Again, this is a sensitive topic so please read with care.
Each time Johnny found himself unwillingly and sometimes, unknowingly, hurting himself, he found more of a reason to avoid people. This was especially true when it came to Roy and his family, but John knew that if he continued to turn down invitations, then they would know something was wrong. Which is how he found himself coming for lunch right before his appointment with Doctor Brackett.
At least I'll have a legit excuse not to stay long, he figured.
The conversation was stilted between the adults and even the kids were having difficulties with their "uncle". No matter how hard Johnny tried to make things normal, nothing seemed to go right. It was as if he had forgotten how to interact with this family who had loved him as a member of their own. Feeling awkward, Johnny left earlier than needed to his doctor appointment.
"So, how are things going Johnny?" Kelly Bracket asked as he stepped into Exam 4 and looked at the chart Dixie had started.
"Boring…" came a huffed reply.
Seeing the raised eyebrows at the non-answer, Johnny knew the doctor wanted more information.
"The ribs stopped hurting almost a week ago and my arm is itching like crazy," he expanded, rolling his eyes.
Setting down the chart, Doctor Brackett palpitated his rib cage. Finding that things seemed good there, he went and checked on the x-rays that were taken before Johnny was sent into an exam room.
"Well, most everything looks good," the doctor reported. "However, it doesn't look like you are getting enough sleep."
"You try sleeping after doing nothing all day!" Johnny shot back.
Smiling and shaking his head, Kelly glanced at Dixie to see she had the same expression.
"I'll get that cast off and set you up for a week or two of physical therapy on that arm. After that, I'll sign off on your release to work. Sounds good?"
Nodding eagerly, Johnny sat back as the arm cast was quickly cut away. Figuring he got off easy, he was about to follow Dixie out the door when Brackett stopped him.
"Before you go, I just wanted to know how you are really doing," he asked. "I know the psychologist signed off on your paperwork, but I also know that the last few months hasn't been easy on anyone and sitting around isn't easy either."
"I'm fine, doc," Johnny protested. "Mainly just bored. I can't do much with one bad arm, so I'm frustrated, but I'm good."
"If you need to talk or anything, I'm here, or I can always get someone else," Kelly said looking him, unsure if John was telling the truth. For some reason, there just was something off about him. That, coupled with what Roy had told him caused concern. Unfortunately, unless Johnny was willing to let someone in, there wasn't much he could do at this point.
"Doc, I'm fine," snapped John.
"Alright," he said, giving in. "I'll see you in a couple weeks after you finish up PT."
Walking out the door without a backward glance, Johnny just waved at him as he was too annoyed with the prodding questions.