Under Pressure



The crisp smell of autumn filled the city. The weather cool instead of cold. Joanie stood by the window, admiring the impressive skyscrapers. Dr. Reese definitely had an impressive view. From the look of his office it seemed as if he was a very prominent physician. Perhaps this experimental surgery would be the answers to her prayers.

Fonzie was not the same man; he had been four months ago. Sure, he was still loving, respectful and considerate to others. But the spark that made him so charismatic and addictive was gone. It was as if the shinning star that everyone loved and admired was slowly starting to fade away. He was also more reserve than before, slowly shrinking away from everyone. The only few he was still open and comfortable with was she, her family and the rest of their small group of friends.

She couldn't ignore the excitement that was in his eyes when the doctor Hyde had mentioned the surgery. All his hopes and dreams were riding on this surgery. Joanie couldn't bear to think what would happen if it didn't work. It would be devastating!



"All right, Mr. Fonzarelli tomorrow morning at 7:30 we will be going in for surgery" Dr. Reese cheerfully said.

Fonzie felt so incredibly nervous. What if it didn't work? Or what if did it? What would happen next?

He didn't know! For the first time in his life he truly felt no control what so ever over his life. It was all out of his hands; there was nothing more he could do. He had come to New York to undergo the surgery and it was all that could be done, for now. The rest was up to the powers that be, but whatever they had planned for him he was going to take it with as much grace and dignity he could muster. That was definitely a promise he had made, not only to himself, but to Joanie also. He had to be strong for himself and for his wife. Since his life was also hers too.

"Hey, penny for your thoughts?" Joanie said in a warm voice. Fonzie smiled, remembering the last time he had said those exact words to her. It had been more than a year ago at Mona's house by the small pond. It was also were they had shared their first kiss. He could still remember the feel of her lips on his for the very first time. At that moment it had been as if he had come home, finally knowing exactly what he wanted out of life and, most importantly, whom he wanted to share it with.

She leaned over and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. "It's going to be ok, no matter what happens," she said in a reassuring voice.

"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing last night. No matter what happens I'm gonna accept it and deal with it the best I can", he said in a determined voice.

"Good", she reached over and smoothed his hair back with her hand. His eyes momentarily closed and opened again. "Get some sleep, you're going to have a long day tomorrow", she said as she began to tuck him into bed.

"You'll be here? Right?" he asked her, bringing her hands to his lips.

"Yes, I'll be here the entire time" she answered as she watched him kiss her palms.

"Goodnight" she said on her way out, then added, "I love you".

"I love you too" his voice filled with fatigue.



"You're going to begin to feel very sleepy, don't worry, it's only the anesthesia kicking in. Ok?" he asked in a slow voice, but then again everything seemed to be slowing down.

Fonzie slowly shook his head.

"I'm going to start counting down from three, by the time I reach one you should be unconscious", the doctor warned in case he began to panic.

He nodded his head again; his eyelids becoming heavier by the second.

"Three"

"Two"

Only one finger remained up, Fonzie watched it as if his life depended on it.

"One"

His finger dropped and a blanket of darkness enveloped Fonzie.
TO BE CONTINUED