"What is it, man?"
Sal put the last plate in the dishwasher and walked into the living room, finding Joe standing very wobbly with his crutches, between the couch and the entrance to the kitchen.
He ran to his side, steadying him and half carrying him to the couch.
Having set his friend safely on the couch, Sal's seldom seen temper let loose.
"What the hell do you think you are doing, Joe?"
Joe's blue eyes met the angry green ones.
"I just got bored setting around and wanted to go set in the kitchen and maybe bullshit for a while. I figured I could do it myself and didn't want to bother you, bud. But, I got tired and it started to hurt like hell.".
The guilty and pained look in Joe's big blue eyes softened Sal's anger a little, but not enough.
"Yea, Joe. It hurt like hell beacause you aren't ready to do this yet. See that fucking wheelchair? Those crutches are there if we need help getting you into the wheelchair, not for you to actually walk with yet. You know that, man. You could have broken a plate in your leg or loosened a screw or broken a damn bone all over again. Don't do that shit again."
"I'm sorry, Sal. I just wanted to go in the kitchen and I know I'm a pain in the ass right now so I thought I'd do it myself. I didn't think it through."
Sal heard the pain in his friend's voice and saw the pleading in his eyes.
Taking a deep breath, he turned towards the kitchen and then turned again to look Joe in the eyes. He could never stay mad at Joe, it wasn't possible. Never has been and never will be. Especially now.
"Joey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scream at you. Just don't do that shit again, okay man? If you had fallen, we'd be back at step one and who knows if they could put you back together again. You could have ended up in this chair for life."
Joe nodded and smiled.
"So, can we go in the kitchen?"
"Yes, you'll know all you have to do is ask, man. Shit. How long have you known me?"
Sal and Joe laughed together as Sal picked him friend up and set him in the wheelchair.
"There, wasn't that easier? Dumb ass."
Sal's anger was replaced by playful banter.
"Really though, Joey. Don't try that again. Just scream for me or whoever is around, if you need or want to go somewhere. If we thought you were a pain in the ass we wouldn't be doing this. You know that."
"I know, I just hate being dependent on anyone."
"I know you do, and I'm sure I'd be the same way. But hey, they should be calling to set up physical therapy within the next week. You'll be on your feet again, pal."
Three days had passed since Joe's release from the hospital.
Q had driven to Joe's house to get some clothes and other needed items.
And Joe's beloved dogs.
Q brought them straight to his house, they were getting along great with his cats.
He knew Joe would be happy in a few days when it was turn to bring his friend to his house for a while.
That was the plan, they would take turns with who Joe stayed with, until he was safely on his crutches.