Challenge Word: Mind Games - Part 3
Hopefully all errors have been caught. The muse provided an idea…so I know where the next chapter is headed…I just have to find the time to create it. Sorry it is taking so long between chapters.
Disclaimer: not mine, I just play with them.
Rating: Kt
Word Count: 961
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"Fine, we'll agree to go to work for a couple of hours provided you behave yourself." Charlie winked and as he packed up his laptop.
"Donny, it is great news that they plan to take you off of the respirator soon and you'll be breathing totally on your own." His father patted his son's good hand and adjusted the covers one last time before he intended to leave for the night.
"However, son…don't believe for a second that I didn't see you trying to cover how much pain you were experiencing when they turned off the respirator to see if they could wean you off. You don't have to be a hero all the time." Alan leaned over and kissed the top of his head. "Get some rest…we'll be back shortly.
Charlie felt like jumping for joy and in his mind his was chanting "They're weaning him off the respirator, they're weaning him off the respirator." Finally, everyone felt positive about Don's health. Charlie knew he couldn't kid himself, it would still be a difficult road, but for once everyone's spirits were soaring high.
So with a smile the Eppes men left for the evening knowing that Don was in good hands and for once fate was being kind. Charlie stole one last look at his brother before he turned and quickly strolled down the hallway to catch up with his father. Reunited outside they headed towards the car, knowing that tonight promised at least one good night's rest.
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Don's spirits plummeted as soon as his family disappeared. Damn, I can't feel my legs…maybe it would have been better. A tear slid down his cheek as he tried to stop his dark thoughts. Everyone kept reassuring him that soon the swelling would go down and he would be fine. It's a lie; they just don't want me to give up. God, how will I take care of myself now?
A full-blown pity party except he couldn't stop it. Images kept flashing to his brother having to drop everything to come take care of his invalid brother. Hearing imaginary conversations in his mind as his father whispered his worries behind his back, "Remember when Don was the strong one…capable of protecting his family?"
Damn…I've gotten off sync with the ventilator again…God this hurts. He tried to slow his breathing down so he could match the rhythm or even relax, but the pain kept getting worse and he couldn't breathe.
"Don…can you hear me?" A nurse was at his side and he could barely see her adding a sedative to his IV. "The Doctor is coming…I need you to relax for me. Can you do that?"
He nodded as he felt the air being forced into his lungs. It burned and the pain was becoming unbearable. He felt himself passing out.
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Alan paced. He couldn't help it. He had left a few hours ago feeling upbeat and in good spirits to only have it all blown away. A simple phone call had dashed all of his positive thoughts.
One step forward, three steps backwards as everything turned upside down. A chest tube had been necessary and Don was once again totally dependent on the ventilator. Depression had appeared to seize his son's attitude as it had also taken a turn for the worse. Nightmares also plagued him as he thrashed in his sleep and extreme measures had been necessary to keep him from harming himself anymore.
Alan placed his hand on his son's shoulders. "We will get through this, I swear. You have to stay positive son…you can't give up. I love you, Donny." For a moment he allowed himself to give into his own negative emotions as his eyes misted over. "We're staying the night…you don't have to pretend to be brave. Charlie's coming back in few moments…he just went to get some coffee."
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A loud cackle sounded in his ears. His body rocked from the force of the baseball bat swing. It hurt to breathe. Repeatedly the bat hit him over and over again on his back and stomach. He couldn't catch his breath. Mock laughter surrounded him. The restraints made it impossible for him to escape. The laughter continued to ring in his ears. "How you're brother must really hate your guts…that's five wrong answers in a row."
Don suddenly opened his eyes and felt the restraints holding him in place. He couldn't control anything and he started to cry. Why wouldn't they just leave him alone? What had he done to deserve this?
Alan quickly crossed over to his son. "Donny…you're safe. I'm so sorry, but you had a small set back. Look at me son…you're safe." He leaned over so his son could look into his eyes. "It's not fair, but you're a survivor and I'm going to be here every step of the way. Don't you dare give up…you hear me. I won't let you quit."
Alan searched his son for the signs. He had been warned about the possibility of Don having to fight depression. Denial had been his first reaction, but now he wondered if the nightmares and being restrained were having a very negative effect on his son's attitude. Could despair and feelings of powerlessness destroy his son's will to heal? Not on my watch.
Alan grabbed his son's hand and felt a weak squeeze. For now it would provide the link, to help his son to remember he was connected to a strong family.
Alan understood his firstborn. Fear was in the driver seat, yet he would stick by him, no matter what. Alan wouldn't let Don drive him away…no matter how nasty it might get. No they were a family in it together for the long haul.