Severide walked over the hallway, feeling somewhat nervous to see Matt. He knew how upset his friend was about what had happened in the surgery and he had the right to be, but it was not easy seeing his friend upset like this. Slowly he walked around the corner and he rubbed through his eyes one more time as he was tired from shift. Surprised he looked as Matt was sitting up and having breakfast, chatting with Gabby. For a second he doubted if he should turn around and leave the two lovers alone, but Matt had seen him and waved him to come in.

''How are you doing?'' Severide said surprised as Matt was smiling and just the smile made the pale man seem a whole lot healthier, while he was still far from healthy. Matt nodded as he swallowed the food that was in his mouth and he looked up.

''Good, look at this.''

Severide looked surprised as one of the smaller bumps in the blanket started to move and he was sure Matt was wiggling his toes.

''Never been so excited about wiggling toes before!'' Severide said with a broad smile, happy something good was finally happening. He knew how it was to feel helpless after his head injury.

''You came here very quick.'' Severide said to Gabby as they het left the firehouse at the same time and he realized he had gone to the convenience store and that was the difference.

''I decided to try how fast my car can go.'' She joked and Severide sat down as well so they were all on eye level. He knew how annoying it was to lay in a hospital bed and not being able to talk because the people that visited kept standing and Matt kept smiling.

''You sure look happy. I am really glad to see that.''

''I know, I am not there yet. Far from but it is a start and that is really positive.'' Matt said and Severide nodded.

''Do you want any coffee?'' Gabby asked as she stood up and Kelly nodded. She looked at Matt but he shook his head.

''So, how are the shifts?''

''Same as always.''

''You can't imagine how much you can miss those shifts.''

''I know.''

The door opened and Matt was surprised as he had expected Gabby to enter, not a nurse with a wheelchair.

''Therapy.''

''Oh, shoot, I forgot.'' Matt apologized to Severide and Severide shrugged; ''I came here by myself. I am sure Gabby and I can finish our coffee somewhere around here.''

He said goodbye to Matt and walked out. Looking back e saw how his friend was lifted in the wheelchair and he realized now Matt still had a long way to go, even if he was positive now.

Matt looked as the nurse helped him put his legs on the footrest and took him to the PT room. After the accident he had some PT as he had been in bed for almost a week and he had been far from conscious because all of the medication that had to bring the swelling in his brain down. Besides, it had been the first blow to his body that had weakened it a lot and he hadn't gained it all back by now. He felt just as weak as before though.

''Didn't I tell you to stay away from here?''

The man that had been his PT before was waiting for him and Matt gave him a hand.

''I had hoped to stay away for a while.''

He was glad he was back to this sober, professional man over the feng shui woman and all her stories. The PT helped him down on the floor and started working on his legs, stretching and bending them. Matt looked and was relieved he felt more movement now than he had before.

''Can you lift your leg?''

Matt looked at his leg that was on the floor and raised it a little bit.

''Now without looking at your leg.''

Matt looked away and looked back.

''Not as far as before, but it will get better, I am sure. You must have an angel on your shoulder you keep walking off without any damage. Hopefully this was the last time you will be in this hospital for a long time.''

''Oh you just said I was lucky?''

''I just meant a lot of people who suffer from two strokes and a blee-''

''I understand.'' Matt said as the man put one hand under his calf and his hand against the sole of matt's foot.

''Can you push my hand away.''

Matt gritted his teeth, determined to push the hand away, but not much happened and disappointed he laid his head down on the ground, immediately moving his head back up as it hurt the scar.

''Can you try again?''

''I can't do it.'' Matt said, snappy.

''I said try.''

Matt tried again but he couldn't do it. What if it wouldn't improve? He would be disabled for the rest of his life. A nasty feeling spread through his body as he thought about it. What if Gabriela would leave him? No, she would never do that. But what if she could get a man that suited her active personality?

The PT let go of his left leg and did the same with his right leg. He let go of the 'What if' thoughts and his right leg did better than his left and he smiled somewhat proud. Half an hour later they brought him back to his room and he got his lunch.

In the afternoon he read a book and afraid he closed his as his head started to hurt again. His eyes widened, worried this could mean something bad again and he laid down, closed his eyes. Maybe it would be gone after a small nap. Maybe it was just from PT because he had been busy for the first time since surgery.

Falling asleep he woke up while it was nearly dinner time and he was glad the headache was gone and he was so happy it had indeed only been from PT, or just a small headache and he ate his dinner. After dinner Gabriela finally visited him, together with her niece and nephew.

''Hey you guys.'' Matt smiled as the twins entered.

''How are you doing Matt?'' Eva said politely while Diego looked around, now knowing what to say.

''I am fine, glad to see you here.''

Gabby and Eva sat down and Diego rolled his eyes as there was no chair left. At first the teens seemed a little awkward but soon they were talking non-stop, Eva about ballet and Diego about his sports. It was a really nice distraction and the twins were very nice. he enjoyed their stories as they were so passionate about them. He was surprised when Antonio entered as well.

''Coming to save you from those two.'' Antonio said, smiling at Matt and Matt nodded. Antonio stayed for a small chat and walked out with the twins and Gabby moved a little closer, knowing visiting hour was almost over now. At first Mason hadn't made a big problem of her staying here outside of the hours as she was the head of the neurology department, but now Gabby knew she couldn't use it forever.

''I am more than glad I am not having to lay in bed alone anymore next week.''

''IF I am going home.'' Matt said again and Gabby shrugged. ''Stay positive, remember?''

''I know, just keep in mind i is not sure yet.'' He swallowed. ''There might still be damage.''

''POSITIVE.'' She said and she kissed him on his cheek. He looked at her and she could see he was in his depressive mood again.

''I was thinking...would you really have stayed with me if I hadn't improved a little bit?''

Mad she crossed her arms; ''Of course Matt!''

''i mean I would understand. I lied to you about the pills and the pain and you need an active man.''

''Babe, you are all I want and will even need. I would never leave you.'' She bow forward and french kissed him.

''I promise.'' She added and laid her head against his chest for a minute and he rubbed through her hair.

''I promise.'' She repeated as she looked up and kissed him again as she grabbed her bag, knowing she had to leave.

''Next week cuddling in bed seems good.'' He finally said as he let go of her hand and looked as she left. She was right, he needed to stay positive.

NOTE: So will Matt finally be able to go home as he recovers? Is there any damage or will he really be up and running and back to work soon?

I really hope you liked this chapter! Thank you for reading as always, I am glad this story keeps interesting you and you keep following it, I appreciate every read a lot! Please leave your thoughts about this chapter and hopefully till the next chapter!