TOM

It was now week two since Jane's double lung transplant.

Things were improving slowly.

Her blood pressure was stable and she was now off all oxygen, so she was moved from ICU to a regular room. This put Jane at ease and made her more comfortable to see the familiar faces on her usual floor. She was also able to have two chest tubes removed, one on each side, which decreased her pain level.

The biggest struggle right now was physical therapy. It was crucial that Jane keep her lungs moving and gain strength, but she was just so weak it wore her out doing the smallest of things. You would take her for short walks up and down the hall about twice a day, and then the physical therapist would come by each afternoon and work with her for about 30 minutes everyday.

Afterwards left her so exhausted and in such pain, it was difficult to watch. She was able to keep most foods down now, the decrease in pain medicine helped control her nausea. However, she did still have her bad days. Jane has lost around 10 pounds since transplant, requiring her to eat or be attatched to her feeds as often as possible.

She was just so worn, but it didn't stop her smile. She often would talk about how amazing it felt each time she took a breath, still amazed that she was no longer attatched to oxygen.

Jane was currently resting after today's physical therapy, after an hour of trying to get her pain under control, and you were sitting beside her waiting for her surprise visitors.

Ben and Sophie were bringing little Christopher and Jane's favorite pizza as a surprise. You figured she could use a good lift in spirits. Despite her smile, you knew she was a bit down.

You look over to her, seeing her rosy cheeks instead of that pale gray, watching her chest rise and fall with deep and full breaths instead of short ragged gasps, no tube across her beautiful face. You couldn't be more grateful to her donor.

A light knock on the door interrupts your thoughts and you look to find your friends in the doorway. You quickly look to Jane to find her still sound asleep, thinking for a moment on whether to wake her or not. You glance back at Ben and Sophie and see the boxes of food in Ben's hands. Deciding she would be more apt to eat her food nice and hot, and since she hasn't eaten all day that's top priority, you decide it's best to wake her.

You quietly rush over to the doorway and give quick hugs. "You guys wait here a moment, I'm going to wake her up and then I'll call you over. Sound good?" They nod eagerly, excited to see they're friend for the first time since right after her life saving surgery.

You make your way back over to Jane's bedside, sitting on the edge of bed and taking her hand in yours. "Jane dear, it's time to wake up. You haven't eaten yet today and I think it's about time you try to eat a little something." You say gently.

She stirs slightly, giving a light moan. "There's nothing I'm in the mood for right now, Tom. Just a little more rest please?" She mumbles, voice still heavy with sleep.

"I ordered you something you'll be in the mood for. And the delivery people are here so please rise and shine my love." You say with a smile. She opens one eye and smirks at you smiling down at her. "Fine." She sighs and you help her to sit up. You look towards the doorway as you're setting her up for dinner and give them a nod to enter the room.

Jane, still attempting to get comfortable, doesn't notice her friends until they are at the foot of her bed and say "Surprise!" in unision.

She jumps a bit, before looking up with the biggest smile you've seen since her transplant. It brings tears to your eyes.

JANE

You quickly sit yourself up, ignoring the pain it brings, in order to hug your friends who you've missed dearly.

Sophie rushes to you first and gently wraps her arms around you, kissing you on each cheek. "You look amazing, Jane! I can't remember I've seen you with this much color or without oxygen on that pretty little face of yours! How do you feel?"

"I have good days and bad days, but compared to before I feel wonderful." You say with a grin. "I'm so happy to hear that." She gives you another quick hug before stepping aside for Ben.

He hugs you even softer then Sophie. "You look miraculous, darling." He flashes his adorable smile at you before kissing the top of your head.

"Thank you. I can't believe you guys came! I'm so happy." You say to them both.

Tom starts making plates of pizza. "Let's eat while it's still hot!" He says as he hands you a plate of pizza.

You manage to eat a whole slice before you start to feel a bit nauseous. Tom looks at you, a little sad that that's all you could manage.

"Ok, someone needs to hand me that baby before I lose it!" Everyone giggles at you.

Sophie takes Christopher off her lap and brings him over, setting him in your arms gently.

You weren't sure if it's just you being so weak, or if he truly has grown that much since you held him right before transplant. You were struggling to support him and it was upsetting you to be this weak and worn down. Tom saw you struggling and came to help you re-adjust so Christopher was mostly supported in your lap, leaving you to just to support his head.

You held back the tears and Tom saw this, giving you a quick kiss and a whisper of reassurance before returning to his spot in the chair beside you.

Everyone catches up, you get all the details of the little things Christopher has done and how he's developed. You and Tom explain some transplant details and things you have to accomplish before you can talk about returning home.

After awhile you start to feel tired and your pain level begins to rise. You tune out of the conversation a bit and just focus on playing with the baby in your lap. Making funny faces at him as he giggles.

Unfortunately that doesn't last long. "Ben, would you mind taking Christopher now? I need to lie down a bit." You say, you can hear the exhaustion in your own voice. Ben quickly stands to come and take his son from your arms, and Tom looks to you in concern. "Do you need something? Are you in pain?"

You nod and he calls the nurse for more pain medicine and he helps you to lay down, it's extra painful from the new exercise you had to do during todays therapy. But Tom was incredibly gentle and patient.

Soon after laying down you realize you aren't going to be able to fight off your drooping eyelids, especially with another dose of pain medicine on board.

"Hey guys, I hate to be a party pooper, but I'm definitely going to fall asleep. You don't have to leave, but I just want to thank you for coming and making my day. I love you guys so much, and don't let that baby grow anymore until I get home!" You say with a drowsy grin.

You were already mostly asleep, but Ben and Sophie each gave you a little kiss goodbye before leaving.

You went to bed not thinking about the pain, or what may happen tomorrow, but of a great day spent with your family.