sammy's needs.
Sam instantly knew what was going through Dean's mind as he saw the silent tears trailing down Dean's face. He couldn't remember the day that their mom had perished in the fire since he was only six months old, but he knew the memory still haunted Dean. Sure his older brother had only been four, but he still had the memories of that terrible night so long ago. Reaching out to grasp Dean's hand, he gave it a light squeeze if only to provide a small bit of comfort. There would be no teasing words from him over this one.
Smiling at Sam to let him know he was okay, Dean swiped the tears from his cheeks and took a deep breath. Glancing over towards Bobby, he could see sympathy in the hunter's eyes and was grateful that Bobby had chosen to remain silent about his moment of weakness and allowing his feelings to show. In doing so, the gruff older hunter had spoken volumes without even saying a word about his love for the boys.
As the movie finally came to a conclusion with the big fire and the rebirth of the forest, Dean sighed as he watched Bambi becoming a father. He had secretly wished many times that Sam had been able to experience the life of normalcy that he had so desperately craved growing up, that he would marry the girl of his dreams and have two children and a house with a white picket fence. But he knew that could never be as long as demons roamed the earth. Watching as Bambi took over the reigns of Great Prince of the Forest and stood watch over his new family, Dean knew that he too would keep watch over Sam until his dying day.
"Well, I hate to admit it, but I actually enjoyed the movie." Dean said as the closing credits began to roll. "Even though it had so many of those girly scenes that Sammy is so fond of."
"Shuddup Dean." Sam voiced with a big yawn as he punched at his brother's shoulder. He should have known Dean would have something snarky to say to hide how much he had liked the movie himself.
"Okay Sam, time for you to get some rest." Dean informed Sam as he reached a hand out to pull him up upon seeing just how tired his baby brother was.
"Dean, I'm fine." Sam replied, rolling his eyes at being treated like a baby once again.
"Sure you are kiddo." Dean retorted as he pulled Sam to his feet. There was no way he was going to allow Sam to push himself when he had had surgery just a few short hours ago, even if it was just an outpatient surgery.
"You're bossy, you know that." Sam whispered as he allowed Dean to lead him to the stairs. He really could use some sleep.
"S'right kiddo." Dean uttered with a smile as he felt Sam leaning into him as they made their way up the stairs. After walking down the small hall, Dean pushed open the door to the room they always shared while staying at Bobby's and guided Sam over to the bed furthest from the door. Throwing back the blankets, he helped Sam to sit down and then kneeled to pull of his baby brothers shoes. Watching the way Sam teetered on the bed, he guided Sam to a laying down position, marveling at the way his brother was asleep before his head ever hit the bed. Knowing that Sam wouldn't sleep comfortably with the way he was dressed, Dean unsnapped his jeans and pulled them from his legs before gently covering him up.
Walking over to the door, Dean gazed at his brother for just a moment and then turned off the light. Leaving the door slightly ajar in case Sammy needed him, he returned downstairs to see if Bobby needed any help.
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As the time approached for his first dialysis procedure to take place, Sam, Dean, and Bobby met with the doctors and nurses of the facility to start the preliminary assessment. The doctors needed to do a physical assessment which would help them determine the parameters that needed to be set for Sam's dialysis. After signing a consent form for the dialysis to take place, Dr. Michelle Richards started the assessment by weighing Sam and then taking his blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate. She then followed that up by doing a general checkup on Sam's fluid status and overall health before asking pertinent questions about whether or not Sam had any pain, bleeding, or bruising. She also inquired about Sam's sleep habits and whether or not he was experiencing regular bowel movements causing the youngest Winchester to blush.
After the preliminary assessment was finished, Dr. Richards then took Sam and his family on a tour of the facility so that her patient would be more comfortable once he started the dialysis process. She knew that most patients had a fear of the procedure because they didn't know what to expect. Walking the small family back to the room where the procedure would actually take place, she showed them the dialyzer and explained how it worked, even going so far as to show them how the alarm on the machine worked to prevent any major complications during treatment should something unexpected occur. Using a diagram poster that hung on the wall, she explained how the needles would be inserted to the Cimino fistula on Sam's arm and then explained how his blood would be drawn through the fistula into the dialyzer where it would be "cleaned" of waste products before being pumped back into his body.
Once she had completed the tour and they had all returned to the doctor's office, Dean asked, "So when will Sammy start his treatment and will there be side effects that we need to know about?"
"I have set Sam's first treatment for tomorrow morning at nine o'clock." Dr. Richards answered knowing they needed to get the first treatment started as soon as possible. Each day they waited put Sam in more danger of going into total organ failure where he would require a kidney transplant and they wanted to avoid that at all costs.
"As for the side effects, they can differ from person to person. Our main concern will be during this initial treatment. We'll have to watch Sam for hypotension as well as nausea and shortness of breath. There is also an increased chance of Sam suffering from an arrhythmia, but I can promise you that he will be monitored very closely for any signs of heart trouble. We'll have medications on standby to handle any complications that could arise during treatment. Are they any other questions?"
"Can I go in with Sammy when he has his treatment?" Dean asked nervously as he chewed on his bottom lip. He didn't want Sam to be alone during his initial treatment knowing that Sam would most likely be terrified.
"Yes you can, but you'll have to wear some sterile gear to keep the room as sanitary as possible for your brother."
"I can handle that." Dean stated immediately. He would do anything as long as it meant he could be by Sammy's side when the dialysis occurred.
"I've got a question for ya doc." Bobby voiced as he scratched a hand through his rough beard. "How long will the treatment take?"
"Well, because of Sam's height and weight, it will most likely take three to four hours to complete the dialysis and he'll need to have it done at least three times a week." Michelle answered sympathetically knowing that most patients hated the amount of time required to do the procedure.
"Guess we better find you some books then to keep you occupied during the treatments Tiger." Bobby said as he reached over and clasped a hand upon Sam's knee. He didn't want Sam to suffer long boring hours with nothing to do but worry about what was happening to him.
"Yeah, that'll be good I guess." Sam responded with a tight smile. He'd be grateful for anything to keep his mind off what would be happening to him in the morning.
"So then, I guess we'll be seeing you tomorrow then." Dean stated as he rose to his feet and reached out to shake the doctor's hand.
"Yes, I'll see you then, and Sam, please remember to limit your fluid intake as much as possible tonight. It will make the process run more smoothly for you tomorrow." The doctor stated.
"Don't worry doc, I'll make sure he does." Bobby informed her before trailing his boys out the door. He would do whatever was necessary to make sure Sam came through the treatment as easily and comfortable as possible.
TBC Not my best chapter, but I hope you enjoyed it anyway.