Joe lay in the bed, grinning his old grin, blue eyes lighting up his handsome face.
"Sal, you're going to take the room apart, buddy. I'm sure that's everything. Relax."
Sal would normally be irritated at Joey's carelessness, but today he only could only grin back. He was so happy to see that face light up that he couldn't be aggravated.
"Just making sure, Joey. You know me."
Joe nodded and smiled.
"I know, you can't help yourself. We wouldn't want you any other way. You know that. You'd be boring if you were sane."
Both men were laughing when the nurse brought the wheelchair in.
Joe was being released today.
Bessie refused to pick her husband up or have him brought to their home, saying she wasn't going to take care of him. Q, Murr, and Sal had all noticed that things had been heading downhill between the couple, and this only confirmed it. She hadn't even visited her husband in the hospital, only called two times to ask bill related questions.
Joey's three best friends gathered in the hospital room the day before release, knowing they had to tell their friend of Bessie's decision.
"Joey, you know you're being released tomorrow, right".
Q knew someone had to start.
Joe nodded, looking his friend in the eye.
"I guess I need to call Bessie, unless the hospital already has. She hasn't been answering her cell though".
All three men could see the growing realizing in Joe's vibrant blue eyes.
Murr put his hand on Joe's arm.
"She said she wasn't coming to pick you up, buddy, and she doesn't want us to bring you to your house. She said she isn't going to take care of you. We've got you though, you know we love you like a brother and aren't going to leave you hanging. You're going to Sal's house tomorrow and we'll just go from there."
Joe's head dropped as tears leaked from the big blue eyes.
Sal put his hand under his friend's chin and gently lifted until blue eyes met brown.
"We're not going to dwell on this now, bud. You'll be okay. That bitch just wanted your money all along. She just played you, because she knows you have a good heart. But try not to worry about it. Okay?"
Joe nodded, not breaking eye contact.
"Okay. I knew this was coming. I'm not going to fool anyone by acting like I didn't. I really loved her, but obviously she didn't feel the same."
"No man, she didn't. She used your genorousity and soul against you. Don't worry though, she'll get what she has coming to her"
Q was steaming, but tried his best to keep it at bay.
Fast forward to discharge day, back to Sal and Joe's playful banter, the nurse walked in with the wheelchair.