Transfer to Star Labs
The next morning Clark was woken up by a new nurse.
- Good morning Mr. Kent - said the nurse - How do you feel?
Clark, still somewhat sleepy, took a few seconds to respond.
- Same as last night, although not as tired
- That's good - the nurse answered, while she checked each one of the machines and lines Clark was connected to. - Any pain?
- Not much... Just like yesterday... - Clark said, yawning.
- I'm glad, it means that the painkillers are doing their job - replied the nurse, while she wrote down the latest data - I'll check the incision, to see if everything is going well
- Okay... - Clark said. At that moment he realized that Lois wasn't in the room - Have you seen my wife?
- Yes, she went out to make a phone call as soon as she saw me come in...she must be coming back soon
- Oh thanks
- Everything looks good with the wound, and with all the parameters... - said the nurse while she bandaged the wound again - Do you feel like eating something?
- I think so... - answered Clark - although the truth is I'm not very hungry...
- That's normal... Antibiotics and pain medications usually cause some nausea and that suppresses your appetite - explained the nurse - but your body needs to be nourished in order to recover
- Alright
- Don't worry, it will be a light meal... try to eat what you can, but it's not an obligation to eat it all... - said the nurse while she changed the drips before leaving the room - it wouldn't be good if you ended up vomiting
- OK, thanks
- They will bring it to you in a few minutes - said the nurse from the door, before closing the door
Clark who was lying on his side, looking towards the door, saw the door close with some apprehension. He was alone in the room and unable to move. It's not like he really wanted to move, despite the painkillers he still felt sore and exhausted, but not having the chance to move if he wanted to was something new to him.
He really wanted to try to move his legs or even just touch them with his hands, but he knew it wouldn't be a good idea to do so. On one hand, there was the fact that they had to put a metal plate on his spine to repair the damage, and he knew that a lot of movement on his part would not help the recovery process; and on the other hand, he was connected to so many lines and machines, that Clark was afraid that if he moved it would only cause something to become disconnected or to get tangled together.
This is why, to Clark's bad luck, he could only stay looking at the closed door of his room until Lois or the nurse came back... He couldn't watch TV, since he didn't know where the remote control was, and also the TV was almost out of his visual range. He couldn't even know what was happening on the other side of the door, since his powers hadn't come back yet, so he couldn't hear or see through the door.
To Clark's relief, just a few minutes later the door opened, and Lois walked in, accompanied by his parents.
- Mom? Dad?
- Oh Clark! - Martha said anguished when she saw her son, approaching him quickly, but careful not to touch any cable or line - How do you feel?
- Not so bad... The pain meds are working - Clark replied with a smile, trying to calm down his parents
- Have they been treating you well son? - asked Jonathan worried
- Yes dad, also Dr. Klein has done everything he possibly can to keep my secret
- Did you sleep well? You look tired... And so pale - said Martha
- Yes mom
- Yes, Martha, don't worry... he didn't wake up all night - Lois added, seeing that Martha didn't look very convinced - Dr. Klein said that it was expected that Clark would be a little weak these days...
- Why?
- Because of the blood loss, the surgery and all the damage that the concentrated liquid Kryptonite did... - Lois explained - besides, there is still a bit of Kryptonite left in his system.
- What?! Why? - asked Jonathan alarmed
-They managed to get most of it out during surgery, but a little bit is still in his system... That's why Clark is on dialysis, to help him get rid of it faster... It was a lot of work for his right kidney
- Oh, honey... I can't believe you've lost your other kidney... - Martha said, very affected - and your spine...
- It's okay mom... Dr. Klein said that the right kidney will get used to it very quickly...- Clark said calmly, he didn't like to see his mom so distressed - And my back... ehmm... Dr. Klein said there is a small chance it isn't permanent... That it is a very small chance, but we shouldn't rule it out yet
Martha and Jonathan looked at each other with a small smile, they had seen their son do incredible things since he was very little, and every time he surprised them with something new... Maybe recovering from this was one of those incredible things he would surprise them with.
Lois for her part, as soon as she saw the smiles of Martha and Jonathan, she got worried. It's not that she didn't want to believe in that small possibility, but she didn't want Clark to cling to it too much and then the disappointment would be worse... She preferred to be realistic, to accept that this little glimmer of hope existed, but that the other option was much more likely
- Even if this turns out to be permanent, I'm sure Clark will be able to move on and continue to enjoy his life with us and little John.
- Of course, honey - Martha said immediately.
- You know we'll always be there for you, Clark - Jonathan added.
- I know...
At that moment, someone knocked on the door and then entered the room. It was a nurse who brought Clark's food
- I brought you your food Mr. Kent - said the nurse, leaving the tray on a table next to the bed - due to the surgery, you still can't change position, so someone will have to help you with the food - she added, looking at those in the room - they should be small and leisurely portions, to avoid choking or making him want to vomit
- Understood - Lois said.
- Eat only what you can, it is not an obligation to eat everything... Later I will come to get the tray - said the nurse going to the door
- Thank you very much - Clark said.
Lois went over to the tray to see what they had brought.
- They brought you a great feast Clark... Broth and jelly - Lois said sarcastically.
- Haha... Did you guys eat something? Did you have breakfast? - Clark asked his parents and wife.
- We don't... - Jonathan said.
- I had a coffee with a pretzel from the cafeteria while I was talking to Jimmy - Lois said, as she moved the table closer to the bed.
- Jimmy? How's John? - Clark asked.
- Okay, it seems Jimmy is a very good babysitter... Perry gave him permission to stay with John for today... so that we can stay with you - Lois said, sitting in a chair across from Clark, to begin to give him the broth
- Oh...
- No oh... Say Ah - Lois said between laughs, showing him the spoon with soup
-Lois..
- Clark... Open your mouth.
- Ahhh... - Clark said, opening his mouth.
- Okay, since Lois will take care of the soup, we'll go to the cafeteria... - Martha said, guiding Jonathan towards the door, - we'll be back in a few minutes
As soon as Martha closed the door, Lois asked
- Are you okay?
- Huh?
- I know you don't like to see your parents so worried.. that's why I'll ask again, are you really okay or did you just say it to not scare them more? - Lois asked, giving him another spoonful of soup.
- It's the truth... I'm not going to deny that I'm scared of what may come... But it's true that painkiller are working...
- That's good... - Lois said, giving him another spoonful of broth - and as I said, in case the worst scenario happens, we will be there to support you.
- I know... And that reassures me a lot - Clark said with a sincere smile
When Martha and Jonathan returned to Clark's room, the bowl of broth was half empty and the jelly was still intact.
- You didn't want to eat more? - Martha asked worriedly.
- No... - Clark said.
- He started to feel a bit nauseated, so we stopped it there... - Lois clarified.
- Oh, honey... Did you have some water?
- Yes mom, I already did... But I prefer not to force myself, I really don't want to end up vomiting - Clark said, closing his eyes. Despite having only been awake for a couple of hours, he was beginning to feel somewhat tired.
- I think we should let you sleep for a while son, you should rest as much as you can... - Jonathan said - we'll be in the corridor, okay?
- Ok... - Clark said sleepily.
- If you need something just shout ok? - said Martha
- Here, this is the button to call the nurses.. - Lois said, leaving the button on the bed within Clark's reach.
- Thanks - Clark said before falling asleep.
- I can't believe this is happening - Martha said as soon as they left Clark's room - I never thought I would see my baby in this situation
- Me neither - said Jonathan, just as afflicted.
Before Lois could answer, Perry White appeared in front of them.
-Lois! Martha! Jonathan!
- Hi Perry - Lois said, giving Perry a hug.
- How is Clark? How are you? - Perry asked.
- Clark just fell asleep... - Martha replied, for Perry to lower the volume of his voice a little.
- Oh, I'm sorry - Perry apologized - But he will be okay?
- Over time, yes - Lois said, after taking a deep breath she began to explain in more detail what had happened and Clark's prognosis - The bullets were not only made of Kryptonite, they were filled with highly concentrated liquid Kryptonite
- Ok... - Perry said, not fully understanding the importance of that detail.
- Dr. Klein explained to us that although Kryptonite is not normally harmful to humans, in its concentrated form it can cause a lot of damage
- Oh Jesus
- It produces symptoms similar to those of radiation poisoning... - Lois explained -... the liquid Kryptonite was so concentrated that when it came into contact with the organs it had an effect similar to that of some acids... Destroying the tissue around it ...
- For Elvis!
- Because we had to wait so long to call an ambulance, the kryptonite had plenty of time to destroy...- Lois said, her voice cracking with emotion.
Since Clark had left the surgery room, Lois hadn't shed a tear, mainly to show Clark that he could count on her, but she hadn't lacked desire... And now that she told Perry what had happened, she couldn't . hold on any more
- And it destroy a lot... One of the bullets completely destroyed the left kidney... - said Lois
- And the second? - Perry asked, very worried about the answer.
- The second hit Clark's spine... and damaged his spinal cord - Lois finished between sobs.
Martha, who was also crying, hugged Jonathan for comfort, while Perry hugged Lois to contain her.
- Oh Lois, I'm so sorry - Perry said, very affected. He never thought that something like this could happen to one of his star journalists, let alone that the accident would happen in his newsroom.
- We don't know yet how much it will affect the mobility and sensitivity of Clark's legs... - Lois said - but, it is very likely that there will be some kind of sequel...
- You know you can count on us for anything - Perry said - and you can take all the time you need...
- Thanks Perry...
- And if it is necessary to make some adaptations in the office, just let me know, okay?
- Sure... - Lois answered.
- I suppose you will also have to do some adaptations in the house... - Perry said
- It's possible - Lois said, but I haven't discussed it with Clark yet...
- I know it's hard to think about that, honey, but it's preferable to have the options ready... Only in case they're necessary - Perry said calmly - if it turns out that you don't need them, much better then...
- It's true - said Jonathan - it's better to think about them calmly...
- Yes, you're right... - Lois said - ... But the truth is, I don't think that in the worst case scenario the house will still be an option
- What are you talking about? - Martha asked.
- It would have to be completely remodeled... The entrance has steps... We would need an elevator to the second floor...
- It's true - said Jonathan - it would be easier to find a new place
- Yes... But Clark loves that house - Lois said sadly.
- He bought it thinking of you dear - said Martha.
- I know... That's why it worries me, he'll feel guilty for having to move...-Lois admitted
- Maybe at first, but then he will understand that it is not the house that makes you happy, but living with him - said Martha
- Thanks Martha... - said Lois, a little calmer
About 20 minutes later, Perry got up to go back to the office, since he had a lot to attend to, but before leaving, he had to ask Lois something very important.
- Honey, all the news showed what happened yesterday, and everyone saw Clark leaving with the paramedics...
- I know... They've been calling me... - Lois said - but I don't have a clear head to talk to them right now, so I turned off my cell phone.
- I thought so... - answered Perry - but you know how they are... If they don't have information then they will start inventing...
- Do you want to publish it? - asked Jonathan not very enthusiastic about the idea
- Nothing very detailed, just the most important of what happened, and that Clark will be fine... - Perry said
- You're right... If we don't answer something, maybe they'll start to invent crazy stories... - Lois said
- Don't worry, I'll write it myself... - Perry offered.
- No... Perry is not necessary... I'll do it - said Lois
- Are you sure? You don't have to... You should worry about Clark... - Perry said confused.
- That's what I'm doing... That's why I prefer to write it myself... I'll send it to you in time for the last edition
- Okay, whatever you want... - Perry said.
- But, could you send someone home for my laptop? ... I would ask Jimmy to bring it, but he is taking care of John ...
- It will not be necessary Lois - said Martha - we will go to relieve Jimmy, and he can bring it
- Oh really? Don't you want to be here with Clark? - Lois asked.
- Of course, - said Jonathan - but at the moment we are not helpful here, but we can help taking care of our grandson
- Thank you - Lois said with a sincere smile.
- Great, I'll wait for your article then - Perry said, heading for the elevator.
As soon as Perry disappeared into the elevator Jonathan asked
- Are you sure it's a good idea for you to write that article?
- Yes... In any case, someone was going to end up writing it... Or as Perry said, inventing something about it - Lois explained - I prefer to write it myself, and give the necessary details so that they don't ask more questions... And changing a bit of the facts to protect Clark's secret
- Thank you dear... - said Martha - well, in that case it will be better for us to leave so that Jimmy can come as soon as possible
- Thank you
As soon as Martha and Jonathan left, Lois looked at her watch... To her surprise, it was only 10:00 am...
- It's been a long day and it's not even mid-day yet...
At that moment Dr. Klein appeared in the hallway in front of her.
- Oh Lois, good morning.
- Good morning Dr. Klein
- How's Clark doing?
-He says he's fine... After eating something he fell asleep...
- Oh, I'm afraid I'll have to wake him up so I can take some blood samples and see his progress.
-Okay... he's been sleeping for about an hour
Lois and Dr. Klein entered the room in silence. First Dr. Klein checked the dialysis machine and took some urine samples (to give Clark a few extra minutes of sleep). Then it was time to wake Clark up.
- Clark? Honey... - Lois said.
- Hmm?
- Wake up... Dr. Klein needs to take some blood samples and talk to you.
- Ok...- Clark said, giving a big yawn.
- Sorry. For waking you up Clark - apologized Dr. Klein
- Don't worry ...
- Lois told me that you had some soup - said Dr. Klein, while he took the blood sample.
- Yes, but I only ate half of it...it made me a little nauseous
- That is to be expected with the medications you are taking, the important thing is that you eat, even if it is little by little... did you try the jelly? probably it don't make you nauseous
- No, I didn't try it...
- How do you feel?
- I feel almost the same as yesterday... The painkillers work, but they have me somewhat disoriented and dizzy... - Clark said, yawning again - and tired
- That last thing is normal, not only because of the medicines, but also because of the Kryptonite that still circulates in your system.
- Great..
- I'll go examine these samples, and I'll be back with Dr. Rose in a while... Then we'll evaluate your reflexes and if it's possible to make your transfer today
- Okay...
- Try to eat a little more.. - said Dr. Klein before leaving the room
- Where are my parents? - Clark asked.
- They went home to take care of John and relieve Jimmy
- Oh...
- Jimmy will bring me my laptop - said Lois
- Your laptop? - Clark asked confused. The drugs made his brain work very slowly and his thoughts were a bit hazy.
- Perry came to visit you a while ago... I told him that I would write the article about what happened yesterday - Lois explained - so I can leave certain details out
- Oh...
- Yesterday when the paramedics took you out of The Planet, there were many reporters outside... Everyone knows that you were shot... But they still don't know the details about it, that's why I prefer to be the one to tell the story
- Thank you
- You're welcome honey - Lois said, leaning over to kiss Clark's forehead - now, why don't we try to put a little jelly inside you
About an hour later, Clark had managed to eat almost all the jelly, and together with Lois they had planned what the article would say, now they just had to write it.
At that moment there was a knock at the door.
- CK, can I come in?
- Come in Jimmy! - Lois answered aloud. She didn't want Clark to strain himself by yelling.
- Hello Lois, CK... - Jimmy said entering the room - How are you feeling buddy?
- Not as bad as it seems - Clark replied.
- I'm glad CK, you had us very worried... - Jimmy said - here Lois
-Thanks Jimmy - said Lois receiving the Laptop from him - How was John?
- Well... He's just a baby, there aren't many troubles he can cause haha
- Thanks for taking care of him Jimmy - Clark said.
- No problem CK - Jimmy replied - I'd love to stay, but Perry asked me to go to The Planet, apparently it's one of those crazy days...
- Then go help him - Lois said.
- See you! Get well soon CK!
- Thanks Jimmy.
As soon as Jimmy left the room, Lois turned on her laptop, but before she could start typing, the door opened again, this time it was Dr. Klein and Dr. Rose.
- Mr. Kent, I'm very glad to see you awake and in good spirits - said Dr. Rose - I see that you ate a little
- Yeah...
- That's always a good sign... - answered Dr. Rose cheerfully, - Dr. Klein showed me the results of the tests he took a while ago
- And? - Lois asked.
- Everything looks good... - reported Dr. Klein - the levels of kryptonite in your blood have dropped considerably
- What a relief - Lois said.
- By tomorrow you should be completely free of Kryptonite - added Dr. Klein
- That good news - Lois said very relieved. Clark for his part was relieved, but his drugged brain wouldn't allow him to be so effusive.
- However, the effects of Kryptonite probably won't wear off as quickly - said Dr. Rose - since the symptoms are very similar to those of radiation poisoning, it is likely that you will feel a little down, tired and nauseated for a few more days
- It's most likely that Kryptonite doesn't cause long-term damage, but since normally humans aren't affected, we don't really know... - Dr. Klein said, looking at Lois and Clark so they could understand that he was changing some facts to keep Clark's secret - that's why we will transfer Clark to StarLabs as soon as possible... I prefer to keep him under observation
- Sure... Thank you Dr. Klein - said Lois
- Well, in that case let's start... - said Dr. Rose - the first thing will be to check the level of sensitivity in your legs, okay?
- Okay - Clark replied.
Dr. Rose uncovered Clark's legs, and using his fingers he began to press in different places
- Let me know if you feel anything... Pressure, pain, tingling... Whatever...
-... Nothing... - Clark said somewhat disappointed.
- Okay...we'll try it again - Dr. Rose said, this time pricking Clark's feet and legs with a fine needle.
- ... Nothing...
- Ok... We'll do one last try... - Dr. Rose said, taking a pair of tweezers and pressing between Clark's toes - Anything?
- ... No...
- Well... The ideal thing would be to perform an MRI, but due to the metal plate in your spine it won't be possible - said Dr. Rose - the same reason why an X-ray wouldn't be effective either.
- The common alternative would be a TC or Myelography, but at this moment the radiation level of both exams would be too high for your body - explained Dr. Rose
- So our best option is an EMG (electromyography) - said Dr. Kkein - with it we can see the electrical activity of the muscles and nerves in your legs ..
- In short, it would be to see how long it takes for the nerve signal to reach your feet... if it does at all - explained Dr. Rose
- Ok... I have toy stay lie down? Or should I sit? - asked Clark
- You will be lying down... I don't want you to sit down for a couple of days and then it will be for short periods at first ... - said Dr. Rose
- Ok... - Clark replied, somewhat nervous about the test result.
- Calm down - Lois told him, taking his hand.
Several minutes later, Clark had been disconnected from all machines that could interfere with the study, and had been connected to various electrodes.
- Well, we will start by measuring the reaction of the muscles of your arms, to be able to make a comparison... - said Dr. Rose - I must warn you that it can be a bit painful and uncomfortable, but the sensation will pass immediately
- Okay...
- Well, here we go... - said Dr. Rose giving the first shock
- Oh! - Clark said, feeling a current that ran through his right arm and reached the tips of his fingers.
-- Good, totally within range... - said Dr. Rose - now the left arm...
- Oh!
- Excellent, the same speed as on the right
- You're doing well honey - Lois said, gently stroking his back to encourage him - the pain will pass soon
- Well... It's time to try it with the legs - said Dr. Rose - Anything?
- ... Nothing...
- Let's try the other one...
-... Nothing... - Clark answered disappointed.
- Well, for the moment it seems that we can confirm the diagnosis of complete medullary section... - said Dr. Rose - ... But it is still too early for it to be a definitive diagnosis
- Really? - Lois asked hopefully.
- Yes... various factors may be affecting the result... It may be that the surgery anesthesia is still working... that the pain medications are affecting the results... Or that the swelling in the area is compressing some fiber that has managed to survive... - explained Dr. Rose - so although it is the most probable diagnosis at the moment, it is not yet definitive...
- I understand... - Clark said.
- We will repeat this exam every three days for the next two weeks to see if we see any changes - said Dr. Rose - by then, your body should already be able to resist a myelogram...
- Having both results we can have a definitive diagnosis... And think about a rehabilitation regimen - said Dr. Klein
- So we'll have to wait two weeks? - Lois asked.
- Yes - answered Dr. Rose
- And when can I go home? - Clark asked, eager to leave the hospital.
- It will depend on how you are healing - replied Dr. Rose - we must be sure that there is no risk of infection of the wounds... That your right kidney is doing its job... And that the implant in your spine resists the pressure ...
- We don't have a way to say it yet... - added Dr. Klein - it could be that in those two weeks you heal enough to continue resting at home... Or that you need to stay another couple of weeks in the hospital...
- But in both cases it will require at least a month of bed rest, before starting to make more exerting movements - explained Dr. Rose
- A month? - Clark said disappointed.
- It's not so much darling... it'll go away very quickly, you'll see - Lois said, not believing what she was saying. She hated doing nothing, being on rest for a month would be horrible.
- I'm sure you won't even notice it... before you know it you will go home Clark - said Dr. Klein, hoping that Clark would understand his message. As a result of his powers and his accelerated regeneration, it probably wouldn't need that much downtime. A little extra rest wouldn't hurt Clark though.
- Well, we'll check the incision as follows, and if everything looks normal we can make the transfer as soon as the paperwork is ready - said Dr. Rose - I'll take a look, okay?
- Sure - Clark replied.
Dr. Rose and Dr. Klein checked the incision meticulously, after a few minutes Dr. Rose said
- Everything looks in order... There are no signs of infection or any type of rejection of the implant or the stitches...
- The area is somewhat swollen, but it is normal - added Dr. Klein
- Does it hurt if I do this? - asked Dr. Rose, as he gently palpated the area near the incision
- A little... - Clark replied.
- It is also to be expected... But it looks very good, there is no accumulation of fluid or pus under the skin...
- In that case, we can carry out the transfer this afternoon - concluded Dr. Klein
- What a relief - said Lois - thank you very much for everything Dr. Rose
- It was nothing... We will go to do all the necessary paperwork, and as soon as everything is ready we will come for Clark - said Dr. Rose, leaving the room followed by Dr. Klein
- I'll go call your parents to let them know we're going to StarLabs - Lois said, heading towards the door.
- And your cell phone?
- I have it turned off... Journalists have been calling since yesterday... - Lois explained - don't worry, I'll be back in a few minutes
- Okay...
Again Clark was left alone in a quiet room... he definitely needed to keep the TV on, at least not to feel so alone at times like this...
These moments alone were the perfect opportunity for his brain to plague him with negative thoughts and doubts about the future...
The EMG results hadn't been good... Dr. Rose had said the diagnosis wasn't final yet, but... what if it was?
What would happen to Clark Kent? What would happen to Superman?
After all, the answer to the first question was not so difficult... There were many humans who suffered different kinds of accidents, and that had to learn to live with a disability... The vast majority managed to continue with their lives... Obviously it required effort and the support of their family and friends to be able to adapt to this new reality...
But what would happen to Superman? Clark didn't know... Possibly he could still fly to different places... Maybe save someone falling from a building or stop a bullet... This is assuming his powers continue to function as usual... And if they don't? Would people realize that Superman is always floating and that he never walks anymore?...
-Clark? Clark!
- huh?
- Are you OK? - Lois asked somewhat scared - I've been repeating your name for a while, but you seemed to be very focused on something...
- Oh, I'm sorry... - Clark replied - I was just thinking...
- On what?
- In Superman... - Clark admitted.
- Honey... You shouldn't worry about that now... - Lois said, sitting down on the chair next to her bed, - you just need to focus about your health now... We'll think about the rest later
- But ...
- No buts... - said Lois - for now the most important thing is that Clark Kent recovers soon so he can go home to play with little John, who misses him a lot
- Okay... - Clark said with a smile - How has John behaved with my parents?
- Well... If Martha could control you, nothing John does will surprise her.
- Haha, that's true...
- Your dad was very relieved that we're going to StarLabs soon - Lois said - but even so he doesn't like the idea of you staying in the laboratory very much.
- I'm not surprised... A few years ago I would have been the same as him - Clark said - but I fully trust Dr. Klein
- Me too... And I told him that, but I don't think I calmed him down much...
- You'd better start writing that article, or you won't be able to deliver it to Perry - Clark said, remembering what Lois had to do.
- You're right... We need to get to work
- Us?
- Sure... You'll share the headline with me, right?
- Don't you think my version of the story would be a bit impartial? - Clark said with a smile - ... But I can check the spelling if you want
- Ha ha... Very funny
Lois was only a couple of paragraphs away from finishing when there was a knock on the door.
- Come in!
- It's time to go Mr. Kent - a nurse said upon entering the room - the ambulance that will take you to StarLabs is already waiting for you downstairs
- Oh great - Clark said.
- In a few minutes the paramedics will come to pick you up - explained the nurse - so in the meantime we will prepare some things
- Like what? - Lois asked.
- In the ambulance he will continue to be connected to the serum and the pain medications - said the nurse - but I must disconnect him from all the other machines
- Oh...
- Once he arrives at StarLabs, they will reconnect him to the monitors they deem necessary
- I understand - Clark said.
About 20 minutes later, Clark was ready to go, and Lois had a bag with her laptop and Clark's belongings, just waiting for the paramedics to show up.
- Knock knock - Dr. Klein said as he entered Clark's room - we have everything ready in StarLabs, and the paramedics are coming up with the stretcher
- The transfer to the stretcher may hurt a bit - warned Dr. Rose, who had entered after Dr. Klein - but we will do it together, to avoid as much as possible any movement that could cause you pain
- O-ok... - Clark replied a bit nervous.
At that moment, two paramedics entered the room, accompanied by two other nurses.
- Excellent, we are enough - said Dr. Rose, giving instructions to those present - it is important that Mr. Kent stays in that position (on his side) all the time, and hopefully there are not many sudden movements that could cause pain in his back
- Understood
- You two together with Dr. Klein, will pull the sheets onto the stretcher - Dr. Rose said to the paramedics, to then look at the two nurses who had entered with them - you two will get behind Mr. Kent to push the sheet towards the stretcher
- Okay...
- The two of us - Dr. Rose said, looking at the nurse who had prepared Clark - we will support Mr. Kent, so that he stays in that position, okay?
- Understood...
- Mr. Kent, please relax as much as you can... Getting tense will only make it hurt more - said Dr. Rose
- I'll try...
- Okay, on the count of three... 1... 2... 3!
In one quick move, the medical team was able to transfer Clark to the gurney without issue, and to Clark's relief, without much extra pain.
- Everything alright Mr. Kent? - asked Dr. Rose as he rearranged the pillows that helped keep Clarke on his side.
- Yeah...
- Excellent... - said Dr. Rose, and then turned to the paramedics - During the journey, you must ensure that Mr. Kent always maintains the same position, and when passing him to the bed there you should carry out the same procedure that we did just now.
- We know - replied one of the paramedics, not very happy with being given so many instructions... He knew how to do his job
- Well Mr. Kent, I'll leave you in Dr. Klein hands - said Dr. Rose, - he'll keep me up to date with the results of your tests and how your recovery is evolving...
- Thank you very much Dr. Rose, for saving my life - Clark said
- I'm sorry I couldn't do more... - said Dr. Rose - in case of any complication Dr. Klein will call me and I'll see you at StarLabs
- Ok, thank you very much for everything Dr. Rose - Lois said, saying goodbye
The ambulance ride was short, but not very pleasant for Clark. Any bump they went over or turn the ambulance took sent a wave of pain down his back.
Once settled in his new room at StarLabs, Dr. Klein introduced him to the nurses who would be taking care of him for the next few days.
- Clark, this is Anne and Julie, and they will be taking turns to attend to you - said Dr. Klein
- Ehm... Hello... - said Clark, who was a bit out of it due to the pain from the trip from the hospital
- We will reconnect you to the monitors and the dialysis machine, and then we will let you rest, okay? - said Dr. Klein
A few minutes later Clark was hooked up again, the pillows that helped keep him on his side had been rearranged, and Dr. Klein had asked the nurses to leave the room.
- I know that the ambulance trip was not comfortable... Do you want me to raise the painkiklers a little? - asked Dr. Klein
- It wouldn't be bad... - Clark said, grateful.
- It's okay... I'll ask Anne to put it back on the normal dose later - said Dr. Klein
- Dr. Klein... Do they know about Clark? - Lois asked.
- No, nobody in the lab knows - explained Dr. Klein - at the moment everyone knows the official version that I gave to Dr. Rose... That Clark is here to monitor if exposure to highly concentrated kryptonite generates any type of complication
- I understand
- And no one else will know unless it is strictly necessary to help Clark's health - said Dr. Klein - anyway, everyone who will be working on this is completely trusted by me, so you should not worry
- Thank you Dr. Klein - Clark said
- Well, now that we are alone... I would like to be able to speak more honestly about Clark's condition - said Dr. Klein, who, seeing the expectant faces of Lois and Clark, continued - according to my calculations at tomorrow noon the kryptonite should have left your body completely... That will help you gradually start to feel better
- And my powers? - Clark asked.
- They should come back little by little... But I couldn't say how long it will take to happen - said Dr. Klein - until now you had never been exposed to kryptonite so concentrated and for so long...
- Thank God... - Clark said -... And I hope it doesn't happen again...
- Most of the times you were exposed to Kryptonite was for very short periods... in those cases, your powers were diminished or disappeared for only a couple of hours... - said Dr. Klein - The only time in the exposure was longer, it was with Diana Stride, and when Luthor locked you in his wine cellar... I don't have specific information about that last time, but from what you've told me, it took a few days for your powers to return
- Yes... In a couple of days they started to come back, but it took them almost a week to come back completely - Clark said, remembering what happened.
- And that time the exposure was external... The Kryptonite was not inside you... - said Dr. Klein - therefore it is very likely that even though the kryptonite leaves your body tomorrow... It will be necessary to give it a few more days for your speed healing to start working, so we can know for sure if your marrow will recover or not.
- Oh, okay... - Clark replied.
- As soon as the Kryptonite leaves your body, we will disconnect you from dialysis to better assess how your right kidney is working - said Dr. Klein - so far it has worked quite well during the hours that the dialysis machine is on hold
- That's good... - Clark said.
- Of course, and as soon as your speed healing returns we will evaluate how your body compensates for the loss of the left kidney
- It will need any special care in the future? - Lois asked.
- The right kidney should be fully capable of performing the work of both kidneys... obviously you shouldn't overload it... - explained Dr. Klein - so you will have to make some adjustments to your diet, and perhaps some other changes... but nothing very extreme, and we won't know for sure until your powers come back
- Oh, I understand - Clark replied.
- Something we must keep in mind is that once the kryptonite leaves your body, along with your speed healing, your high cell density will also return, that is, your invulnerability... Which will make it impossible for us to carry out the studies suggested by Dr. Rose, specifically the myelography... Since we won't be able to inject the contrast medium and we probably won't see anything in the CT either...
- And the EMG? - Lois asked.
- I'm not sure if it will work or not once your powers come back... With this test, small electrical shocks are given to find out how long it takes for the information to reach the nerves in your feet and then return to your central nervous system. .. - explained Dr. Klein - we have two options... that although being invulnerable the electric shock will not cause you any pain, but your body still be able to feel it, or so I hope... but there is also the possibility that being invulnerable the shock will not managed to get through your skin and therefore we do not get any results
- Oh...
- And then how can we'll know the level of damage? - Lois asked.
- The option we have is to perform the tests, but much sooner than Dr. Rose had planned...- Dr. Klein said - as of Thursday you will be free of kryptonite, and your body will begin to heal more quickly. .. We don't know how long it will take for your powers to come back, but I don't think it will be before Saturday...
- Okay...
- We have that small window of time to be able to carry out different tests... I would like to be able to take more blood and urine samples, a Myelography, a new EMG, and an ultrasound of your right kidney...
- Oh, that sounds good... - Clark said.
- Isn't there a danger of doing those exams so soon? - Lois asked - Dr. Rose was planning to do them in two weeks...
- No, it would not be an extra danger... Dr. Rose recommended waiting two weeks to give Clark's body time to recover from the radiation - explained Dr. Klein - but we know that this is not the case...
- ...but his body has been affected by the Kryptonite - Lois debated.
- Yes, but the damage is not really for radiation... As soon as the kryptonite leaves his body he will begin to heal, his powers may take a while to return, but his recovery will begin immediately
- Oh... I understand...
- Also, it might be a good time to take some X-rays of the rest of your body to have for future medical records - Dr. Klein said.
- It is not a bad idea - Clark said, remembering that thanks to Dr. Klein's foresight and his blood bank, they had been able to perform the surgery without problems.
- Obviously we will not do any of this on Thursday... We could possibly do some simple things on Friday and leave the most complex for Saturday... In this way we would give your body more time to recover - said Dr. Klein
- I like that plan - Lois said.
- Once we have the results we'll talk about everything else - said Dr. Klein - for now just worry about resting, and getting as much sleep as you can... That helps a lot with recovery
- Ok, thanks Dr. Klein - said Clark, who was very sleepy due to the increased dose of painkillers
- Excellent... Soon they will bring you something to eat, and then you can take a nap... - said Dr. Klein, before leaving the room
- Don't fall asleep yet honey - Lois said when she saw that Clark closed his eyes - you must eat a little first
- I know... but while the food arrives I can rest a bit... - Clark answered without opening his eyes.
- Okay honey, rest - Lois said, taking her laptop out so she could finish the article and send it to Perry.
About 15 minutes later Lois had finished the article and was sending it off to Perry when Anne walked in with a tray of food for Clark. Broth and jelly again
- Clark... Honey, your food arrived - Lois said, waking Clark up.
- Hmm
- Wake up... You have to eat a little...
- Hmm
After several tries Lois managed to wake Clark up and give him more than half of the soup, and some jelly. Only a few minutes later Clark had fallen asleep again, it had been a very exhausting morning
Lois took advantage of the fact that Clark was sleeping pleasantly to call Martha to ask about John and update her on Clark's status.
- Hello?
- Hi Martha, I'm Lois.
- Honey, is everything okay over there?
- Yes, Clark is sleeping now... It's been a very exhausting morning for him... - Lois said.
- How was the transfer?
- Not that bad, but any little movement generated a wave of pain... So Dr. Klein increased the dose of painkillers for now...
- Oh my poor baby...
- Tomorrow afternoon all the kryptonite should leave his system, so Dr. Klein expects to see slight improvements from Thursday onwards - Lois explained, without giving much detail in case anyone heard them.
-And his powers?
- It may take a few days to return... So Dr. Klein will take advantage of that window of time to perform all the necessary tests to find out the extent of Clark's back injury
- That's good... And you dear, how are you? - asked Martha, remembering Lois's tears that morning.
- More calm... Dr. Klein is doing everything possible to help Clark...
- Have you been able to eat something? Or get some sleep?
- No... Now I was looking for something to eat...
- Why don't you come home? You can take a shower, eat a little, see John... And if you want then you can go back to Clark...
- I don't know... I don't want to leave Clark alone.
- Of course not... Jonathan can accompany him for a while - said Martha - the best thing will be that we take turns being with him... We won't be of much help if we are more tired than him
- You're right...
- Jonathan is leaving now... He will arrive in a few minutes.
- Okay, thanks Martha.
Lois then went to Dr. Klein's office to let him know that Jonathan and Martha would also be visiting Clark in the next few days.
Clark woke up somewhat disoriented, but more rested than he had been in the morning. Despite this, his eyelids felt very heavy and opening his eyes required a lot of effort.
- Clark?
- Uhmm - Clark replied, still somewhat disoriented as the light hit his tired eyes.
- Clark? Son, are you okay? - Jonathan asked worried.
- Dad?
- How do you feel?
- Better .. I think...
- I'm glad son...
- What are you doing here? Have you seen Lois? - Clark asked, looking around for his wife, even though he couldn't see much of the room given his position.
- She went home to take a shower and eat something
- Oh... - said Clark somewhat disappointed. He knew it was selfish of him, but he didn't want to part with Lois right now.
- Your mother convinced her that she wouldn't be of any help to you if she was exhausted... And she's right, so we'll take turns these days to be with you and little John
- Thanks Dad...
- You don't have to thank us Clark... We just want to see you back home as soon as possible...
At that moment someone knocked on the door before entering, it was Dr. Klein
- I'm glad to see you awake Clark... How was that nap?
- Very well I think... I feel a little better - Clark answered
- Well, a 5 hour nap can do wonders - said Dr. Klein with a smile
- Five hours?! - asked Clark, amazed.
- Yes, and as I said before, sleep is very good for you right now, so if you want to continue taking naps this long, that would be fantastic - said Dr. Klein - for now I just need a blood and urine sample, to see how are the levels of kryptonite inside you... Julie will bring you some dinner and then you can continue sleeping if you want
- I'm not sleepy right now - Clark said.
- Okay, so maybe you can watch a movie, the remote control should be in the nightstand drawer.
A few minutes later Julie walked into the room with a tray for Clark.
- Oh, this doesn't look very appetizing... - Jonathan said when he saw the contents of the tray - I'm sorry son, but it's just a little broth and jelly again
- Don't worry dad, it's the same thing I ate for lunch... And it doesn't taste as bad as it looks...
- If you say so
After Jonathan helps Clark eat (this time Clark ate everything), Clark and Jonathan chose a movie to watch together... Just 30 minutes later, Clark was sound asleep.
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Sorry for taking so long to update, but I haven't had much time... and the little free time I've had I've used to update my other story...
But I won't make the same mistake again... I have a lot of things planned for this story, so I will update more often. Not that often, but It won't take me almost a year again
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WretchedHandsSJS thanks for make me update, and so sorry for keep you waiting