Roy and Joanne began to notice some changes between the second and third evaluation, which caused both of them to become more excited and optimistic. For some reason, even though neither talked too much about what they discussed about before, Johnny seemed to trust Roy and Joanne. He seemed to trust Roy more than Jo, but considering how close the two had been before, it wasn't too surprising. It also gave Jo the chance to spend more time with Chris and Jenny. John also finally started to be awake more than he was asleep, although he took frequent naps throughout the day and could fall asleep without warning. One thing that didn't surprise anyone was how fast Johnny's appetite came back. It seemed after his first meal, despite being unable to eat much at once, he would allow Roy or Joanne to help him eat soup four or five times a day. Dr. Early was especially pleased by this as it meant that John's injuries were finally healing well.

"I should be able to take him off the antibiotic tomorrow," Dr. Early said as he walked into Johnny's cubicle with Joanne and Roy the morning of Johnny's third evaluation.

"That's great!" Joanne was cheered up by that news.

Some of the burns and cuts had been stubbornly refusing to heal as they should and the largest cut had gotten infected. She and Roy were just happy that the burns no longer needed debridement and in another few days, most of the stitches could come out. They weren't sure yet how to tell Johnny, but Dr. Druthers was going to come in today to introduce himself, so she and Roy were hoping he would be able to help when the time came.

Refocusing, Joanne greeted Johnny, "Good morning, Johnny. How are you doing?"

"Good, Aunt Jo," Johnny said, trying to push himself up when he saw Dr. Early enter.

"Hey," Roy scolded gently. "Remember what we told you?"

Thinking for a couple minutes, Johnny nodded his head yes.

"And what was that?" Roy asked.

"Wait. You help. Don't hurt self," John answered, a bit of pride shining through in his eyes.

"That's right," Roy said proudly.

Smiling, Dr. Early thought to himself, I know they haven't told him that since late yesterday. I guess that means his memory is improving and that is one less thing I have to test. I have a feeling Johnny will be happy about that.

Explaining again about the test he was about to run, Dr. Early made sure Johnny understood. He was pleased to note that compared to last time, it seemed to take less time to figure out what was being said and asked of him. The test also took less time than normal, which was a very positive sign in his book.

"I just need to go and talk with your Aunt Jo and Uncle Roy, then they will be back," Dr. Early said to Johnny, patting him on his shoulder. "I am so glad you are doing better. Would you like something to eat when they come back?"

"Can?" Johnny asked.

"Yes, you may," Dr. Early said, pleased. "Anytime you are hungry, just let someone know. It's okay to be hungry."

"Sure?" Johnny asked softly.

Sitting down again, Jo took his hand, "Sweetie, it is normal to be hungry. We promise you, you can always ask if you are hungry. Even our kids ask if they can have snacks. Unless it's too close to when we will eat a meal, we will let them have something to eat."

Letting John think about that for a bit, Roy asked, "Why do you think you couldn't ask?"

"Food hard to get. Lots money," he said, his head down.

Sighing, Roy cupped his shoulder, "I am so sorry you had to go through that. I know your mom and dad loved you. They did a wonderful job with what they had. Things are different here. We can get food."

Glancing up, Johnny saw the two he was supposed to call his aunt and uncle had tears in their eyes and smiles on their face. Seeing that, he realized finally that they really did care about him.

Maybe they like mom, dad…love me? Johnny's eye opened wide at the realization.

"What's wrong, Johnny?" Joanne asked.

"You like mom, you dad like," he stumbled on his words. "You care, love me?"

"Yes," Joanne smiled, trying and failing to hold back her tears. "I do. We both do. We know we can't take your mom or your dad's place. We don't want to, but we want to be here for you. Help you out, care for you."

Unable to speak, Roy choked back his own tears.

I can't believe I'm acting like this. He's my partner, well, not right now, but… Roy thought, confused at his jumble of emotions. Man, now I get what Dr. Druthers meant by asking me if I could love him like my own son for however long this problem? Issue? Or whatever it is…lasts. I guess I'll have an answer for Karl today.

Tuning back in, Roy caught Joanne telling Johnny to sleep and they would come back with some to eat in a while.

Smiling at him, Roy tugged up the covers one last time and follow his wife and Dr. Early out to the conference room.

"Softie," Joanne smiled at him as she teased him.

Rolling his eyes, he put his arms around her.

"You're not any better," he pointed out.

"Neither of you are," Dr. Early laughed as he ended the argument.

In a routine that the two DeSoto's were starting to get used to, Dr. Early opened his files and began letting him know how he thought John was doing.

"Honestly, he is doing a bit better than expected in some areas and still struggling in others, but that is typical of severe head injuries. Johnny still needs a lot of help than I'd like with moving, as his muscle tone, coordination and strength just aren't good yet. That is something the physical and occupational therapist can address. However, his appetite is doing better, a lot better," he corrected himself as the three of them laughed. "Then it should be at this point. He is also more aware and is processing things better. I am pleased at how well his memory is as well. The speech is still disjointed, but the stuttering is almost gone and John still struggles with processing information, but his thinking seems to be speeding up.

"Considering where he is today, I am going to start him on solid foods. Things like Jell-O, oatmeal, soft eggs. I am also going to have you inform him that tomorrow, he will be moved to a new room on a new floor, one with a lot less noise," Joe said, smiling at Joanne and Roy. "He can now be safely moved from the heart monitor and blood work can be done less often since his magnesium levels are now stabilized. If he continues to do well on the soft solids, the next evaluations will be done by the therapists on the rehabilitation wing. Normally, we would send a patient there to start their recovery at a certain point, but considering Johnny's case, my thoughts are different."

"So, you have a game plan?" Roy asked hopefully.

"More of one than I did last time and it's one that the rehab coordinator Jacob has helped formulate. Tomorrow, after John is moved to the new room, we will give him time to rest and later on in the afternoon or evening, depending on when you meet with Dr. Druthers, Karl will meet with John for a one on one session. Of course, one or both of you are welcome to stay with Johnny during that time. The next day, all of his stitches, except for that large cut on his lower back will be taken out. I'd like to wait a few extra days, considering how deep it went and the size. I would like Chris and Jenny to meet Johnny," Dr. Early said as he consulted his notes. "I do want to let you know that Karl will be observing how the three get along from outside the room, but he doesn't want any one of them to know. After a while, you'll start having family sessions with Johnny."

"Can I ask why?" Joanne asked, confused to why he wouldn't let the kids know ahead of time.

Smiling, Dr. Early let out the secret he had been hanging onto for a while, "Well, Karl feels that someone raised your two kids very well. Typical kids with typical problems, but also smart, kind and compassionate kids with a good grip on reality. Something not all kids have. He is thinking that since the parents that raised these kids did such a good job, if the kids all get along, than it would probably be a good idea to work on getting Johnny home with the four of them as soon as it is possible. Also, he feels that the family sessions and private sessions are going very well, that the family has a great support system and knows when to turn to that support system when they need help."

"Wait, does that mean, if our kids can handle the situation with Johnny, he can come home with us?" Jo asked with disbelief.

"Yes, it does," Joe told her, grinning. "It will be a while until John is ready to go home, as there will be goals he will need to meet first."

Hugging his wife, Roy thought, Oh, thank God!

"Knowing our kids, it may take a bit to warm up to him, but I'm not too worried," Roy said.

"I'm not either," Joe admitted. "Just remember, not a word."

"We promise," Roy said. "What are the other goals that you are thinking Johnny has to meet first before coming home?"

"The first obvious goal is that he is comfortable with your family," Joe began. "I also want him comfortable with at least one or two other people besides your family so you can take breaks as needed and not become overwhelmed. It will also mean that when your kids have activities that you are needed at or want to attend, there will be someone else to watch out for Johnny until he is able to accompany you to the events. I also need John to be willing and able to work with the nurse who will be coming in to help him out five to six days a week until he is strong enough to bath, eat, and either transfer to a wheelchair or begin using a walker with minimal assistance. The nurse will also be there to help John with exercises that are needed to be done outside of therapy and to show you how to help him accomplish them. That way, when he isn't around, you are able to help Johnny."

"Why can't we help him out with everything?" Roy interrupted.

"I know you are willing and capable of doing so, but it's going to be a very long and hard road. By taking on everything yourselves, you and Jo would burn out quickly. Plus, Chris and Jenny would suffer as well. I, along with Dr. Brackett, feel this is the best compromise since we cannot find a good rehabilitation place that would work well with Johnny and his type of injury. Don't get me wrong," Dr. Early held up a hand to stop the protests he could see coming from both Jo and Roy. "You two will be involved in his care and will need to help him out. The nurse won't be there all day, just mainly in the afternoon and at night since we find patients have the most trouble at that time after going through hours of therapy.

"I'd like to have someone else besides your family and the nurse that John feels comfortable around, as there will be times he feels resentful and angry towards you. Despite those times when he doesn't want to listen to you, he still needs to continue on with the therapy program since the first six months are the most critical. Jacob and I hope that by having someone else John can turn to, if there is ever a need, that person can take over for however long it is needed and fill in for you until things calm down."

Nodding, Jo agreed that it made sense.

"I know it can't be easy what Johnny is about to go through," she acknowledged. "I've seen both he and Roy go through physical therapy before, but I have a feeling this is going to be very different. Especially as Johnny will have to be involved with occupational therapy and possible speech therapy all at once."

"A lot of people and kids do get frustrated," Joe admitted. "The coordinators try to instill a sense of fun, especially for the kids, who need to go through this, but when you go five days a week for hours a day, well, I personally can't imagine how it must feel. Especially in a case like John's where he probably won't understand at first what is going on or why he has to do this."

Sighing, Roy shook his head, "We'll figure out something, maybe some type of reward system to encourage him to keep working towards the goals you set up."

"Maybe find out if he'd like to get some books, puzzles or toys," Jo added in thoughtfully. "And a bigger prize of a family trip to the beach or someplace quiet."

"That might actually not be a bad idea," Dr. Early admitted.

"Is there anything else, doc?" Roy wondered.

"No, I don't think so," he said slowly, going over the list in his head. "Just that we want to start Johnny on solid foods, get him ready for the idea for the move to a new room on a new floor, have him meet Dr. Druthers, meet your kids, and have you two start looking at various in-home nurses that Jacob has picked out. Although, it may be a bit before Jacob has a list of qualified nurses. Any questions?"

"Could John have some ice cream as part of solid food?" Roy asked.

Debating, Dr. Early said, "Why don't we see how he does with the other stuff until tomorrow, then we can go ahead."

"Alright, thanks again, doc," Roy stood up and shook Joe's hand.

"How are Dixie and Dr. Brackett doing by the way?" Joanne asked. "We haven't really gotten a chance to see them lately with everything going on."

"Dixie is having a bit of a hard time," Dr. Early admitted. "I know she sneaks in at night when John's asleep and sits with him. Everyone can tell it's affected her. Dr. Brackett, he really isn't saying much, but he's working more than usually. I think it's his way of just keeping busy so he doesn't have to think."

"And you?" Jo asked gently.

Sighing, Joe shrugged, "I think I have it easier truthfully. At least I can be here, helping John and you guys. I feel useful."

"Why don't you have Dr. Brackett and Dix come up when Johnny needs his stitches out?" Roy suggested. "It would be good to have him get to know others and it might help if they do the work."

"That's not a bad idea actually," Joe said, brightening. "I'll ask them to do it as a favor for me. Thanks, I think it will help."

"No problem, I know if it wasn't for the fact for watching out for our kids and helping us out, Cap and the crew would be going crazy," Roy said as he blushed.

"Understandable," Joe said. "I got to get back to the ER and I have a feeling you have a hungry boy to feed."

"At least that hasn't changed," Jo said as they parted ways.

Nodding, Roy asked the nurse if she could have some Jell-O sent up. When that was done, they went back into Johnny's cubicle to let him know about some more changes that were coming up. Although they were prepared for anything, both of them were glad when the news of being moved to a different floor was received with excitement.

"You hate the noise, huh?" Roy asked.

"Yes," John said empathetically.

"I would too," Joanne said. "And we have more good news."

Seeing a nurse enter, John shrunk back in his bed.

"It's okay," Roy told him. "I know you said you were hungry, and the doctor said you could have Jell-O."

Looking at him confused, Johnny asked, "What?"

"Have you heard of Jell-O?" Roy asked. "If not, don't worry."

Knowing he was thinking hard by the wrinkle of his forehead, Roy reminded him, "You don't need to worry if you don't remember. How about you just try it?"

"Okay," Johnny said after a long moment.

Helping Johnny to hold the spoon in his hand after getting a bit of the red Jell-O on his spoon, Roy guided it to his mouth. Trying not to laugh at the wide-eyed expression on John's face, Roy watched Johnny move the Jell-O around in his mouth and finally swallow it.

"So, what do you think," Jo asked, impatient since neither of the two guys were speaking up and were just giggling.

"Slimy. Slips, yum," Johnny announced, still laughing. "Can I more have?"

"Yes, you can have more," Joanne said, finally laughing herself.

Each bite was met with laughter as John experienced what he believed was his first taste of Jell-O. His various reactions and the fact that it would sometimes fall out of his mouth because of the fun they were having was having wasn't helping things at all. Unknown to all, Dr. Druthers was watching the three interact.

Finally unable to help himself, Karl stepped into the room after knocking lightly, "Hi, sorry to come in, but you three looked to be having a lot of fun."

Suddenly nervous that there was a stranger in the room, Johnny became silent and moved as best as he could towards Roy. Sensing the anxiety, Roy held Johnny's hand.

"Johnny," Roy said patiently and calmly. "This is Dr. Druthers. He is a different type of doctor than Dr. Early. He is someone you just talk to. Both Jo and I talk to him so we know how to help you. Our kids have also been talking with him so they know how to help you."

"Your kids do this?" Johnny asked, wide-eyed.

"Yes, they love you too and think of you as family, just like Uncle Roy and I do," Joanne assured him.

"I am sorry for startling you Johnny," Karl apologized. "I just wanted to say hello. Like I said, that Jell-O looked like fun."

"Is," Johnny said in a near whisper.

Uncle Roy, Aunt Jo trust, I should. But new, does he like all?

"You like halfs?" Johnny blurted out, promptly blushing and moving closer to Roy.

Knowing from previous sessions with Roy and Joanne that Johnny meant half-breeds, Karl knew he had to answer carefully.

"I don't see you as half of anything," he said slowly, making sure that Johnny was following him. "I see you as a person. Just as I see your Uncle Roy as a person. Just as I see your Aunt Joanne as a person. To me, you are whole. From what I hear from other people, you are a wonderful, kind, caring person inside. That says good things about you. Also, a person who laughs eating Jell-O tells me that this is someone I will like to get to know. I will want to get to know you because you are special in a good way."

It took a long time for Johnny to figure out what the doctor said. But once he did, he began smiling.

"I'm glad to see you smile," Karl said. "I hope tomorrow we can talk."

"Why?"

"I'd like to hear how you feel about all that is happening. All the doctors poking at you," Dr. Druthers joked. "Anything you'd like. I want to make sure you are doing good and that once you are well, that you are stay happy."

Nodding seriously, Johnny turned to Roy, "You do this?"

"Yes," Roy said simply.

"Okay," Johnny agreed as he turned to Dr. Druthers.

"Thank you," Karl said, smiling. "I will see you tomorrow."

Leaving Johnny to finish the last bit of Jell-O he had left, Karl barely made it to the elevator before he began laughing.

Wow, what a mess! But at least John was eating and having fun, as well as Roy and Joanne. I never thought of Jell-O as being so amusing before. I don't think I will ever look at it in the same way anymore.