Today was the first day of Joe's physical therapy. Q wasn't sure if he was physically ready for this as he was still in obvious heavy pain, but Joe wanted to try, so try they would.
Joe had been at Q's house for two days now, after spending a week with Sal. This was their game plan until he was able to walk safely with his crutches.
Walking into the spare bedroom of his apartment he found Joe still asleep, three dogs and two cats surrounding him on the bed. Q smiled at the site and took his cell from his pocket so he could get a picture before waking his friend and his pals up.
After taking a ton of photos, he shook his friend gently awake.
"Come on Joe, get up and get dressed, we have to be at the hospital in an hour."
Joe woke slowly, finally focusing on his friend's face.
"That is today?"
"Yea, buddy. You still up for giving it a shot? Don't feel bad about saying no, Joe. If you don't think you can do it, there is no need to push yourself"
"But I need to do it, Brian. I can't depend on you guys forever."
Q forced eye contact...shaking his head in mock disgust.
"Joe, I don't even want to hear that silly shit. None of us mind helping you. You know that, so don't base your decision on being dependent on any of us. Base it on your pain level and how much you think you can tolerate. There is no sense in torturing yourself if you are not ready."
Joe had turned his head toward the wall.
"Look at me, Joey" Q waited until his friend had turned back around in the bed. "Do you think you can handle this yet? Honestly, man. Don't go causing yourself unnessary pain."
Joe looked down at his hands.
"I don't think I can. I wish I could say yes. But, it hurts like hell just laying here in the bed."
"Okay then, bud, we wait. That's fine. I will call the place, explain and we'll reschedule. Don't worry about it. You'll get there, it just takes time."
Joe nodded.
"So, for now, let's get dressed and go grab some breakfast. What do you say?"
"You're asking me if I want to eat? Have you met me before?"
Quinn chuckled at his friend's banter.