Don was scared. He wanted to tell Charlie everything would be all right, but he didn't know if it would-and he didn't want to give Charlie false
hope. That was the last thing either of them needed. Charlie was curled up in his chair, having fallen asleep after being reassured that Don would wake him up the moment there was any news. Don watched his younger sibling for a few moments. Then he stood up and
removed the jacket he was wearing. Very gently, he drapped it over Charlie like a blanket.
"I'm going to get us something to eat from the vending machines. I'll be right back okay?"Don brushed a lock of hair out of Charlie's eyes, then went to the vending machines.
It always surprised him that hospital vending machines had so much junk food. One would think they'd want to promote healthier eating habits.
Finally Don settled on coffee for himself and a can of orange juice for Charlie. He also bought two cereal bars.
Pushing aside some magazines, Don set the can of juice and a cereal bar on the table next to Charlie. Sipping his coffee, Don began to pace. It hadn't been that long ago that their mother died, and now they might lose their father too? Don felt sick with fear. He wasn't ready to lose his father yet. Neither was Charlie. A lump formed in Don's throat. Poor Charlie! The last words he and Alan had exchanged had been in anger. Don couldn't imagine how Charlie must be feeling.
Charlie started talking in his sleep. "No...please...don't...come back...DAD!"
Don ran over. "Charlie, wake up! You're dreaming!"
Charlie sat up and flinched, rubbing his neck. He noticed Don's jacket, Then caught sight of the food. "Thanks. Any word on Dad yet?"
Don shook his head. "No, sorry."
"I hate not knowing anything! I don't want to lose him Don! I'm not ready!"
Don hugged his brother. Tears stung his eyes as he said, "I know buddy, I know. I'm scared too."
Charlie buried his face in Don's shoulder. "What if he does die? You'll be all I'll have left. You won't leave me too, will you? I couldn't stand
it if I lost you too!"
Don broke down. Through his sobs he managed to say,"Don't worry Charlie, I'm not going anywhere. I promise I won't leave you."
The brothers clung to each other. Presently a doctor came over. "Are you two relatives of Alan Epps?"
Don looked up. "Y-yes. We're his sons. How is he?"
"He's in the recovery room. His condition is stable."
"Can we see him?" Don asked.
"Yes but please be advised that he hasn't woken up yet."
Alan was lying in bed, hooked up to various machines. The brotherslistened to the steady beep, beep, beep of the heart monitor. Don guided Charlie into the room and sat him down in the chair next to Alan's bed. Don stood behind him, keeping one hand on Charlie's shoulder. The other hand he placed on his father's shoulder. Charlie took Alan's hand. For a long time neither of them moved. Then Alan squeezed Charlie's hand. His eyelids fluttered. When he saw his sons he smiled, tried to speak.
"It's okay Dad, you don't have to say anything." whispered Don.
Alan looked over at Charlie with regret in his eyes.
Charlie smiled through his tears. "I know Dad, I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have nagged you."
Alan let go of Charlie's hand and reached up to touch his face. Charlie pressed his father's hand against his cheek. "Love you too, Dad. We both
do."
Charlie leaned forward and gave his father a gentle hug. So did Don. It looked like Alan was going to be all right.
