theme: sooty

(A/N: takes place during "Eggscellent")

Her mind had been reeling with thoughts; worries propelling their way to the front. She had been to hospitals many times before.

A broken leg in fourth grade. A sickly great aunt. The birth of one of her younger cousins. But this time was different. This time, it had arose raw emotions in Eileen, some of which she couldn't fully comprehend.

Room 48c. He's in there. Oh my lord, he's actually in there. It was one of her friends. A guy she had worn down to actually start liking her. She jostled the doorknob, then froze- contemplating what to do.

No, it wasn't just a 'friend'. Not just a guy Eileen saw every once in a while around at work. Not just a random employee at a neighboring park.
It was the love of her life, beyond that door; in god knows what condition.

It was Rigby.

A subtle churning erupted in the pit of her stomach. Deep down, Eileen knew that she didn't have the heart to see someone she cared for so deeply on his soon-to-be death-bed.

But she also knew she had to have some closure. To talk to him one last time. Clenching the plushy tighter in her fist, she twisted the knob and sucked in. Eileen had to be strong. For him.

A male doctor, previously checking a bundle of papers on his clipboard, looked up at her and smiled. "Hello! I'm assuming you're a friend or relative of the patient's?"

She choked the word out. "F-friend."

His smile evaporated as he skimmed the information once more. "Unfortunately, Rigby isn't best isn't in the best condition at the moment. He fell into a coma only an hour ago," the doctor explained.

"A coma?" Her throat dried up. A slight nod in response made Eileen's heart lunge into her esophagus. She dreaded the squeamish feeling.

Rigby's doctor glanced at his watch, grimacing. "I'll be back in a couple of minutes," he sighed. "You can go ahead and see him while I'm gone."

Eileen was reluctant. Treading towards the hospital bed, she refused to look at the patient lying on it. Her heart was throbbing. She couldn't do this. She didn't want to do this.

A brief exhale blew her anxiety away as she approached Rigby, now fully aware of his state. He was half-exposed by the pale sheets, resting just below his chest. His head was tilted back; his breathing light. A monitor that recorded his heartbeat kept continuously beeping, soft in manner.

Eileen leaned down next to him, running her fingers through his fur in a soothing motion. "Oh, Rigby," she said, her voice cracking. "Why would you eat those eggs?"

An unconscious Rigby didn't supply an answer. Eileen, still holding the raged toy, stopped stroking him and presented an old, seemingly useless, gift. "This is my old Sooty bear, I had it all throughout my childhood. I know it's a little rough around the edges, but it's one of my most prized possessions. Loads of sentimental value! I really do hope you make it through this, Rigby," Eileen spoke as if he could hear her.

She sneaked the threadbare plush toy under his blanket. While the waitress was still standing over her close friend, she planted a small kiss on his forehead; somber, but sweet.

Eileen left the hospital without another word.