Matt slowly started to open his eyes as Will and the nurse removed the tube from Matt's throat. "Ga Gabby"Matt said looking for his girl. "We will go and get her for you Will said as he ran to the waiting room.
After 5 hours since Gabby Kelly Antonio and Louie were told to go and wait in the family room Will arrives to come and tell them what's happened "What happened back there"gabby said. Can you all please sit down as I've got good news for you all" Will said as Gabby strokes her belly and saying can't wait to meet you in the next few months. "Will how does Matt seem"Kelly asked. "It looks like that there's a problem with his memory and muscles. "Will said. "What's next now for Matt"Kelly asked. "He asked for you Gabby then he said where am I what happened"Will said. "Can we go in and see him yet"gabby asked as Louie looked on. "Yes you can only two at a time" Will said. "Kelly you and Gabby go in I'll wait with Louie I'll go and phone Chief who's waiting at the fire house with everyone including Christie his sister niece Violet and mum Nancy" Antonio said.
Back at 51 Chief's phone rings and it's Antonio. "Wallace is everyone in one place so you can put your phone on loud speaker"Antonio said. "Hello Antonio everyone's here" Chief said as he tells to the crew its Antonio with news. Go ahead"Chief asked Antonio. "Matthew Casey is awake but it looks like his short term memory is not right she couldn't remember what happened or where he is."Antonio said. "That's good news he's awake"Cruz and Otis said. "Thanks Antonio we will be all be there later today"said Herman if that's ok with "chief. Everyone cheering and elated that theirs friend and boss is awake.
Meanwhile back at the hospital as Gabby and Kelly walk down to see Matt Will tells them that they still need to do more tests over the next few days before he's allowed home. "When Will he be allowed home" gabby asks. "We're heading for a week at the moment"Will said. "Thanks doc"Kelly said as Gabby was crying but this time they are happy tears.
Gabby and Kelly eventually was able to walk into the room five hours after they were told to leave she knew what to expect now as for the last 21 days being in a coma and hooked up to machines and as she opened the door with Kelly she saw her husband finally awake she goes straight to him and gives him a big kiss. "Babe I've missed you loads what can you remember"Gabby said. "I've missed you too sweetly and I don't remember why I'm here or the two days before where's Louie"Matt said in a soft voice as his throat is very sore. "I'll go and fetch Louie"Kelly said. "Babe I remember getting the news regarding our unborn child Louie's birthday and everything before"Matt said. "I love you you really sacred us all" gabby said. "Love you too babe I'm really sorry" Matt said. "Louie darling daddy's asking for you"Kelly said.
Since they were all told the news back at 51 Nancy Christie and Violet arrive to visit Matt. They bump into Kelly who's waiting at the hospital to wait for them so he can take them to Matt. "Gabby why don't you come out for 10 mins so Christie Nancy and Violet can go in they are also relieved. "Hello Matt they all say. "Hello"Matt said quietly cos of his sore throat. Violet gives her uncle a massive hug and says welcome back I've missed you soo much and I love you loads please don't leave us"Violet said. "Thanks I'm soo sorry and I love you too Violet I'll never leave you"Matt said. "Everyone's outside waiting Matt"said Christie. "Babe can you ask everyone too leave please apart from you and Louie"Matt said as Will writes down everything of Matt"s condition/recovery. "Sorry guys Matt wants us all to go home"Kelly said. "Sis if you need anything you can phone me in only a minute drive away" Antonio said. "Thanks bruv"gabby said. "I'm also here for you"Antonio said. Everyone then leaves the hospital.
"Daddy I love you" Louie said as he ran to his bedside giving him a cuddle and a kiss. "Sweetie come here"gabby said as she picked up Louie. The family can now be together. Will comes in the the room and he says you've still got a long road ahead loads of tests and it will be a while before you can do your full duties as a firefighter. "You will have a sore there for a while. We need to get you started with giving you some food"Will said.
"Will won't soup be an ideal start with a glass of water" said gabby. "Yes Will. As Matt was trying to speak "Gabby baby what's wrong"asked matt as she was crying while holding their 4 year old son Louie. We could've lost you babe"gabby said" while Will brings in Mary's soup and water. As Matt wipes away Gabby's tears as he puts his food and drink down on the hospital table. As Matt tries to pick up the spoon the food accidentally goes every where. "Don't worry babe you can't help it you was in a coma for 21 days and your vast and brain needs time to recover fully"gabby said as Louie was looking at his daddy with a shocked face. "Louie sweetie daddy will be fine aa she picks up the spoon to feed her husband then Louie runs out of the soo and right past the nurses station only to be stopped by Will daddy's doctor. "Will asked the nurse to phone Kelly and Antonio.
"Hello Antonio is Kelly with you we've got a little problem" said the nurse Louie is upset and we need someone to watch him I know visiting hours are over he needs time to process the news about daddy "Will said. "Will then said can you come over here. " "Yes we can"Antonio said. "Kelly we need to get to the hospital there's a problem with Louie"Will said. They arrive at the hospital shortly and Will greets them both taking them aside so the nurses can explain. "Louie got upset when daddy was trying to pick up the spoon and the food went flying and he ran out of the room crying straight past the nurses station who managed to stop him"Will said. "Can we go in the waiting room with"Kelly said. "There you go Louie Uncle Lelly and Uncle Anto are here to see you"Will said. "Thanks Will"said Kelly. ""We're here to talk to you but if you don't want to talk you can listen bud"Anto said.
It's now the evening and following Matt's accident the first thing the doctors have noticed that he's having problems gripping stuff there gonna try and get him out of bed and put him in a chair next to Gabby. "Where's Louie"Matt said slowly and softly. "Don't know babe I'll go and ask Will"Gabby said. "Guys Louie is with Antonio and Kelly" Will said. Is he ok" gabby said. "It just takes time for a child to understand new things"Will said. Matt grabs onto Will's hands and asks him to walk forward.
At this point Matt doesn't understand what he's supposed to do. Matt just down to the floor with his wife next to him who's crying and and realises what Will has said loads of times before that it won't be an easy process. "Matt let's get you back into bed and we will try again in the morning "Will said. "Baby how is our daughter doing"Matt said. "She's been growing well. Kelly has been a great support he came with me here just to check that she's ok and he was gobsmacked by what he saw on the screen"gabby said. "That's good"Matt tries to say"Let's go and lie down together while holding and stroking her pregnant belly.
Day one 20th February. Gabby is 7 months and 18 days pregnant.
"Morning love"Matt was trying to say to his wife who was waking up next to him in hospital. "Love you too" darling as Gabby was stroking her husbands hair what was left trying to be careful of his scar before Will came in and telling them what the mornings plan was. "Hi Matt how are you feeling this morning"Will said. "Just very sore all over and feeling pathetic about last night what Gabby and Louie saw"Matt said. "You was in a coma for soo long with a tube down your throat your muscles will be stiff for a while and everyone deals with things differently"Will said. "Where's Louie he wasn't here last night"Matt said. "He's with Kelly and my brother"Gabby said.
"Matt we're gonna try and get you up we've got to start somewhere and it's not good you being in bed all the time now you're awake"Will was saying. "Can Gabby stay with me please"Matt said as the doctors was wheeling in the equipment. ""Yes as it's the best remedy some of the patients have said before. "Can I just make a quick phone call please to Kelly" gabby said. "Hello Kelly can you pick up Louie please and take him home to get showered and also bring some clean clothes for me and there should be joggers of Matt's on our bed please too"Gabby said. "Sure"Kelly said. Matt is having his first physiotherapy session starting shortly and can someone tell Christie about him please I'll tell you everything tonight"gabby said. "What about Diego and Eva"gabby said. "I won't forget there at mine with Sylvie"Antonio said.
"We won't be long "Kelly said. "Also can you bring in some of Louie's toys so he can keep his mind occupied" Gabby said as she kissed her son Louie. "See you later"said gabby. "Bye love" gabby also said.
It's now 8am and Matt gets fed by his wife. "Baby I know it's frustrating that you can't do anything for yourself yet I'm here all the way remembering our vows that we took last summer. "I remember our vows"Matt said said as he was getting spoon fed. "You need to eat something you need to keep your strength up think about Louie and our unborn child we all need you a to do this"gabby said.
Meanwhile it's 8:15 and Chief's phone rings. "Can everyone get together if Christie and Nancy not there I'll give her a text"gabby said. Gabby I can tell that there's something wrong and in your voice" chief said. "I've got to go now speak later"gabby said. "Guys guys can I talk it's pretty important" chief said. "Yes Chief"they all say. "That was Gabby on the phone she's coming round later with Kelly Antonio and Louie. "We've all got to be there for her when she comes round later"chief said. "We're all here for them "mills said.
It's now 9am and will comes round to tell Matt that his physiotherapist is coming round. "Hello Will I'm here for Matt"doctor Chow said. "He's down there"Will said. "Hello Matt and Gabby. I'm Chow your physiotherapist he said. "Please to meet you gabby said. "My goal is to get your muscles stronger so you can go home to recover I'll be coming everyday til I'm satisfied that you can survive at home"Dr Chow said.
What I would like you to do is stand up and hold onto these bars and try and stand up for at least 5 minutes" dr chow said. Matt stands up but as he tries to grab the two bars his body collapses beneath him and Dr Chow grabs him. "No I won't do it I can't"Matt said. "Baby remember what I said to you this morning about not giving up and who you are doing this for" gabby said. "Yes love I remember"Matt tries to say. "We need to order stuff for our baby when you've done your therapy session"gabby said."Lets try again Matt your wife is is right do it for your family you need to walk around a bit before you can be discharged"dr Chow said. "Ok" Matt said. Your body is stiff and needs to be normal again your throat will heal in a completely different way"Chow said. "Thumbs up from Matt. "Come on baby just keep on doing it"gabby said. "Well done"Chow said as he gives Will the news on Matts's first therapy session. "Well done sweetie"gabby said as Matt was getting back in the chair.
"Will how's Matt doing as I'm going to see everyone later" gabby said. " in the after noon Matt will be having scans to see what and how much his brain has been affected remembering that it's a long process for everyone"Will said. "I'm not going anywhere darling at the moment it's time for your soup and drink as his family comes round to see him"gabby said as Christine looks through the window of the door and she walks in. "Where's Violet"gabby said. "She's with mum" "Hi Christie "Matt said quietly. "Hi bruv how's Matt doing"Christie says. "Christie Matt can't feed himself he's lost his balance and having physiotherapy sessions everyday Louie got upset and my brother and Kelly are with him trying to talk to him and get him to understand as he was crying"Gabby said. "Christie would you be able to stay with Matt as I need to go and see Louie and everyone at the firehouse"gabby said. "I've got nothing on work has been really good with me by letting me have this time off my brother needs me he needs everyone to be here for you especially you Gabby Louie and your miracle baby"Christie said."I'll text you when I'm leaving"gabby said as she was giving hell husband a cuddle and a kiss saying I'll be back soon as I can. "Love you loads" Matt said.
Meanwhile Gabby phones the Chief to let him know that she's on her way. "Bruv we need to get to 51, I said we'll tell Chief and the other's all of Casey's news big or small" Gabby said as Louie runs straight into her arms. "Morning how's daddy"Louie said. "Daddy will be fine, I know seeing him like this is scary, trust me this will help daddy better"Gabby said.
"Chief we're on our way down"gabby said. "See you shortly"Chief said. They arrive at the firehouse and they all walk into the common room. "Guys we've got an update"Kelly said. "Can you please all listen to my sister"Antonio said. "Matt's got to have more scans on his brain now he's awake,he'll have them done again at the end of the week before he's allowed home"Gabby said. "What else can we expect when we go and see him"Otis said. "He can't feed himself as he can't grip stuff as well as his muscles which are stiff so he can't walk either, he has his first physio session this morning, just say that it was touchy watching him going through this as it's tough on me too, Christie is there with him at the moment"gabby said. "Will he be ok"Cruz said. "He's having trouble swallowing certain things as his throat his still sore and Chief I need Kelly with me and Louie back at the hospital he's been my rock and my support" gabby said. "Whatever you need Gabby we're all here for you"Chief said. "We better get back now we want to be there when Matt comes out from his scans"Kelly said. "The scans won't be available til tomorrow Will told us before we left" Gabby said.
It's now 4pm and Gabby Kelly Antonio and Louie arrive back at the hospital and Matt has had all his scans to see how he's doing since he woke up yesterday morning. "Kelly please make sure Gabby and Louie are doing well and helping Matt keep up his strength by eating etc" Christie said to him by the door as Gabby and Louie walk in the room. "Goodbye sis" Antonio said. "Bye bruv"Gabby said.
They all fall asleep on the bed dreaming about their future as their baby kicks inside.
Day Two 21st February
"Good morning babe"Matt said softly. "Good morning love"gabby said as she was kissing her son Louie who was still asleep next to his daddy. "Babe you know what you've got to do when the physio comes round today"gabby said. "Yea babe keep at it as you'll be here with me"Matt said. "Yes I'll be here Louie will be with Kelly and Stella today"gabby said as Matt was trying to grab hold of his cutlery. "Hi Will Dr Chow will be round at 12pm today but in the meantime he's asked me to give you these to practice with before he comes round"said Will. Will passed the soft balls to Matt. "He's asking you to hold them in your hands while stretching out your fingers and to try and throw it and catch it with Gabby starting with short distances and then gradually get further away"Will said. "Louie why don't you do some colouring in while you wait for Kelly and Stella to come and collect you"gabby said. "Yes mummy and daddy" the little one said.
3 hours have passed and Kelly and Stella have arrived to pick up Louie did for a few hours. "Hey bud are you ready to go to the park"said Kelly. "Yea Lelly Louie said as he he gave mummy and daddy a kiss and a cuddle. "Bye sweetie" both the parents said. "See you later" Stella said.
"Hello Matt how are you feeling today"Chow said. "I'm ok just frustrated"Matt said. "Can you throw me the ball please and I want you to throw it back til I say stop please"Chow said. "Matt you can do this" gabby said as Matt was doing this exercise for about 10 minutes which felt like hours. "Can you also stand up for me and grab onto the parallel bars please Matt" Dr Chow said. Two hours have passed and Matt's physiotherapy has ended for the day and Gabby is thinking about what changes might need to be done at home for when husband Matt comes home while everyone is worried back at the firehouse. Kelly said Stella arrive at the hospital with Louie and they both go into Matt's room to visit him. "Hello Matt it's me and Stella here just a quick message if you or gabby need anything and anytime we're only a phone call away"Kelly said. "Thanks mate" Matt said. "We're off now" Stella said.
It's now evening and gabby phones her brother Antonio to see if he can look after Louie tomorrow during matt's physiotherapy session. "Hello bruv can you do me a favour tomorrow please"gabby said. "Yes sis I can take of Louie tomorrow for you" Antonio said. "See you at 12 bruv"said gabby. They both say there goodbyes as Will comes in and he has Matt's results. "Guys it look like that there's no permanent damage and the swelling has gone done slowly but before you go back to work we need to check everything is working correctly"Will said. "Thanks doc" gabby says in a happy tone. "You're welcome"Will said. "We better go to sleep Matt" gabby says. "Yea love"Matt said. They all kissed each other including Louie as mummy was stroking her belly.
Day Three 22nd February
It's morning now and Antonio and Sylvie have got Diego and Eva for the day as well as Louie at lunchtime. "Hello Eva are you ready to see Louie today"Antonio said. "Yes we're both excited dad" the teenagers said. "We need to be at the hospital before 12" Antonio said. "Gabby needs all the help that she can get"Diego said to Sylvie.
Back at the hospital Matt's breakfast has arrived and he still finds it hard to do the simplest of tasks by holding a spoon in his hand or even standing up and walking. "Louie why don't you go and sit down while I sort daddy out so he's ready for his physiotherapy appointment later"gabby said. "Yes mummy love you"Louie said. "We love you too buddy"daddy Matt said.
It's now 12pm and Louie has been picked up and you guessed it it's Matt's therapy session has arrived and Dr Chow walks in the room. "Hello Matt how are you feeling today"Chow said. "The same aching muscles and a sore throat but I'll get there"Matt said. "Time for you to get out of that bed and start by holding onto these parallel bars"Chow said. "Baby this is hard, I'm soo exhausted and tied all the time" Matt said. "I know but you need to get your strength back and if you focus on your goals you will get better sooner, isn't that what you want darling" gabby said. "Babe your right" Matt said.
The afternoon came and went within hours Louie arrived back after he had a fun day with his cousins. "Thanks bruv" gabby said. "That's ok sis" Antonio said. " I don't think I've said this to you but thanks for everything you have done when Matt has the accident"gabby said. "You're welcome Gabby it was a shock watching it unravel right in front of our eyes, Stella and I just got into work mode and we done what we had to"Sylvie said. "See you guys"gabby said. "Bye sis"Antonio said.
"You need to try harder babe you need to hold things like your cutlery"gabby said. "I'm trying my best babe"Matt said. "Louie needs you and not forgetting our unborn daughter"gabby said. They enjoy the evening by doing some complex stuff to try and get Matt better with simple equations.
Day Four 23rd February
"Baby good morning" Matt said with his sore throat lingering around. "Morning to you too babe"gabby said as they was watching their 4 year old son still asleep. "Will is Matt getting better"said gabby. "Yes but not if he stays in bed all the time" Will said.
It's now lunchtime and the routine has been the same practicing to walk holding things to feeding yourself the things we all take for granted. "Hi Matt today and tomorrow I'm gonna get you to try and walk outside the hospital we'll be here with you"Dr Chow said. "What with a sharp tone from Matt" thinking it's a bit too soon to go outside. "You need fresh air Matt we're not going outside the front" Chow said. "Ok Dr Chow" Matt said. They stay outside while Matt is doing his walking exercises for 3 hours.
"You're doing well Matt keep it"Dr Chow says. "Louie is very proud of you" gabby said. "He's our wonder child" Matt said. "Daddy I'm proud of you" Louie said. "I've still got a long way to come"Matt said to his 4 year old son. The afternoon went by soo fast just like it always does and Matt is doing well.
Meanwhile Violet is asking mum how Matt is doing. "Matt why haven't you took me to see Matt" Violet said. "Christie hesitating as she doesn't know what to say. "We can go and see him tomorrow if you want to just be aware that he might not be normal" Christie said. "Ok mum I'm not a child anymore" said Violet. "Goodnight mum, goodnight darling" they both said.
Time to do some more equations baby before we get to sleep. "Ok darling Matt said to Gabby as their son was sleeping next to them both.
Day 24th February
Another day of physiotherapy darling. "Louie could stay with me today while you have your therapy session today"gabby said. "Christie and Violet are coming round today" gabby said as she reads her texts. "I don't want them here I don't want my niece to see me like this not able to hold anything or walk properly without the help of a stick or frame" Matt said. "Darling Violet is anxious to see you she hasn't seen you for a while she needs her Uncle back" gabby said as Matt was remembering those words that Gabby has been saying over and over again" Violet will be relieved to see her Uncle progressing" gabby said.
Matt I've got good news for you if you can walk further you will be able to go home in two days but tomorrow we need to go round your house and assess it to make sure that's it's adequate for your needs"Chow and Will said.
Day 6 25th February
Gabby and Matt are waiting for Chow to come round did his last physiotherapy session here at the hospital before being released tomorrow morning. "Babe why don't you phone the Chief to get your brother and Kelly to go to the house for us while you stay here with me and Louie" Matt said. "Chief it's gabby here I need Kelly's help along with my brother" gabby said. "Go ahead gabby" Chief said. "Kelly and Antonio needs to be at our house by 12 as there's people coming round to assess it for when Matt can come home" gabby said. "Ok gabby I'll pass that onto Kelly straight away now" Chief said. "I've got a message for you Kelly you and Antonio to go round to their house for 12 as there's people coming round to check it over" Chief said.
"You're doing it babe your walking even if it's with a stick or frame"gabby said as Louie claps with excitement. "I'm still having trouble with my hands gripping certain things"Matt said. "We've got good news from your family your house is being done as we can speak which means only one thing I'm happy with your progress. I'm letting you go home tomorrow morning as long as Will is happy with your progress at 8.
Matt I need you to keep up with all of your exercises when you are at home"Chow said. "Yea he will I'll make sure he does them" gabby said. "I'll be around in the morning with a list of your exercises" Chow said.
That afternoon Kelly and Antonio comes round with a list of changes that have been made. "Thanks guys for being there at the house while I'm here with Louie" gabby said. "You're welcome sis we are all family and that's what family means"Antonio said. "See you soon bud"Kelly said. "Yes see you soon mate" Matt said softly.
The couple decide to celebrate the good news but still reflecting on what's ahead for them before their dm daughter arrives.
Meanwhile back at the firehouse Chief gets a message in his phone about Casey. Chief you and everyone needs to be at the hospital we've got some good news which you all need to see"gabby said. "What time do you want us to be there for" chief said. "He's being discharged at 8am tomorrow morning only tell them that Matt needs everyone there" gabby said. "Gabby you need to tell his mum she's not here at the firehouse"Chief said. "Will do straight away and thanks"gabby said. "I'll just text her she always gets them. "Hello Nancy it's your daughter-in-law here. Good news for everyone Casey needs you tomorrow morning at 8am can't say much more apart from Louie is looking forward to seeing is nanny. See you tomorrow love Gabby and Matt xxx. I better leave one for my parents too. "Hello mum hello dad there's good news I need your support tomorrow morning at 8am please your grandson needs you there. See you both tomorrow at the hospital live your daughter Gabby xxx.
"Hello guys are you ready for tomorrow"Will said. "Yes we are" they both said. "We'll be round at 7 with everything you need to take home and a long talk too"Will said with a happy tone. They all fall together on the bed.
Day 7 26th February
"Hey Chief haven't we all be getting to the hospital we've only got 30 mins left"Otis said. "Cruz, Mills where's Kelly and Stella"Chief said. They've gone to pick up Christie Nancy and Violet, Antonio is coming with Sylvie and the teenagers. They all arrive at the hospital and wait around at the nurses station. It's now 7:55 and Dr Chow has been with the Casey's for an hour talking to them about his recovery and giving them a list of exercises and soft balls to practice with and the changes that have been made at home.
Will walks out with Gabby Matt and Louie and what does Casey walk out to but all his family and friends. "Matt" everyone says. "This is amazing news we're both happy as everyone looks on with shocked and surprising faces as todays the day.
