Chapter 25

Paul was looking out of the window when Dr. Guillaume came into the room the next morning.

"Good news!" said the doctor happily.

Paul turned and smiled, after so long of hearing nothing but bad news, this was most welcome.

"Yes?" said Paul.

"You can go home. We have a care package ready. He's off oxygen and all his meds can be given either at home or by the nurses. He's all yours."

Paul was elated. "When?"

"Either later today or first thing tomorrow; it's really up to you."
Paul wanted to leave right now, but remained pragmatic. "Tomorrow would be better; we have a lot to prepare."

"Okay!" said the doctor, who kicked his heels as he left.

Paul sat down, and put his hand on Alon's forehead. "Did you hear that, Alon? We're going home!"

He went out to the videophone to call Pierre and Sandrine.

Paul left the hospital that afternoon to meet Pierre and Sandrine and prepare his home. Together they dismantled Paul's office, which was covered in dust, and moved it upstairs to the small spare room. The office downstairs would now be Alon's room. A special bed had been ordered, and it was delivered. Sandrine thought it look a little too much like the hospital and brought in some soft toys and pictures for the walls.

"He doesn't like that stuff, he's a genius, you know," said Paul.

"I know, but he's still a kid, Paul. And don't you think it looks a bit more comfortable?" said Sandrine.

"I'm sorry. Of course it does," said Paul, smiling.

Sandrine hugged Paul. "It's nice to see you smile. We'll finish up here. You get back."

Paul headed back to the hospital.

"Do you think they're going to be okay?" said Sandrine.

"I do. They have us helping them out. I think fatherhood suits him, don't you?" said Pierre.

Sandrine smiled and started making the bed.

Paul was soon back at Alon's bedside. Now the hospital did not seem like the prison it had been- soon they would be leaving. His steps had a little more spring in them. He went over to Alon.

"Hey, I'm back. Did you miss me?"

Alon smiled. Paul thought he was imagining things, but as he refocused he saw that Alon was making eye contact with him. Paul leaned over and hugged him.

"You're back! I knew you'd come back!" Alon smiled fixedly.

The doctor examined Alon and came back to Paul. Paul was very happy and could not understand the doctor's deadpan expression.

"Something wrong?" asked Paul.

"No. But I don't think this is the big miracle you were expecting. He is certainly a little more animated, but I don't think he knows what he is smiling at, or even looking at. I think you can be hopeful, Paul, but we're a long way from the finish line here, and we may never get there." The doctor was being straight, and Paul respected that. He nodded calmly.

"Can I still take him home tomorrow?"

The doctor smiled. "Absolutely. I think that will help a lot, both of you."

The doctor left. Paul got a meal from the cafeteria and later settled down to sleep for his last night in the hospital.

The ambulance drew up outside Paul's house and the crew brought Alon inside. Pierre, Sandrine, and some other colleagues were inside, hiding in the dining room. The crew put Alon in his new bed, and left. Paul had a big box of meds, leaflets and physio guides, and set the down on top of a chest of drawers. The two nurses would be around at lunch time to introduce themselves and talk about the car package.

The hiding friends ran into the room with balloons and streamers.

"Surprise!" they yelled.

Paul nearly had a heart attack, but he was happy to be welcomed home. He was very tired; not the sort of tiredness you get from a bad night's sleep, but the sort of tired you get from weeks of stress, panic, and not taking care of yourself. He needed the lift.

Cake was eaten, gifts were given, and Paul and Alon were left alone.

The nurses came and arranged the timetable, and explained what they would be doing with Alon. Paul had decided not to return to work yet, so they arranged a simple day and night rota. Paul had not met either of them before but they seem dedicated and professional, and he was pleased. He would have to return to the hospital for a review after six weeks, but for now, Paul and Alon were alone for the first time. Paul found it quite strange.

Paul went over to Alon's bed, and sat down next to it. He had things to do, but was so used to passing his time like this he could not really think through what to do first or how to do it in his head. So for about 5 minutes he just sat there. Then he started thinking about moving a TV and maybe a videophone into the room. Then he fell asleep.

When he woke, Alon was looking at him, with his head turned to one side. Paul looked amazed. Alon had been previously unable to do this.

Alon smiled at Paul. "Oui, Je parle Francais," he said.