The next few weeks passed in a blur just like that day had, with many visits from the ED staff. Nick fell asleep in the same chair many times, finding it extremely comfortable, so he even went to the trouble to ask the spinal unit where they bought it from. He went out to buy one too, so he now has one in the middle of his living room, much to Zoe's dislike. It didn't go with any of the other furniture.
Nick continued to look after Zoe at home and he liked it better that way. He had Sarah's email so he could keep in touch with her, and he was glad. He liked to keep in contact with people he had treated before, and therefore, he was a very popular man.
Nick returned to work part time as Zoe could walk around the house and look after herself. She wasn't in anymore pain, and tomorrow, she had an appointment with the spinal unit for an MRI to see if her neck had healed properly. The day came slowly as she was looking forward to it. She wanted to see if the halo could be removed.
"You ready?" Nick asked, as they pulled up in the car at the unit.
"Yep." She said, and Nick went round and helped her out of the car. Inside, Zoe was becoming nervous. She wasn't normally nervous, but today would show her how her neck was holding up.
She tried to think of other things as the MRI scan went under way. She was thinking about how she could go back to work and see everyone at once, but only if her neck was healed. But what if it wasn't? She you have to have the halo for longer. It made it extremely hard to wash, and she just wanted it gone.
Later as she waited for the news, she was tense and stressed. She just wanted to see if the scan came back clear. Nick kept telling her not to worry if it wasn't as he would still be there for her. Dr Smith walked back in, and he was smiling. Just his smile gave them both hope.
"The MRI, you will be happy to hear, is clear!" He beamed. "We can get you out of that halo!"
Zoe didn't expect to be affected by these words, but happy tears built up in her eyes and she began to sob.
"Whats the matter?" Nick asked, trying to comfort her.
"Im just so happy!" She said, crying to him and he kissed her to try and help her stop.
The next day, the halo was removed, and Zoe was a bit sore from the op. She rested all day, and Nick went to see her while she slept. She woke as he entered the room, and she asked him a question as soon as she woke.
"I can go to work tomorrow, right?" She said.
"I hope your joking." Nick said. "You are still sore. You should rest for a little while."
"I have, all day." She said. "Please."
"I really don't want you to go in." He said.
"Please Nick. Ive been bored out of my mind for weeks." She said.
"If you really want to." Nick said. "But only part time." Zoe knew that that was all she was going to get.
"Fine." She said. "She was happy that he even let her go in. "I love you Nick."
"I love you too, and i'm glad that you are better."
"I'm glad that i'm better too." She laughed, and they hugged. Nick hadn't been able to do that for a long time.
"Ive missed this." Nick said, holding her tight.
"Me too." Zoe whispered into his ear, and held him tighter.
The next day, the ED had organised a surprise party for Zoe, and the drink they were serving was her favourite, strong coffee. She was going to love this party. Linda did most of the organising, as she loved to party.
"Shh! She's coming!" Linda said, as the staff gathered in the staff room. The door opened and the light was turned on, and Zoe gasped.
"Welcome back!" Everyone shouted, and Zoe was overwhelmed. She didn't realise how many great friends she had here.
"Aww you guys!" She said, as they hugged her, and gave her a drink. She saw it, a gulped it all down. "Oh how i've missed you!"
"We have missed you too." Charlie said.
"Oh, I was talking about the coffee." Zoe said, Charlie rolled his eyes. "Im only kidding! Of course i've missed you!" She hugged him to make up for her joke.
The party went on until late into the night, and Zoe enjoyed it very much. Nick loved seeing Zoe have fun again as she wasn't happy wearing the halo to suppost her neck. But now she was happy, and that was all that mattered. He got up, and decided to join her for the party.