Chapter 8 Turn for the Worse
Cody winced as Tom examined his stomach. It was two days since Cody's surgery. Cody still hadn't seen Zack. Zack had woken up the day before and was breathing on his own. Cody knew that Zack had been undergoing a lot of tests. He hated that he couldn't be with him. Tom finished his examination.
"You're healing nicely. Does it still hurt?" asked Tom.
"A little when you touch it," said Cody.
"That's expected," said Tom.
"Can I see my brother today?" asked Cole. Tom sighed.
"Yeah. He doesn't have any tests until this afternoon," said Tom. Cody was actually able to walk down to Zack's room. Zack was asleep as Cody sat down next to his bed. Cody leaned over and kissed Zack on the forehead. Zack woke up and smiled.
"Hey," said Zack.
"How are you?" asked Cody.
"I'm sick of all the tests," said Zack.
"I know. But they'll help the doctors make you all better," said Cody.
"Will you stay with me this afternoon during the tests?" asked Zack.
"Of course," said Cody. Zack smiled and closed his eyes.
"That's right. Get some rest. You need it," said Cody. He kissed Zack on the cheek and tucked him in.
"Don't leave," said Zack.
"I'm not going to. I'll be right here," said Cody, holding Zack's hand. Zack fell asleep within minutes. Cody sighed and watched his brother sleep. He wish he could take away Zack's pain. He really did. But there was nothing he could do except take care of Zack and be there when he needed him.
The tests in the afternoon weren't hard at all. Zack had his head x-rayed and then had an ultrasound. Cody found out that Zack would be having brain surgery soon to make sure his brain wasn't being damaged. This scared Cody but he knew it was for the best. Zack would be in serious trouble if he started to have brain problems. After the tests, Cody made Zack eat some dinner. Zack was actually hungry and didn't fuss at all. Cody wiped Zack's mouth off at the end of the meal and then tucked Zack in for the night. Cody was exhausted as well.
"I'll see you tomorrow," said Cody. He kissed Zack good night and then left. Cody went to his own room and passed out.
Cody was woken up at two in the morning by a nurse.
"What is it?" asked Cody.
"It's your brother. He just went into the OR for emergency surgery," said the nurse.
"What? Why?" asked Cody.
"He has a massive intestinal infection. He needs to have part of his lower intestine removed," said the nurse.
"Oh my God. Thank you for telling me," said Cody.
"I know how close you two are," said the nurse. Cody could see worry in the nurses face.
"What are you not telling me?" asked Cody.
"Cody, your brother is not in good condition. This is going to be hard for you to hear. But there's a chance he might not make it through this surgery."
Cliffhanger. Sorry for the short chapter. Next chapter has Cody making a brave choice to try to save his brother. Please review.