Soda did not want to wake up from his nap. He knew the news could go one way or the other way. Maybe if he just stayed in bed, he would never have to know. Then he will never be hurt. Everything would just be okay in his dreams. Reality didn't have to exist any longer.

As Soda felt himself start to relax again, as if he could fall back asleep, a knock was heard. No...here it is...

"Soda?" a whisper was heard.

Don't come in. Just don't come in. Stay out.

"Are you awake buddy?"

No I'm not. I'll never be awake again. I'm staying in my dreams.

Footsteps made their way to the bed.

Go away!

"Soda?"

Get out!

A strong hand shook his shoulder.

Don't say anything! I have been through enough!

Soda slowly moved his eyes. Darry sat himself at the edge of the bed. "Did you sleep good?"

Soda slowly nodded, "I'm not ready to get up."

"I need you to get up."

"Why?" Soda nearly snapped. Just go away.

"We are going to go to the hospital and see Steve, okay?" Darry said quietly, "Just me and you."

Soda looked up at Darry, "Really?"

"Yes. Now let's go."

Soda was up quick. Even if no one else would agree with this, he wanted to see Steve. And he was thankful that Darry understood. During the drive Soda looked out the window. He didn't know what to expect Steve to look like at this point. Maybe Darry got a call and heard Steve was awake and going to be okay. It wouldn't stop the drama of this episode, but it was better than Steve dying.

As Darry parked in the parking lot, it took a minute for them to get out of the truck. Soda looked at his older brother, "You don't have to come in you know?"

Darry shook his head and faked a smile, "No, I'm going to. I should."

"No really..."

"I am Soda," Darry said and pushed his hair back quickly, "Let's go."

The brothers got out of the truck and walked up to the entrance. Soda couldn't help but sense that something else was going on. Darry seemed frustrated.

I guess I can't expect him to be happy about being here.

As they walked inside, Darry immediately brought Soda down the hall. They found Dallas leaning against the wall outside a room.

"Oh good, you guys made it," Dally said as they approached.

"Did you see him?" Soda asked desperately.

"A little," Dally responded looking at Darry.

Before anymore questions could be asked, Darry nudged Soda, "Let's go inside."

"I'll wait for you guys," Dally watched them enter.

Soda was shaking as he slowly pushed the door open. He slightly expected Steve to be awake and maybe angry to see him. But he was soon caught off guard. Steve was hooked up to machines. He was pale. He was thin. He was vulnerable. He didn't look like he was getting better from anything. Soda walked over to the side of the bed to inspect the situation.

What is going on here? Why did Darry bring me if we didn't know anything yet?

Suddenly there was movement. A slight groan came from Steve and his eyes barely opened.

He is going to be okay!

"Soda?"

"Hi Steve," Soda said quietly, unsure if Steve was going to be happy or upset to see him.

"Good...you're here," Steve said trying not to keep his eyes open too long.

"I'm here...how are you holding up?"

"I don't have much time to say this Soda, so I'm just going to spit it out," Steve groaned out painfully.

"Don't have much time? What do you..."

"Soda," Steve interrupted, "I'm sorry...about everything. I am sorry how this all turned out. I shouldn't have been that way to you. You are my best friend. I am sorry and I just want your forgiveness buddy..."

Buddy...

Soda's eyes teared up as he heard the term. He hadn't heard that from Steve's mouth in so long. It almost hurt to hear it again.

"Of course Steve..." Soda smiled, "I forgive you. Everything's okay now. Everything will be just fine now."

Steve opened his eyes and looked over at Darry. Soda looked over too and Darry had tears streaming down his cheeks. Soda suddenly understood what was going on.

No...

"You're awake Steve," Soda said looking between him and Darry for explanation, "You're okay now. He's okay Darry. He's awake!"

"Soda," Steve started to breathe heavy, "Please...it will be okay...I promise..."

"But..." Soda started to say, "Darry, but..." Before he could construct a sentence, Soda looked down at his best friend in panic. Steve's eyes were shut. He was still. "No! Steve, no!"

Soda ran for the door, but Darry grabbed him and they both collapsed to the floor. Darry suddenly released his choked back tears, "I didn't want to tell you before we got here Soda. I'm sorry."

Soda bawled into his older brother's shirt. He released himself from Darry's grip and crawled to a trash container. He felt himself heave, but nothing came out. Darry held his little brother again, "Deep breaths Soda. Deep breaths."

From outside the room, Dally stepped away from the door. He looked down at the floor and shook his head. As he began walking down the hall, Dally could only wonder, 'What now?'