I Am Here
Disclaimer: I have never owned Glee.
Chapter 1: The Bottom
Noah Puckerman's life took a tragic turn after he fought overseas. The incident left him in a wheelchair, blind, and mute. The once independent and lively man now relied on others for his basic needs.
Quinn Fabray, Noah's girlfriend, took on the responsibility of caring for Noah. However, Noah was unaware of Quinn's presence and actions. The extent of his injuries had left him disoriented and disconnected from the world around him. All he knew was that he was in a hospital bed, unable to communicate or respond to anyone.
Despite Noah's condition, life continued to move forward. Kurt Anderson, a close friend, entered the room one day accompanied by his young daughter, Tracy. She was full of innocence and curiosity and climbed onto Noah's lap without hesitation. In her sweet, innocent voice, she spoke to Noah, saying, "Nono, prove my parents wrong. Show them you are in there."
These words hung in the air, leaving Noah and the others in the room with intrigue and wonder. Although Noah couldn't respond verbally, his heart knew what Tracy meant. It was clear that Tracy believed in him, even in his current state. He knew what she wanted him to prove. Plus, what her parents are wrong about.
The room was quick as everyone pondered Tracy's statement. It was a reminder of Noah's impact on the lives of those around him, even in his current condition. Noah impacted the people who knew him despite his physical limitations.
As time passed, Noah's loved ones remained by his side, supporting him through his healing process. Each day brings new challenges but also small victories. With the love and encouragement of those close to him, Noah began to find ways to communicate again, even without words.
Noah's journey from darkness to light was not easy, but his determination and the unwavering support of his friends and family helped him regain some semblance of his former self. Although he may never fully recover his sight or voice, Noah's spirit continues to shine.
Tracy's words catalyzed Noah's transformation. They ignited a spark within him, reminding him of his strength and resilience. Noah's journey was not just about proving others wrong; it was about proving himself right—that he could overcome adversity and live a meaningful life, even in the face of unimaginable challenges.
One day, Tracy excitedly led her parents into Noah's hospital room. Kurt's parents followed closely behind, curious to see what Tracy had in store. Tracy climbed onto Noah's hospital bed, her tiny feet barely making a sound on the linoleum floor. She eagerly began teaching Noah the alphabet in sign language, carefully guiding his hands to form each letter.
As Tracy patiently demonstrated the signs, she looked at Kurt and said, "Uncle Nono is not a giant baby, Daddy, and I'm going to prove it to you and Aunt Quinn." Her determination shone through her bright eyes, reflecting her love for her family. Kurt smiled proudly at his daughter, amazed at her maturity and compassion.
Noah lies in his hospital bed as Tracy's hands move gracefully, mimicking her motions to the best of his ability. He lit up with understanding as he recognized the familiar shapes of the letters. He may not have been able to see or speak, but through Tracy's guidance, he discovered a new way to communicate and connect with others.
While in the corner of the room, Kurt's parents observed this heartwarming scene, their hearts swelling with pride. They were grateful for Tracy's presence in their lives, bringing joy and hope to their family during this challenging time.
As Tracy teaches Noah the alphabet in sign language as the room falls silent. The barriers of illness and disability seemed to fade, replaced by the power of connection and understanding. Tracy's words rang true—Noah was not a giant baby but a brave and determined individual, ready to conquer any obstacle life threw his way.
With each letter Tracy taught Noah, their bond grew. And as they formed the final one together, a sense of accomplishment filled the room. Tracy beamed with pride, knowing she had made a difference in her uncle's life.
As the visit ended, Tracy hopped down from the hospital bed, her small hand reaching out to hold Noah's. They shared a special moment, a silent promise to continue their journey of learning and growth together.
And as Tracy and her parents left the room, Kurt's parents followed closely behind, their hearts overflowing with gratitude. They knew that Tracy had left an indelible mark on their family, reminding them of the power of love, determination, and the unbreakable bonds that held them together.
Tracy soon started visiting Noah alone and speaking Hebrew to Noah, who was the only one who understood her. Tracy wanted to prove to everyone that Noah was not a giant baby. She wanted to prove that Noah was an adult, and now so did he.
Soon, Tracy's teacher at daycare, Barbra Handler, comes with Tracy one day to teach Noah words in sign language and says, "Mr. Puckerman, you better hope Tracy's parents don't get me fired for this. Tracy has begged me to bring her here for the last couple of days since I taught her sign language to get her to talk when she was a baby." Noah chuckles and shakes his head as Tracy glares at him.
As Barbara taught him sign language, Quinn entered and said, "I told Kurt I asked you to bring her here to help Puck with sign language and got it approved with Mrs. Jones. So, don't worry about it. I was thinking about asking you to come here anyway because I want to learn sign language, too."
Noah flips them off before Tracy grabs his hand and says, "Nono, come on. I know you feel bad because you and Aunt Quinn can't talk to each other anymore. That's why I asked Miss Barbie to come here. She helped me to talk, and now she can help you. Don't you want to tell my dad and the others how you feel without flipping them off?" Noah glares at her and smirks before Quinn hits him upside the head.
Noah pouts and signs, "I love you."
Before, Quinn says, "Puck, I love you too, and I don't want to talk to you with my phone forever. Now, come on, Puck." Noah sighs and feels around for Quinn, but she backs away before breaking down as she walks out.
Burt soon enters and tells Barbra, "I'll talk to Puck, Barbra, and tell Kenneth I said hi."
As Barbra leaves, Burt yells, "I am glad you can't talk, Puck, because I have lots to say, and you will listen! Quinn spent six months wondering if you were dead or alive, and as soon as you returned, you shut everybody but Tracy out! You can't hide in here forever! We want you to come home!" Noah throws things as he roars, then hits his chest and grunts.
Noah turns his head as Billie Eilish's When The Party's Over plays on the TV. He imagines he is singing to Quinn, not knowing that she is watching the video in the lobby as she sings along. Then Noah thinks to himself, "I am here!"
He grabs Burt's hand and spells out, "Elizabeth." Then he spells out, "You believed she was there. I am here, Burt! I am not dead! Quinn shut me out first! She is only here out of guilt, not love! You stayed single out of guilt that you couldn't save Elizabeth! Am I right?"
Burt sits beside Noah's hospital bed and says, "I gave you her diary, Puck. I thought Quinn was like her, and you are like me." Noah hands Burt his phone, and Burt sees a picture of a gun closet as his background.
Burt asks, "So, did you find another picture in Elizabeth's diary?" Noah smirks in a way that Burt knows the answer is yes.
Then Santana enters as Burt asks, "You didn't tell anybody about it, did you?"
Santana sits on the other side of Noah as she says, "If you are talking about Elizabeth's photo album of you and her bookmark in her diary. He told me about both, Mr. H. I gave them to Kurt."
She chuckles as Burt blushes and continues, "I came here to tell Puck he is moving in with Kurt soon, and Tracy is mad at Quinn after a fight with her about you." Noah and Burt chuckle at this.
Then Burt clears his throat as Santana says, "Yes, I know about you taking Viagra. I found a bottle in Mrs. H's purse, and that's when Quinn had her fight with Tracy. Quinn yelled at me about it, and Tracy called her a stupid head before letting her have it."
They soon hear Tracy yell, "Nono was Uncle Finn's best friend, and Grandpa Burt is more Nono's daddy than he was Uncle Finn's daddy! I know Nono's not your brother, Daddy, but he is still Grandpa Burt's son! Now, if you don't let him come home with us! I will tell Auntie Tana you took her naughty pictures of Nono!" Then Blaine storms in, holding Tracy, and puts her on Noah's lap before storming into the bathroom.
Soon, Burt and Santana leave, and Tracy says, "Papa gave Auntie Tana her pictures back already, Nono. Papa is mad at Daddy because they would never have met if it wasn't for you. Daddy went to talk to Aunt Quinn, and Papa tried to get Mommy Rachel to bring Aunt Beth to see you since you came home. Papa knows you want me here because you miss Aunt Beth. I want you to move in with us because I'm mad at Aunt Beth and Aunt Quinn for being mean to you."
Blaine exits the bathroom and tells Noah, "I found Santana's pictures before you came home and haven't slept with Kurt since. I had to give them back myself because Kurt wouldn't and I made Kurt take you in after Quinn deserted you."
Blaine sighs and continues, "Quinn blocked Tina on Facebook after she claimed that Quinn comes to see you out of guilt." Noah glares at Blaine and crosses his arms as Tracy rolls her eyes.
Tracy puts her forehead against Noah's and tells Blaine, "The day Nono came home, I had a nightmare about him in the dark yelling, 'I am here!' But in my dream, his mouth wasn't moving." Noah wraps his arms around Tracy as Blaine rubs her back as she cries.
As soon as Tracy is asleep, Blaine says, "Puck, if Rachel or Shelby doesn't bring Beth to see you, I will go get her myself. This is insane!" Noah nods in agreement, points at Tracy, and shakes his head no as he holds up three fingers."
Blaine chuckles as he says, "Tracy might say you are her uncle, but come on, Puck. Even I know she treats you like a third father." Tracy hits Blaine in her sleep as Noah shakes his head and chuckles.
Chapter 2 will be up soon.