Chapter 3 The Solution
In Dr. Jason's office
"Since Arthur is doing well in his recovery in a few more weeks we will talk about discharging him, but you both have to keep a sharp eye on him for the first few months in case of any problems in the future, for now just keep an eye out in case he seizures or even something as simple as a headache, for the first thing, just make sure he is safe and keep track of how long the seizure will last, for the second thing, if he does wake up with a bad headache in the morning, try children's Ibuprofen, and have him lay back down with an eye mask.
He may just want to sleep the whole day if that happens, but that's a normal response."
Jane nods in understanding as she pulls out the plan that both she and David have written out for when Arthur will be coming home.
"First thing we will make sure he has a routine to follow, he has a physical therapist and caregivers coming around to help when either one of us is working for at least the next few months until he goes back to school.
The second thing is since he will be out of school until next semester, he will have a tutor to help assess and reteach him anything that he might have forgotten, but I am not expecting him to be up to par with his peers right away."
Dr Jason said "That's wonderful to hear. I would like to see Arthur back in six months just to see how he doing, and this as well, a prescription for Phenobarbital.
One cup before bedtime will almost certainly prevent another seizure from happening."
Jane said "Just one cup every night?"
"Yep! Simple as that! "Dr, Jason said
"When can I pick up the prescription? And what about Children's Ibuprofen?" David asked.
"Both medications should be ready by no later than 10:00 am tomorrow at Jim's Drug Store. Oh, and one more thing, now that Arthur is ready to try some solid food, I will try him out on the B.R.A.T. diet later today, if he handles it well then he can continue using it at home for the next few weeks, but as for the more advanced solid foods you will have watch him closely as he can't chew as strongly yet.
"What's the BRAT diet?" David asked curiously.
"It stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, it is a simple diet of these very food items because it is easy to eat and digest, but he can have crackers, boiled chicken cut up of course, he can eat purree vegetables or fruit as well, but he will need to avoid greasy or spicy foods, dairy as well, I would recommend a replacement like almond or lactate if needed, but for the most part he can have juice or water, no soda yet.
Finally here is a hospital excuse note for school.
I'm sure Arthur will appreciate this." Dr. Jason said with an ironic chuckle.
Later that evening after starting on his new diet, Arthur was tired as he snuggled under his covers holding on to the stuffed cow that D.W. had brought him on her first visit to see him, while he never will admit it, he found comfort in the small toy.
After making sure he was tucked in Jane and David kissed him on the forehead and wished him a good night, they sat down with him until he fell asleep, and after that, they both left for the night.
At some point during the night, Arthur woke up alone in his room, scared as he looked around for his parents, just then a nurse came in with a friendly smile on her face.
"Bad dream?" she asked not expecting a response in return.
Arthur just continued to look around for his parents, tears of fear welled up in his eyes.
The nurse sat down beside him, gently rubbing his hand with her own, "It is okay sweetie, your Mom, and Dad had to go back home to your sisters, I promise that they will be back here first thing tomorrow morning. Do you want me to tell you a story?" she asked. timidly Arthur looked at her and nodded, soon he fell asleep listening to her tell him a story about faraway lands and places where magic and science merged.
Meanwhile back in the Read household, Michael was silently seething in his room, as he went over the talk he had with his parents earlier after leaving the hospital.
Flashback
After an afternoon of chatting and card games with Arthur, David spoke up and said.
"Alright kids, it's time to go," he said smiling as all the kids groaned, but obeyed quickly as they each hugged Arthur or kissed him goodbye.
Just as Michael was about to walk passed his Dad, he was stopped by the man's hand on his shoulder as he whispered in his ear, a sudden sense of dread filled his stomach as he nodded.
"We need to talk with you." with that said they all walked out of the hospital and got into the car, after making sure the younger kids were either sleeping or plugged into their music or games, the ride home and the conversation started.
Jane looks through the rearview mirror at Michael her expression serious as she says, "Given the recent events with your brother, it's decided that you are not allowed, no forbidden to hang out with that "Tough" gang anymore."
"But Mom, they are my friends!" Michael protests, but is quickly interrupted by Jane.
"No, it is because of that Molly girl, your brother is severely injured, you are to stay away from those boys as well, they are nothing but trouble, am I understood!" she states firmly.
Michael still tried to plead his case "But mom, Molly will be kept away, can't I just hang out with Binky-"
"Michael David Read!" Jane nearly shouted, cutting off Michael harshly. "For the last time, you are not allowed out with Binky or the rest of that gang, understood!"
Michael muttered to himself. "Fine." but chooses to remain silent his rage brewing under the surface, the tension thick in the air, once they got into the driveway, Michael didn't bother waiting or helping he quickly undid his seatbelt and booked for his room, completely ignoring his grandmother as she looked at his retreating form with concern, both Pal and Max were quick to follow after him, but quickly puts a smile on her face as the rest of the family comes in after she greets the girls they all went upstairs to get ready for dinner.
Grandma Thora said, "How is Arthur?" once they were alone.
Jane answers her expression one of exhaustion and frustration as she says in a calm tone, "They'd want to see how well Arthur does sleeping overnight alone, I hope you don't mind dropping the girls off to preschool and daycare tomorrow, since I have to get these prescriptions for Arthur at 10:00 am so afterward I can have lunch at work."
"Not at all dear, I am happy to hang out with my grandbabies anytime," Thora reassured as she got up from the table, saying her goodbyes as she left for the night.
Later that evening after feeding the girl dinner, Micheal wasn't hungry, they were soon off to bed, leaving the adults alone once more.
Jane was silently washing the dishes until she decided to voice the fears and thoughts she had been having for a while now.
"What if we had been out of town working, Arthur could have…?" she states her eyes filled with tears.
David was quick to reassure his distressed wife, "But he is not and what matters is the time we have with not just him, but all of the kids."
Janes sighs, "Yes, but what about them, do I need to remind you that we both work full time at jobs that demand our time and attention, there are times when one or both of us are out of town, because of Arthur's high-end needs, one of us will have to stop traveling to be home for not just him, but the others, it's unclear if and when Arthur will ever make full recovery, we need to get help to come in and not to mention the all whole bedroom situation needs to be done before he comes home."
David gently puts his hands on his wife's shoulders in hopes of calming her anxieties, "Don't worry Jane, I will be here tomorrow to help with the plans for the bedroom with Lucie, but until then we have time remember it will be a few weeks before the doctors feel that Arthur will be well enough to come home."
Jane lets out a sigh as she leans into her husband's chest, saying with an exhausted tone, "As always you're right."
The man leans down and kisses her on the forehead as they make their way to bed.
End Flashback
Morning came too soon for Michael as he dragged himself up and quickly got ready for school, quietly grabbing a breakfast bar before heading out the door, only giving a quick acknowledgment to M.W., D.W., and Kate as well as the dogs.
Jane looks at her oldest sadly, but she stays firm in her ruling when it comes to who he is allowed to hang out with, so she just lets out a breath walks over to her husband's side, and whispers in his ear.
"I called the school, speaking with both the Vice-principal and Principal, and told them about Arthur and his current situation, they will announce it during the staff meeting today."
As he walks down the walkway towards the sidewalk, the door opens and David yells out to him.
"Michael, can you please pick up your brother's backpack at the Vice-Principal's office later today?"
The boy gives him a thumbs up without a backward glance as he continues the walk to school in silence until he hears his name, turning to see Binky and his goons looking at him with a look of awkward concern.
The boy genius sighs as he states bluntly, "My Mom is saying that I am not allowed to be friends with you guys anymore."
They didn't look surprised at that, as Ratter spoke. "It is because of what happened?"
Micheal nods.
Binky puts a hand on the smaller boy's shoulder in understanding, "I am sure that your Mom is just really stressed and exhausted right now, I am sure she didn't mean it."
Michael sighs, "Believe me when I say, that she meant it, but then again she never said that I couldn't be with you guys during school hours."
They all gave each other a small smile as they started to resume walking towards the school building.
Just then Binky remembers something and breaks the silence once more. "Hey, Micheal, I left a note for Arthur in his backpack, I just wanted to apologize for not stopping Molly."
Michael looks at the downtrodden look on his face. "Forgive yourself, big guy, it all happened so fast that no one had time to react, I don't blame any of you guys, Molly was the only one solely responsible for what happened." He states sagely as they make their separate ways to class.
Meanwhile in the Teacher Lounge of Lakewood Elementary...
When the teachers got here this morning they were all called to a meeting by Mr. Haney and Mr. Shawn to talk about the current situation of one Arthur Read.
"Good morning to everyone, this meeting was called to discuss Arthur Read and his education while he recovers and when he comes back to school," Haney states.
Then Mr. Shawn the Vice principal spoke up, "After talking with the boy's parents, it was discussed that he will be homeschooled until it is decided if he is recovered enough to come back, but until that time, things have to change like the school's current playground has been closed off because of what happened, so it was decided that it will be replaced with newer and safer equipment that not only inclusive to everyone of all abilities and ages, there will be strict rules in place when they play on it to hopefully prevent another incident."
They all agreed with that wholeheartedly, after that, they all discussed more in detail about the other students that they see are struggling or need to be challenged more before disbanding to start getting ready for the school day.
But just as Mr. Haney was going to head back to his office, he was stopped by Mr. Shawn.
"Mr. Haney, may I suggest that the school's Mighty Mountains Program for young Mr. Read, that way he can still be with his peers, but he will assigned a Parateacher to help him, he can even join the others in their lunch room so he can meet the other kids that are a part of the program and have a quiet environment to relax in."
Mr. Haney rubbed his chin in thought, before nodding his agreement, "I agree, if that is all, have a good day." just as he was going to leave he was again stopped.
"Also I would like to address this next issue," he pulls out a few pieces of paper from his bookbag, "why does it say that our kitchen staff has been laid off, aside from Ms. McGrady?"
Mr. Haney had the grace to look ashamed as he answered. "I might have fired them, without cause."
Mr. Shawn almost wanted to smack his face in frustration as he looked at the other man sternly.
"I can not stress that Lakewood already has a reputation for lack of staff and students we already had some bad reviews from the school board in the past if we get one more bad report they are more likely to shut Lakewood Elementary down permanently, you will call all of them and rehire them saying that it was an honest mistake and even offer a raise to them all, even Ms. McGrady."
Mr. Haney sighs but nods before walking back to his office to make a few phone calls.
Meanwhile back at the Read homestead,
Jane was sitting at the table trying to relax after running to get Arthur's meds, the girls were either at preschool and daycare so it just left her and David alone as they waited for Lucie to come around at 10:30.
As they were waiting, Jane decided to look over the plan and was quick to say. " David , I am going to add in the plan that the liquid Phenobarbital needs to be taken at bedtime, we can mix it into his drink before he goes to bed for the night."
At around quarter past 10 am, the doorbell rang.
David got up to answer and was surprised to see Lucie was standing there, 15 minutes early.
"I see that a wheelchair ramp will need to be put in, also I would put in a railing for safety as well for when he wants to walk." She states matter-factly, not bothering to greet them as she comes inside, looking around the house she nods at the openness of it, turning her attention to Dave and Jane who come out to stand beside him.
"Please show me the room you wish to be your youngest son's room."
David nods and gives her a polite smile, "Of course" Walking over to where the main living room was located, they were greeted by the coziness of the space, it has a brown upright piano, a purple sofa, more lounge chairs, and a fireplace along with a tv set as well a grandfather clock.
Lucie looks around, writing down on her clipboard as she speaks.
"Okay so this needs a lot of work in for this to be a bedroom for your son, the sofa and coffee table can stay, but they need to be moved so that they can serve as both extra seating and a nightstand for him, but the pink chair has to go I am afraid, the TV set needs to be moved back for space, does both the piano or grandfather clock work?" she asked.
"Yes, Arthur loves to play the piano," David states.
Lucie nods, "Very well, but since your son is starting to walk the pathways will need to be cleared at all times, now on to the dining room, I will recommend you get a special needs dining chair for Arthur, it will keep him safe and secure as he eats, as I can see the kitchen is nice and spacious, but you do need a food processor as well.
"Also, because he is not able to navigate stairs safely, I will recommend having a smaller bathroom built down here for him to use, I know that you could probably carry him easily, but that is not safe and it would be harder as he gets older and bigger."
They both understand the reason and so Lucie asked, "Do you have access to the backyard?"
Jane nods, "Yes, there is a back door in the kitchen that leads to the backyard, come I will show you."
The trio walked towards the back door and soon they were greeted by both Pal and Max who were hanging out in the backyard.
Lucia smiles and gives each dog a friendly pat, "Oh you didn't tell me you had dogs they are so cute!" she gushes as she is soon given kisses by both dogs on her hand.
"Max is Michael's, my oldest son's dog and Pal is Arthur's," Jane explains.
Lucie giggles a bit at the two pups' cuteness, before quickly regaining her composure and stating. "You need another railing and ramp installed for here as well, also the tire swing will have to be replaced with a sensory adaptive swing, it is a car seat type swing that can hold a child, teen, and even a grown adult and it will help calm Arthur when he needs it and while the sandbox is fine, I wouldn't let him sit in it unsupervised."
Jane agrees and when she notices the dogs are getting too hyper, she says sternly.
"Max, Pal, sit." they automatically obey, which impresses Lucie as she turns to ask.
"Have you ever thought of having one of your dogs to be trained as a service dog for Arthur?"
David shakes his head, "We haven't thought of that, but since Pal is Arthur's dog, maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea for later down the road."
Lucie nods and follows them back into the house where they discuss the house in more detail and its current condition as well as other things that they might need, like needing to get a much larger van to accommodate all the children and Arthur's wheelchair, etc, soon Lucie is packing up to leave.
"You have about 4 weeks to get the house ready for when your son comes home, I would suggest getting the layout for the bedroom ready first," she suggested as she walked out the door and towards her car.
As soon as she was gone, David and Jane, both slumped down onto the couch from the mental exhaustion of it all as they just looked around their family home, knowing that everything was going to change so much and didn't help that when they turned on the TV, the news was announcing a sever cold front coming to Elwood City.
Jane leans into David 's shoulder as she says, "Geeze! Things just keep adding up and we need to see about making sure of getting Neal and his son George to help us build the ramps, and bathroom and install the railings, seeing if Ed can get us a good deal on a van, we will have to see about getting electrical and plumping installed as well for the bathroom, I guess it is a good thing that we both can work from home with our jobs, but the only thing is sometimes we have to be out of town for work, but I guess I can just tell my boss about the situation and I am sure she will understand and find someone else to take over that part of the job. hopeful"
David sighs tiredly not saying a word as he grabs the overthrow blanket from the back of the couch, covering them both up, and changes the channel to something more entertaining and soon they are fast asleep in each other's arms.