Chapter 33

"You love her." Steve's words echoed in Danny's head. He still wasn't sure about that. He only knew that he liked her very much and was always looking forward to their…'meetings. What exactly is it? I still don't think they are dates. Just having a coffee and malasadas with a friend…yeah, sure. But that friend is also coming by now when her daughter has no appointment. Ever thought about that? Maybe because she likes me too. Likes or loves? I don't know. And maybe I don't want to know. I don't want to destroy things. I like it as it is…for now.'

"Hey Danny. Sorry I am late…You okay?" Samantha had approached the table.

"Yes, sorry."

"You looked like you were deep in thoughts. Everything okay with your friend?"

"He is getting better. I was thinking about other stuff."

"Want me to help you?"

"Uh…no…not yet. How are you doing?"

"I am fine. I went back to work – part-time – but at least work. Feels good. Need to give Rebecca some space too. She is going back to school in a month – different school though and I hope she can deal with everything. Her psychologist and I both told her to talk to us if she doesn't. That it is no problem at all if she feels that it is too early. I hope she will do that."

"She made good progress. Maybe she is ready for it. Don't worry too much."

"I'll try. But you need to try too."

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. You are worrying about your friend as much as I do about my daughter – if not more. You said he is making progress – for days now. So what is the matter?"

"I've told you I was thinking about something else."

"I know you did and I believe you, but you are also still worrying – I can see that."

"…Yeah. I do. Don't get me wrong he is making progress: His kidney function is almost back to working normal, he isn't slurring the words anymore, doesn't need time until he can answer a question – at least most of the time – his wounds are closed, the bruising is fading little by little…"

"But…"

"He is still so damn weak. Everything is exhausting him – even the smallest and easiest exercises."

"Danny, you've said he got badly hurt. And the drugs…you know it is not easy."

"I know. And the doctor said we need to be patient – but…but…it is so hard to see him like this. He has always been an active guy. He had always recovered fast – bounced back…and…and now…just because these scum of people couldn't understand that their brother had been a monster…they…they…"

"Danny," Samantha put a hand on Danny's.

"Look at me." When Danny did she said "Now get up."

"Why?"

"Just do it."

When Danny did, she gave him a hug.

"I think you needed that. He will make it back, okay? And I know you will help him with that – no matter what. There is something special between the two of you and although I don't know what exactly it is and why, I know you would never give up on him. So, do as the doctors say: Be patient – and don't forget to take care of yourself too. If you need someone to talk - just call me."

Danny didn't know what to say, but the hug felt so damn good that he tightened it a bit and after another few minutes he said "thank you, Samantha – for your offer and for the hug. I really needed that."

When Danny reentered Steve's room, his friend smiled at him.

"What's so funny?" Danny asked.

"Nothing is funny. But every time you return from your "not-date" your eyes are gleaming – shining with joy – you are wearing a smile on your face and it looks like you are walking on air."

"Don't be silly."

"'m not."

"Yes, you are. I am not different than on all the other days. You are imagining that, because you know I've met her."

"No, I am not. You look happier on those days."

"Yeah, okay. I like her. And I am happy when I am around her. So what?"

"Nothing. As I said: you deserve it."

When Steve got his dinner, Danny went to eat something too. It looked good as always and for a second he thought about smuggling something into his friend's room, because what Steve had gotten didn't even look half as good and it didn't taste well either. One reason was because there wasn't much salt in it – if even – since Steve was still on a diet due to his kidney problems. The potassium can creatine levels that were much too high in the beginning were almost back to normal now, but Dr. Lexington wanted to be on the safe side and left Steve on the diet.

Steve knew he needed to eat, but it was more like forcing it down than enjoying it. The only thing he loved was a small bowl or plate with sliced fresh fruits, but this was more like a dessert.

After dinner both man watched a game on TV. Of course, Steve had fallen asleep before it had come to had an end, but Danny watched until it was over.

Helen had been in to check on them and to say hello after she had had two days off. She pulled Steve's blanket up before she went out again and wished Danny a good night.

He turned the TV off, closed his eyes and fell asleep almost immediately.

He had slept well for a few hours when he got woken up again by Steve's cries "No, don't do that! NO! Please. Leave her alone! She has nothing to do with this. NO, please. No!"

Danny and Helen tried to get Steve out of his nightmare, but it looks like he was deep in it. He was yelling and begging "no, no please" the whole time and was thrashing around in his bed as much as it was possible for him. It took them almost two minutes – which felt like hours – to get him to react to them.

"Yeah, buddy. That's good. Wake up. Danno is here. You are safe. They can't hurt you anymore. Come on, babe."

"Cath?"

"No, no Steve, she isn't here."

"D…Danny?"

"Yeah, I am here. Danno is here."

"They killed her."

Steve burst into tears. They just came out of his eyes and streamed down his cheeks. His crying was heart breaking and he sobbed "They…killed…her. They…killed…her. Danny…Cath…she's dead."