The virus I'm going to make up in the next chapter does not exist. It is my own sick creation. Be prepared for a very weak Zack, Cody trying to be strong for him, and some heartbreaking news. Please review!
Chapter 7 Zack's Condition
After three more hours in surgery, Zack was closed up and taken to PICU, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Nurses spent ten minutes making sure he was stable. They cleaned the dried blood off his stomach and connected all kinds of wires to him. Carey was waiting with Cody, who was still very weak from his operation. Maddie was with her as well. Jack walked into the room.
"Mrs. Martin. Hi, I'm Dr. Jack Morris. I was Zack's surgeon," said Jack, shaking Carey's hand.
"How is he?" asked Carey.
"Nurses are making sure he's stable right away. CDC will be in to talk to you in a minute. I just came to let you know that surgery went well. There was some urine leaking into Zack's stomach as well as massive amounts of fluid. We cleaned his stomach out and fixed a hole in his bladder." Maddie's face went pale. She had never been aware that Zack had been this sick. Allison walked in at that moment. Jack left so Allison could be alone with Carey and Maddie.
"Mrs. Martin, I think I know what's wrong with your son," said Allison.
"What?" asked Carey. Cody was awake now and sat up in bed.
"I believe Zack may be infected with rare and deadly virus," said Allison. Carey put a hand on her mouth. Maddie's mouth dropped open. Cody let out choked cry.
"What kind of a virus?" asked Carey.
"It's extremely rare. Only about 1 of the US population catches it a year. Only children catch it. Most people have never heard of it. It's so rare it doesn't have a name. Some doctors call it Virus X. It causes organ failure. Produces excess amounts of fluid, urine, and waste in the body. It's good that we caught it early. We'll probably be able to save Zack's life. But there is there something you need to be aware of. Zack will never be the same again. The virus will effect his thinking. He'll probably develop learning disabilities. He might be unable to attend a regular school. I won't lie to you, it's going to be rough." Carey felt tears coming on. Maddie went over to comfort her.
"Can we see him?" asked Cody.
"I don't think your strong enough to see him. Don't forget you just had an operation," said Allison. Cody sighed and laid back down.
"I want to see him," said Carey. Allison nodded.
"Maddie, would you stay with Cody?" asked Carey.
"Of course," said Maddie. Allison led Carey to Zack's room.
"Take all the time you need," said Allison. Carey nodded and walked inside. Zack was fast asleep. There were staples running down his stomach. His breathing was normal thanks to the air tube in his mouth. His lips were crudely wrapped around a plastic support that was keeping Zack from swallowing his air tube. Carey sat down next to Zack's bed. She ran a hand down the side of his cheek.
"I'm right here, baby. I'm not going anywhere," said Carey. She took Zack's hand in her other hand and watched him sleep.
Cody wanted to see his brother so bad. It killed him that he was stuck in bed.
"How are you feeling, Cody?" asked Maddie.
"I'm fine. I'm just really worried about Zack," said Cody. He felt tears coming.
"No. I have to be strong. I have to be strong for him," said Cody.
"You need to recover from your own operation first. Your mom will take care of him," said Maddie.
"How are we going to be able to afford all these expenses? I'll probably have to quit school when I'm sixteen or so and get a job," said Cody.
"Your mom will never let you do that. I'll go talk to Moseby. Maybe we can work something out," said Maddie.
"The Tipton will pay for all of Zack's medical expenses?" asked Cody.
"They'll make it possible for your Mom to pay them. And I'm sure your friends at the CDC will help you out too," said Maddie. Cody sighed.
"The next few years are going to be hard for us," said Cody.
"Maybe through some miracle Zack will defy the odds and get better," said Maddie.
"Maybe," said Cody. He yawned.
"I want to see him," said Cody, his eyes starting to close. Cody passed out from exhaustion. Maddie took his hand in hers and stayed by his side.
Jack met with Allison in her office.
"I'm taking it that you're going to want me to become Zack's main surgeon," said Jack. Allison leaned back in her chair.
"That's Jim's call. Zack's his patient," said Allison.
"Where is he?" asked Jack.
"On his way back to the Tipton. He confirmed my fears. The Tipton has a contamination of the virus," said Allison. Jack rubbed his eyes.
"I'll call Peter," said Jack. Allison's eyes widened.
"Peter Thomas, the neurosurgeon?" asked Allison.
"The same. Did you forget that a s,art thing to do is to have someone check Zack's brain for infection? The brain is one of the main organs effected by the virus," said Jack. Allison let out a deep, frustrated sigh.
"The last thing that poor kid needs right now is brain surgery," said Allison. Jack shrugged his shoulders.
"He'll be in and out of the operating room for the next year or so," said Jack.
"Oh God, don't remind me," said Allison. She rubbed her temple.
"Call peter and let him know what's up. It's up to the mother whether we operate now or wait awhile until Zack is stronger," said Allison. Jack nodded and left. Allison sighed and walked to Zack's room. She peered in through the window. Carey was watching Zack sleep and running her hand up and down his cheek. Allison couldn't bare to break such bad news to Carey at the moment. While the question of whether Zack's brain was effected yet was very important. Allison didn't want to trouble Carey with that news. Carey deserved some time alone with her son before the real struggle began.
Next chapter will be loaded with brotherly since you all like that so much. Please review. It makes me feel good.