Sal set on the couch, not really hearing the first part of "Twister" which had started right before Joe conked out. He was instead feeling relieved that Joe had eaten something,
as the Dr had mentioned a feeding tube before releasing Joe from the hospital. Nobody wanted that. All to aware that when his friend woke up, the medicne will have worn off and Joe would most likely be miserable again, Sal sighed to himself as he looked down at the sleeping figure beside him.
He was going to wake up feeling horrible, but he ate and he happily chatted and watched TV for two hours.
Sal knew he had to look at the bright side of the horrible situation.
Looking down at Joe again, he realized how awkwardly his head was laying on the couch.
Gently standing, so as not to disturb his friend, he got up from the couch and went to the closet for a pillow, thinking to himself that he should move him to the bed,
but he didn't want to disturb him. He was so peaceful at the moment.
Carefully, he lifted Joe's head and slipped the pillow under, then covered him with a throw blanket, happy with himself that he didn't wake his friend.
He had just set back down on the couch to watch the movie, when the doorbell rang.
Grumbling, he made his way back up and went to get the door.
"Hey man, how's he doing?"
Brian Quinn stood in the doorway holding a handful of small canine.
He set them down gently and they immediately sniffed their way to their beloved master's side, jumping beside him and gently smothering him with kisses. Joe stirred slightly but did not wake up.
Sal watched this, thinking of the dog hair that will surely invade his couch. Then he thought of Joe's reaction upon awakening. Those dogs were a great love and comfort to him and Sal would never deny that of his friend.
So instead of scoffing, he smiled at Q who was smiling at the dogs now cuddling up against Joe on the couch.
"He did good, man! He ate about half a can of chicken noodle soup and a few crackers, drank a half a glass of milk and watched the entirety of Solo, then he passed out but he's been sleeping soundly. No tossing or turning. I expect that will change soon because it's almost time for the meds to wear off. The Dr said 8 hours roughly, it's been about 6 hours. But, I'm so relieved he ate something, I know we may end up with a feeding tube but the longer we can keep it at bay the better."
Q nodded and walked over to the couch, touching one socked foot.
"Thank God. I was worried about the same thing, man. I can't imagine a feeding tube. I know it's most likely going to happen, but if we can get him to eat just a little every day we can push it back for a while anyhow."
"Yea, that's how I look at it. Boy, it didn't take those little guys long to find him and get comfortable, did it"
Both men laughed softly at the scene before them. Both small dogs now cuddled at Joe's head, sound asleep.
"Oh man, just so you are ready, the medicine causes him to hallucinate and to be very confused when he is waking up. He thought his mom was in the room with him. I had to tell him she was gone. To him, it was like she passed away all over again."
"Jesus, on top of everything else."
"I know, but at least it didn't last long, and other than that, the medicine really does help, for a while anyhow."
Quinn only nodded.
Both guy's focus moved to the figure on the bed, blue eyes were gazing sleepily at them.
"I'm going to be sick."
Before the words were completely out, Joe had puked on himself and on the couch. Both dogs ran to their master's feet.
"It's okay, Joey, here, let's set up so you don't choke, pal."
Sal had grabbed both dogs and put them in the bathroom for the moment, at the same time grabbing towels and wet washclothes, while Q helped Joe to set.