"...Reports are that a semi-driver named Samuel Medina drove while inebriated and his irresponsible conduct was responsible for the crash that injured Amarama Rink manager and youth coach, Adam Banks, and his five-year old daughter. Medina is currently in custody…"

Charlie scowled as he entered Amarama's dressing room, but his scowl faded when he saw Ryan sitting on the bench in his street clothes, his uniform and equipment still in his locker. The rest of the team had come and gone with community volunteers handling the game because nobody knew if Adam would make it. The season was now over, but nobody knew what was to come.

"I heard you didn't play today," Charlie spoke quietly. "I know it's been hard since the accident."

Ryan scoffed, "The guys think my dad's gonna die and he might," he replied. "I want to quit."

"What, just because it was one of the coaches who decided to drive drunk?" Charlie asked.

Ryan sighed, "Medina's always hated my dad cause they were in the same university class and Dad was the one who got further ahead," he replied irritably. "The other kids on the team…"

"They thought you were treated special cause your dad's a coach," Charlie finished softly.

Ryan nodded, "Well, the season's over now and the awards were postponed indefinitely," Charlie explained, having spoken to the police with Sara. "I also heard you haven't visited your dad."

"He's not awake anyway," Ryan replied irritably. "Mom's there all the time since Gabby was not hurt in the wreck. Aunt Linda's trying to keep us kids all busy, but she's driving me crazy…"

Charlie sighed patiently, "Did you want to visit your dad at the hospital before we head back to your house?" he asked gently. "I have to talk to your mom about something I learned."

"Yeah, whatever," Ryan replied, sighing as he stood up. "Let me get my gear."


It wasn't long before Charlie and Ryan arrived at the hospital and Ryan said nothing as he followed his uncle into the room where his father was. Since the accident, Adam had been in a coma after sustaining a concussion, skull fracture, and spinal injuries in the accident. He had been through surgery and was now breathing on his own, but his body would never be the same again.

Sara sighed as she stood up from the chair beside Adam's bed and walked over to Ryan and Charlie, "Hey," she spoke in a quiet, tired voice. "There hasn't been any change. How was the game?"

"I didn't play," Ryan replied softly. "Mom, did you hear the radio today? It was Coach Medina of the Huntington Beach team who was driving the semi that caused the accident. I couldn't…"

Sara frowned, "The team was talking about it before the game and I threw up because that loser's always hated Dad," Ryan spoke anxiously. "You said Dad was better than him in college…"

"Oh, Ryan," Sara spoke gently, giving him a hug. "I did know. I pressed charges against him…"

Charlie sighed patiently, "Hey, Ryan," he said as he got his wallet out. "Are you hungry?"

Ryan frowned as Charlie offered him a twenty-dollar bill, "I need to talk to your mom," Charlie said.

Nodding, Ryan took the money and went off in search of a vending machine, "I talked to one of my buddies in Minneapolis who runs a physiotherapy centre and has experience with rehabbing patients with injuries like Adam's," Charlie spoke quietly. "It's a really good centre in Minneapolis."

Sara sighed, "There's been so much junk in the papers since the accident," she replied softly. "The season's over, but the tabloids are mocking the fact that the mighty Adam's now down…"

"I know you have a thing against Casey and your dad, but living in the house you have now might be difficult," Charlie replied anxiously, frowning as Sara suddenly froze and turned around. "What?"

Adam suddenly let out a groan and opened his eyes, "Adam!" Charlie spoke in a stunned voice.

"Am I dead?" Adam spoke in a weak voice as Charlie and Sara approached the bed. "I…wait…"

Fear filled Adam's face, "I can't feel my legs," he spoke anxiously. "And my head's killing me."

Charlie sighed and Sara immediately retook her chair beside the bed, "The accident," Adam spoke in an anxious voice, wincing as he tried to move and failed. "I can't remember everything that…"

Alarmed that Adam would hurt himself further, Sara buzzed for a nurse and Charlie moved out of the way, "Adam, please relax," Sara spoke anxiously. "Gabrielle was in the accident too, but she's fine."

"She is?" Adam asked in a weak voice as a nurse came into the room. "I…I'm feeling overwhelmed…"

The nurse quickly came over to the bed and checked the machines, "I'll alert the doctor you're awake," she said in a concerned voice. "You've got one of the best doctors in charge of your care."

Adam sighed heavily, but relaxed because he didn't want to be sedated for being difficult, "How badly hurt am I?" he asked in a groggy voice, his headache worsening. "I've got such a bad headache…"

Before the nurse could reply, a dark-skinned man with a crew cut and green scrubs entered the room holding Adam's chart, "Doctor Tyler," the nurse said anxiously. "Mister Banks is awake."

Dr. Tyler nodded and walked over to the bed, "Hey, man, it's been a long time," he said kindly.

"Um, you act like you know me," Adam replied softly. "I don't know anyone but my family and…"

Dr. Tyler looked amused, "Dude, I'm Russ Tyler from Eden Hall," he replied in an amused voice, grinning at Adam like a little kid at Christmas. "When I heard you were here, I insisted…"

"Russ?!" Adam replied in a shocked, but weak voice. "Wow, you're a doctor now?"

Russ nodded, "Thanks to Coach Orion and Coach Bombay, yeah," he replied calmly. "You'll be here for a while recovering, so I can sneak you some pizza when you're feeling better and I'll explain."

"Russ, why can't I feel my legs and why does my head hurt?" Adam asked weakly. "I don't get it."

Russ sighed, "You got a skull fracture and spinal fracture in the wreck," he replied softly, his expression fading to one of seriousness. "It's really too soon to tell if it's permanent…"

"What, I might not be able to walk anymore?" Adam asked in a shocked voice. "What?!"

Russ sighed and looked helplessly at Charlie and Sara. He had re-connected with Charlie and had met Sara in the days since the accident and hoped that one of them might be able to calm Adam down.

"Adam, it doesn't change anything," Sara spoke quietly. "I still love you. The kids still love you."

Overwhelmed with the idea of being paralyzed, Adam covered his face and began to cry softly.


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