Cal struggled to sleep that night, he was worried about the operation. Normally doctors won't operate on a patient with a head injury as it increases some risks with the anaesthetic. Cal knew this. He shuffled in the bed trying to get more comfortable. "Cal, what's wrong mate?" Ethan mumbled, his voices thick with sleep. "Can't sleep" he replied, sitting up and looking at his brother. Ethan was still in his scrubs, he was sleeping in a chair next to his brothers bedside, his normally pristine blond hair was now dishevelled and his eyes were bloodshot. "What's the matter? Talk to me" Ethan said, now more alert as he fussed over his big brother. "I'm...um...scared" Cal whimpered. Ethan blinked, before looking intently at his brother. For years Cal had looked after Ethan, he'd dealt with his asthma attacks, panic attacks, fears, phobias and injuries. He had saved his brothers life and nursed him through the worst of illnesses. The tables had truly turned. Cal looked significantly younger in his hospital bed, and extremely vulnerable. Cal never admitted to his true emotions. He never admitted to being scared. "What are you scared about?" Ethan snapped out of his reverie. "I'm worried that something will go wrong and..." He broke off with a sniff. "Caleb, come here." Ethan said pulling his brother into a gentle embrace. "There is nothing to be scared about. I will be here beside you until they take you to theatre and I will be here when you wake up. Nothing will happen. I promise." Ethan soothed his brother hoping so much that the words he spoke rang true. "Now get some sleep, I'm not going anywhere." Ethan pulled the blankets up around his brother as Cal tentatively closed his eyes.
Ethan didn't realise he had fallen asleep until he felt Rita shaking him. "Ethan, it's time to get up" she said brandishing a steaming cup of coffee. Ethan sat up straight and took the coffee from the nurse stood before him. "Thanks Rita." He said before turning his attention to his older brother. "Caleb, how did you sleep? And how are you feeling?" He continued his fussing from the night before. "A bit sore, tired, and hungry" Cal mumbled. "Sorry, nil by mouth." Rita explained. Ethan nodded in agreement. Cal sighed and rubbed at his eyes. "I have some patients to attend to but I'll be in when they come to take you upstairs." Rita announced. "Thanks Rita, for everything" Ethan said gratefully looking the senior nurse in the eye. Cal sat silently making no eye contact with either the retreating Sister Freeman nor his baby brother. "Penny for your thoughts?" Ethan's voice cut through the silence. "If...um...if I don't make it..." Cal broke off with a sob. "Caleb. Don't. Talk. Like. That!" Ethan said choking back his own emotions. "Nibbles. I have to. Just listen." Cal whispered. "If I don't make it just know that I love you, you're my safety net. Be brave Nibbles. Let people help you, don't keep anything back. I'll know, I'll be watching." Cal smiled sadly avoiding his brothers emotional gaze as both brothers sobbed, overcome with emotion. Ethan threw his arms around Cal's shoulders and held him whilst their sobs subsided. A knock on the door separated the brothers.