Side Effects

Sam couldn't concentrate. His room was spinning and nausea was setting in. His doctor said it was normal, but Sam had never had a concussion with side effect this intense. He felt like he drunk everything in the bar, but ten times worst. When Dean came back from the library he told Sam to rest while he talked to the doctor, secretly he was happy, he didn't want Dean to see him like that. And this secret talks Dean and his doctor were having were starting to scare him, "What's wrong with me?"

Outside Sam's Room

"Even though he has only been here for a few days the PCS symptoms are crystal clear Dean. As for the results to the Cranial CT, there was nothing to be concerned about, except for the concussion side effects. Other than the PCS and other side effects that may develop Sam can be released tomorrow and if he rest should heal nicely in a week or so."

"Doctor no offense, but you keep mentioning PCS. All I want to know is what are you going to do about it?" Dean asked.

"There really isn't much I can do…" the doctor answered before Dean cut him off.

"Could it become crippling in everyday activities or work?" Dean asked referring to hunting the supernatural as an "everyday activity" as if it could be called normal, more like abnormal.

"Yes, potentially if the effects of the Post Concussion Syndrome become worst than they are now Sam will not be able to function like he is now. The only way to know his symptoms though is for him to take a Rivermead Post-concussion Symptom Questionnaire. Once we evaluate his condition though the only thing we can do is prescribe medication for some of the symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, and depression, but we got to hope and pray his condition isn't that bad." The doctor answered.

"What won't he be able to do?" Dean asked not likely the answer the doctor gave him before.

""Physically, he won't be able to do a lot with suffering bouts of headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Not even mentioning other side effects like sensitivity to light and sound, double vision, and impaired balance. He will also have emotional and cognitive side effects like depression, anxiety, and amnesia. Luckily Post Concussion Syndrome is only temporary, it can last for a few days, weeks, and in severe cases years."

Dean felt himself crumble physically and mentally. "Oh god, so, Sam's life won't be like it use to?"

"No, but it with medication his life could be. So don't worry, I am sure Sam can conquer this mountain." The doctor said encouragingly.

"Doctor, do what ever you have to do, I give you my permission. I'm going to sit with my brother." Dean said heading back to Sam's room with the doctor close behind.

Sam's Hospital Room

"Hey Sam we're back. How are you feeling?" Dean asked.

"I'm fine, but I'll feel better once I can leave the hospital." Sam said knowing that the doctor probably wouldn't allow his release today, and partly not wanting Dean to feel guilty about his condition.

"Sam are you sure you're all right? No nausea, dizziness, fatigue?" The doctor asked knowing Sam would probably lie to protect Dean.

Yeah…But I can't tell you with Dean standing over me waiting for something to blame himself for. "No, why do you ask?" Sam lied slightly curious at the doctor's question.

"Sam. You have Post Concussion Syndrome or PCS for short. It is pretty self explanatory. It's rare, but manageable with drugs. Eventually it will die off, but we have no way of knowing when. So, I want you to be careful; don't push yourself beyond your physical and mental limits."

"If it isn't dangerous will I be able to leave the hospital soon?" Sam asked.

"We need you here one more day Sam, but it is just to monitor your vitals. I will only be able to let you go though if you promise me that you will that a Questionnaire and rest for the next few days." The doctor told Sam knowing that he was letting Sam go too early, "But Sam I am only letting you leave because I trust Dean to keep an eye on you." And with that he left the room.

The Next Day

"Sam." Sam felt himself flinch at the sound of his name, "I got that girl's name from your vision. It's Samantha and guess what? She was Robert's fiancée. The librarian told me Samantha's murder was the only one Robert confessed to killing. Apparently Robert killed her because she found out his secret, I guessing it was that he was psychic, but no one knows specifically what really happened."

"That still doesn't explain why Robert is haunting the estate," Said trying to take the pain out of his voice.

"The librarian's theory was that Samantha killed Robert's family. Then out of rage Robert killed her before he killed himself." Dean said.

"That makes since. So where are they buried?" Sam asked.

"No one knows. The librarian said they might be on the estate somewhere."

"So after I am released today are we going to salt and burn them?" Sam asked pleadingly.

"No, after your released I am taking you to the hotel to rest while I salt and burned their bones." Dean emphasized.

"But Dean, I-" Sam said before cutting himself off mid-sentence seeing the doctor walk in.

"Your release papers have been filed and I have your medication right here." The doctor said shaking the several bottles in his hand. "Pain relievers for you headaches and any other discomfort. The others are for depression, nausea, and dizziness, take these as needed. That is all I can do for you, but once the symptoms start to dissipate I want you in here for a follow up. Understood?" The doctor asked in a demanding tone.

"Yes sir." Sam and Dean said simultaneously knowing they would probably never see him again.

"Good. It was nice meeting you two and I wish you luck on getting well Sam" The doctor said sincerely before leaving the room.

"Are you ready Geek Boy?" Dean said sarcastically knowing full and well Sam was ready to get the hell out of this hell hole, they call a hospital.

"Do you have to ask?" Sam quipped, "Jerk"

"Bitch" Dean responded before he wheeled his little brother out of the hospital.

I hope you enjoyed this corrected version of Chapter Nine: Side Effects (please press the pretty grey butteon labeled 'go' and review.) :-)