Chapter Two-Hundred and Seven
Claire watched as John's breath fogged in the oxygen mask over his mouth and nose, looking down at the bandaging that was wrapped tight around his leg. "Please wake up…" She kissed his head, her eyes widening as a quiet cough rattled in his chest. "John?"
His eyes cracked open, a raspy breath escaping his throat as he smiled at her. "Sweets…"
"John!" She cried, wrapping him in a bone crushing hug.
"Ow…" He groaned, yelping as her knee brushed against one of his burns.
"Sorry…" She sat back, touching the bandaging that covered his wounds. "I'm so glad you're awake."
John winced as he laid back on his bed, groaning as his wounds burned under their wrappings. He cautiously rolled onto his side, dreading the moment that he would be forced into an ice bath to stop the burning under his skin.
"John?" Thomas knocked on his door, gently opening it only to see the raw flesh that covered his body. "You alright in here, Champ?" He stepped inside, fighting back nausea as he looked at the burns and the oozing fluids that were struggling to heal the open wounds.
John shook his head, looking down at the burns and the cast on his leg. "Hurts…" He whimpered, forcing tears back as Thomas tried to touch him. "Don't."
Thomas nodded, placing an old dusty cassette on his bed beside him. "Asher found this in his storage… figured you might want to hear it… it's Jacob's garage band from when he was your age."
John pushed it away, letting Thomas gently redo his bandages. "I don't want it." He slowly adjusted his body as Thomas rubbed ointment over his burns, letting the man take care of him. "Will they scar?" He asked, already knowing the answer.
"Son… I wish I could tell you they won't… but I can't. They're going to scar over, but it's how you wear them that matters." He pulled back as John hissed at a tender spot, letting the boy catch his breath as he fought the pain. "Why don't you get some sleep. We'll talk in the morning."
John nodded, catching Thomas's wrist before he left. "Can… can I sleep with you and Mom tonight?"
Thomas smiled, nodding as he looked down at his future son-in-law. "Of course you can."