Several days later Don was walking down the hall with Charlie at his side – not for support, but for company. Don had been slowly but steadily increasing his time out of bed and on his feet ever since his conversation with Charlie. He was finally at the point where he was spending more time out of the bed than in it, and ready to go home.

"So," Charlie began as they walked together. "You never did tell me how the visit with your team went."

"It was great," Don smiled. "They caught McPherson – the one that you were helping us with?"

"Like I'd ever forget that case now."

"Good point," Don nodded somberly. "Don't guess I ever will either. Anyway, they caught him. Megan said your work really helped out, but then that doesn't surprise me at all." Don gave him a playful shove with his good shoulder.

"Thanks," Charlie mumbled as he blushed.

"Megan's been leading the team, and Colby and David have been behaving." Don paused and grinned at Charlie. "Wouldn't tell me what her secret was. Although Colby mentioned something about 'martial arts master'." Don shook his head. "Whatever that means."

"I bet they can't wait to have you back."

"Yeah," Don snorted. "Colby told me he's taken it upon himself to 'keep my desk warm for me'."

Charlie snickered. "Very generous of him. Bucking for a pay raise, no doubt."

"Bucking for something."

The professor laughed as they kept walking down the hall. As they rounded a corner Don waved at an orderly who'd been helping him to his PT sessions. "How's the arm?" the young man asked.

"It's good, Mike. Really good." Don gestured at Charlie. "Have you met my brother?"

"I don't think I have," Mike said as he stuck out a hand. "Mike Andrews."

"Charlie Eppes. Nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Mike smiled. "Gotta run, though. See you around Don."

Don waved good-bye as the orderly dashed down the hall.

Charlie inquired, "How is the arm?"

"Much better. The doc said the sling can come off in a couple more days. Personally, I think I could do without it now, but doctor's orders and all that." He watched as Charlie raised an eyebrow. "Hey, a wise man once told me that I had to take small steps in my recovery."

"Did he now?"

"Yes," Don smiled brightly. "He did."

"Sounds like a true genius."

"In some things," Don teased. "So, did Dad tell you the news? If my liver and kidneys check out, I'm home by the end of the week."

"That's great!" Charlie joyously exclaimed. "You'll be staying with us?"

"For a while," Don nodded. "It'll be nice to have someone to wait on me hand and foot."

"Right," his brother said sarcastically.

"Maybe even get me a little bell I can ring for service."

"Oh, there may be a bell getting rung, but I don't think that's what you're talking about."

Don laughed heartily as the two reached his room. "You staying for a while?"

"Yeah," Charlie said. "I'm sorry I haven't been around as much as I would have liked the past few days. Larry got sick, and Amita had a conference, so I had to cover my own classes."

"No problem," Don promised him. "I understand. Besides, you were there when I really needed you. Thanks." He sat on the edge of the bed and swung his feet up, a tiny grunt of pain escaping his lips.

"Let me help," Charlie insisted as he positioned Don's pillows and made sure the injured shoulder was resting comfortably. "Better?"

"Yeah," Don whispered as he yawned. "Thanks, Buddy."

"Anytime." He watched as Don fought to stay awake. "Go to sleep, Don. I'll be here when you wake up."

Don nodded faintly and the room was soon filled with his soft snores.

--

Charlie pulled a chair next to Don's bed and sat, content just to watch his big brother sleep. He'd read the pamphlets on post-splenectomy care and knew that Don would have to take frequent naps for the next week or so as he built up his energy reserves. It was worrying to see Don so tired, but it was part of his recovery, and that was all Charlie needed to know to quell his concerns. He finally felt that Don was truly on the road to recovery.

TBC