Author's Note: I would like to apologize for the very short chapter. Unfortunately, real life is about to intrude very significantly. I will be having surgery this week and will probably be out of commission for at least two weeks. I wanted to leave y'all something new (albeit short) before I take my leave. Many thanks for all the kind comments. It really makes my day to know folks enjoy my stories!

Chapter 25 - Holding On

The nurse on duty turned as Manfred entered the room. "There has been no significant change Doctor. He seems to be breathing just a bit easier."

Manfred nodded and quickly checked Newkirk's vitals. The Englishman lay with his upper body elevated within the oxygen tent, his breathing still strained and harsh.

"The sedation is slowly wearing off. I would expect his breathing should improve accordingly." He turned to face the nurse. "Keep a close eye on him. I will be back later to check his status."

"Ja Herr Doctor."

Manfred shook his head after he left the room. The sedation is finally beginning to wear off! Unfortunately he soon shall have to deal with the pain again. I must inform Papa Bear of his man's condition. Peter will need the help of his friends. He decided to pay a visit to Astrid and Katrin.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Colonel!" Kinch called from the bunk tunnel entrance. "Incoming message from Nightingale!"

Hogan jumped up from the table and followed Kinch down the ladder to the radio room.

"Papa Bear here Nightingale."

"Papa Bear please hold for a moment." Astrid spoke off mike to someone else.

"Papa Bear?" Manfred's voice came over the radio.

"Doctor Hoffman?" Hogan wasn't expecting to hear from Manfred and immediately thought the worst. "Has anything else happened with Peter?" He raised a hand to quiet Carter and LeBeau, who had come running into the room rather noisily.

"Nein. He is still having breathing difficulties, but this will slowly improve as the deep sedation wears off. That is why I am contacting you. As the sedation wears off, his breathing will improve but unfortunately the pain will return. Since I cannot deeply sedate him; I can only keep him at a level just below consciousness. I cannot use morphine to relieve the pain due to the head injury. I was hoping we could have kept him deeply sedated to begin the recovery period, but now he will have to deal with the pain during this time."

"Is there anything we can do?"

"Ja. Would Oberst Klink permit you and your men to help Peter through this initial recovery period?"

"Klink said he would take your recommendation under advisement when deciding whether or not to allow me to visit. I doubt he'd let my men accompany me."

"Peter needs the support of his friends right now. I will call Oberst Klink and make my recommendation. Oh and Papa Bear?"

"Yes doc?"

"I feel that Katrin would be a great help to Peter during this time."

Carter caught Hogan's eye and nodded emphatically. Hogan nodded in return. "Whatever you think is best doc. If Klink doesn't permit my men to accompany me, we'll get them there somehow."

"Danke Papa Bear. I am sorry Peter has to go through this."

"Not your fault doc. Thanks for taking such good care of him. We'll talk again. Papa Bear out."

Hogan handed the mike back to Kinch. He sighed and wrapped his arms around himself. Oh Peter, you don't do anything the easy way do you? He glanced at the anxious faces of his command crew. "Fellas let's see what Klink says. We'll go from there. One way or the other, we're going to be there for Peter."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

He felt like he was clawing his way up from the deepest, murkiest depths of the sea. There was darkness yet again, accompanied by an uncomfortable pressure in his head and relentless pain. He couldn't get enough air; every breath was a struggle. His mind, muddled by the pain as well as the intense effort to breathe, began to play tricks on him. He swore there was the figure of a petite woman standing by the bed. Was Katrin back? Mama? Are you here? He tried to speak, to reach out to her, again without success. He thought he made some kind of sound. The woman reached inside the oxygen tent and placed a cool, soothing hand on his forehead. Oh God, he knew that touch...he did! It wasn't mama, it was...Mum? What are you...how are you...you're...you've been gone for... He started to shake. This can't be happening! It simply can't! The hand gently caressed his forehead until he stilled somewhat. Oh Mum why did you leave us? Why? He briefly sensed an overwhelming feeling of love. The hand withdrew and he sensed longing shadowed by regret. No...don't leave again...please? Please mum? Please...no... He whimpered softly in pain, in loss, in despair.