Looking for a new house
Thursday
- Good morning Mr. Kent - Julie said, entering Clark's room and turning on the lights - How did you sleep?
Lois and Clark were still asleep when Julie entered the room.
- Well... - Clark said with a yawn - What time is it?
- About 8 am - Julie answered, while she wrote down data from the different monitors Clark was connected to, and then check the urine production - Everything looks in order Mr. Kent... Dr. Klein will come to see you in a few minutes
- Thank you
- Did you sleep well? - Clark asked Lois - isn't that sofa too uncomfortable?
- No, not at all... I slept very well - Lois replied, while she fixed her hair and clothes a bit - I suppose it will be a busy day, if Dr. Klein comes so early...
Just at that moment Dr. Klein opened the room's door
- Good morning - Dr. Klein greeted happily - from the data that Julie gave me I see that everything is going very well, including urine production... Your right kidney is doing a very good job
- That's good - Lois said happily.
- I will check how the wound has progressed and we will begin - said Dr. Klein
- Begin with what? - Clark asked.
Dr. Klein, who was concentrated on checking the wound, did not immediately respond.
- It looks pretty good, in fact maybe tomorrow or Saturday morning we can remove the stitches - said Dr. Klein, writing down everything he saw
- So soon? - Lois asked.
-Yes, his speed healing is working, so the process is being much faster than in humans... - explained Dr. Klein - not as fast as it normally is in Clark, but still quite fast.
- Dr.Klein .. begin with what? - Clark asked again.
- Oh, right... begin with a new attempt to sit down... As I said yesterday we will do it several times a day
- Oh... - Clark said. Obviously he wanted to be able to sit down again, but the process was really painful
Just like the day before, Julie, Anne, and Dr. Klein made the process very synchronized and as painless as possible for Clark. Just like the night before, Clark managed to stay seated for 10 seconds.
- You did very well Clark, you got another 10 seconds - Dr. Klein congratulated him - How is the pain?
- I think the same as yesterday... 9 when sitting down... And now coming down...
- Ok... Julie will bring you some breakfast now, I'll be back in a bit, okay? - said Dr. Klein
- Thank you...
- How did you feel today? As strange as last night? - Lois asked, when they were alone in the room.
- No, not so strange... But just as painful...
- You did very well honey, this time they took less time to get you to sit down
- Although I could only last 10 seconds again... - Clark said disappointed
- But it was better than the previous time... Believe me... You're advancing very fast
- I know... It's just... It's frustrating.
- I know, honey... But think of all the humans who go through the same thing, and that in them this process is much slower... - Lois said, caressing his hand to calm him down - and I also know that it must be especially frustrating for you... Going from being able to do everything and much more... To lying around all day with no real control over your own body...
- I feel... Powerless?... And I don't mean not having my powers...
- I know... Nothing of what is happening is under your control and you are not used to that... - said Lois, who had to leave the sentence half finished, since Julie entered the room with Clark's breakfast
- Has the pain lessened a little more? - Julie asked, while she left the tray on the table - are you nauseated?
- The pain has been decreasing... I'm not nauseated... But I'm not very hungry...
- It's good that the pain is going down and that it hasn't caused nausea - said Julie, who, seeing Clark's surprised face, tried to explain - sometimes intense pain causes nausea, that's why Dr. Klein decided to try to sit you before breakfast
- Oh I see
- Try to eat a little... Fasting can also cause nausea
- OK thanks...
As soon as Julie left the room, Lois went over to the tray to start feeding Clark...
- Come on Clark, you've got to eat something - Lois said, putting the spoon in front of her mouth.
- Oh, sorry - answered Clark, who was distracted thinking about what Lois had told him before Julie entered the room
Clark ate a little more than half of his breakfast in silence and without realizing it... he had been very focused on all the pessimistic thoughts that were attacking him today. Lois for her part had seen that Clark was concentrated on his own thoughts and had decided to leave him alone for now... Later there would be time to talk, once she herself could collect her thoughts.
Shortly after Clark finished with his breakfast, Lois went to the cafeteria to get something for herself. A few minutes later, returning to the room with a glass of coffee in hand, she found Dr. Klein about to enter her room again.
- Oh, just in time Lois, let's go inside.
- How do you feel Clark? - asked Dr. Klein
- Fine I guess...
- The pain?
- Constant at 3.5 - 4...
- Ok... Apparently your metabolism is already speeding up, and the painkillers aren't working that much... I'll raise the dose a bit to see if that helps...
- OK thanks...
- What do you have planned for now? - Lois asked.
- Since your speed healing is working very well... I would like to do a myelogram now...
- Now? But I thought we'd wait until the weekend... - said Clark, who wasn't sure if he could receive bad news today, especially with his brain playing the pessimist...
- Yes, but since your speed healing is working so well I want î do one today, and another one at the weekend... So, if your speed healing is able to regenerate the spinal cord, we should be able to see a difference in them
- Oh...
- Remember that your speed healing has only been working for a day... So if today's results are not good, it's still not definitive... - Dr. Klein reassured him
- Okay...
Julie, Anne, and Dr. Klein, with the help of Lois, moved Clark onto a stretcher, where they carried him to the room where the myelography was to be performed. Once there, Dr. Klein injected dye into Clark's spine. A few minutes later Clark was inside the machine to be able to perform the CT scan.
- Okay Clark, now I need you to stay still, to get the best possible images - Dr. Klein said through the microphone, while he looked at the images of the millimeter cuts of Clark's spine on the screen.
- Okay...
About an hour later Clark was back in his room.
- Clark! How was it? - Lois asked when she saw him come in. She had had to stay there waiting for him.
- Ehm... I don't know... - Clark replied - ...but so many stretcher changes aren't pleasant
- I'll raise the painkillers a bit for now Clark... And you'll have plenty of time to rest... - Dr. Klein said as soon as he finished putting Clark back on his bed
- Thank you...
- Dr. Klein... How did everything turn out? - Lois asked impatiently.
Dr. Klein, ignoring Lois, went through the various monitors that Clark was still connected to.
- Dr. Klein... - Clark repeated.
Dr. Klein turned to look at them, but still without saying anything... as soon as he saw Anne and Julie left the room, he said
- Sorry, but I was waiting for us to be alone...
- Oh, sorry Dr. Klein - Lois said - I'm so anxious I didn't think of that...
- Don't worry... - said Dr. Klein, taking his laptop to show them the images obtained in the exam - As you know, what happens with myelography is that a contrast substance is first injected into the spine, specifically into the spinal canal... That way we can see more clearly the different structures
- Okay...
- In this first image - said Dr. Klein showing them one of the many images he obtained a few minutes ago - it is of the L1 vertebra, above the affected area... As you can see, we can clearly see the vertebra, the intervertebral disc ... this area where all the contrast material is is the spinal fluid... And in the middle is the spinal cord, with its nerve cord... - explained Dr. Klein showing each of the named structures...
- Yes, I can see it - Lois said.
- These other images are from the area between L3-L4... where the bullet just hit... - said Dr. Klein, while enlarging the image so that Lois and Clark could see it better - as you can see, it is very different from the previous one... The vertebrae have been healing, but it is noticeable that they suffered fractures in these areas... Here we can see the metal plate that Dr. Rose had to put in order to stabilize the area... Here we see the spinal fluid. .. And we can't see the spinal cord.,.
- Oh...
- It is a segment of almost 6 cm where no trace of spinal cord can be seen... From the middle of L2 to L5...
- What does that mean?
- In a human this would be a complete lesion at the L2-L3 level... Producing a paraplegia - explained Dr. Klein - this means that there is control of the hips, but that there is no longer movement or sensation in the legs... It is also likely that there will be some loss of bladder and bowel control... Although so far we haven't seen that...
- Ok... - Clark said, trying to understand everything that Dr. Klein was saying.
- And in Clark? - Lois asked.
- We don't know yet... As we have discussed before, there is a possibility that this is also Clark's diagnosis - said Dr. Klein - or that it changes thanks to your healing capacity... In humans, the nerve fibers of the Spinal medulla do not have the ability to regenerate, but we don't know if yours can do it or not...
- I understand...
- In the event that they do, we have the possibility that the regeneration is complete and everything returns to normal, or that not all the fibers regenerate... In that case, only time and rehabilitation will tell what the final result will be.
- ... But will it be possible to regenerate such a vast area? - Clark asked.
- I don't know... Nothing would surprise me with you though ...
- Okay...
- Due to the level of the injury, is that at the moment you are having so much trouble sitting down, since the nerves that control your abdominal muscles and torso balance are located right in that area... But over time and physical therapy you'll get it back
- In the event that this is the definitive diagnosis... Using a wheelchair would be my only option? - Clark asked.
- It would be the most likely option... In some cases with rehabilitation they could be able to walk short distances with the help of sticks or some other technical aid... But that requires a lot of physical effort, and generally people prefer to simply use the chair, since It is more comfortable and gives them more independence...
- Oh... - Clark said, to then look at Lois - you were right about the house...
Seeing that Dr. Klein didn't understand what Clark was talking about, Lois decided to explain the situation to him.
- We have been looking for a new house, in case we have to move... Theurrent one is not the most suitable for a wheelchair...
- Oh, I see... In that case, I suggest that you talk to Kelly before making a decision, she is an Occupational Therapist... And she will be the one who sees Clark if necessary - said Dr. Klein - there are many aspects that need to be taken into consideration when choosing an accessible home...
- Oh... I was thinking of going to see a couple this afternoon - Lois said.
- I can ask her to come talk to you later... - said Dr. Klein
- It would be great Dr. Klein, thank you.
- Okay, I'll call her now to see if she can come - said Dr. Klein, before heading to the door -see you later
Lois looked at Clark as soon as they were alone... Clark again had his gaze lost at nothing and his brows furrowed, just like a while ago... It was time to continue with the difficult conversation they had had in the morning.
- Clark?
- Huh?
- Are you OK?
- Yes of course...
- Clark... - Lois said, sitting across from him and looking him straight in the eyes - You're obsessing...
- I don't think it'll works...
- What thing?
- I don't think my speed healing can regenerate that much damage
- We don't know yet Clark.
- I know but...
- Clark, I know you're not used to feeling sick... Let alone depending on others to do simple things...
- Like eating... - Clark said, remembering how Lois had helped him eat these days.
- That's temporary Clark, the position you're isn't the most comfortable to eat alone... Your right hand is almost crushed by your body, and your left hand is connected to several monitors and lines...
- I know but
- But nothing Clark... I know you might feel Powerless, useless... And even hopeless... But, that's just for now, that you're recovering...
- And if all this is permanent? - Clark asked, pointing to his legs.
- Even if it's permanent and you can't walk again... You'll be able to do thousands of other things... You won't be useless... And for John and me you'll continue being the same tender, loving, intelligent and concerned Clark as always.
Clark knew that Lois was right, but his brain still wanted to be pessimistic today...
- What if my powers don't come back?
- Of course they will come back... Your speed healing is already coming back little by little, and the rest will come back with time...
- But what will happen to Superman? What will happen to metropolis or the world?
- Calm down... - Lois said, noticing that Clark sounded more and more desperate - look at me... Take a deep breath... In... Out... Again... That's it... Better?
- Yeah...
- Honey... Your powers will return, I have no doubt about that... And what will happen to Superman, we'll see in due time... The world can take care of itself for a few days, now the most important thing is that Clark Kent recover soon... Once that happens, everything else will take care of itself...
- But Lois, if I'm in a wheelchair it will be almost impossible to disappear without being noticed...
- We'll come up with something, but not now, okay? I know you tend to get a bit obsessed with these things, but let's get one thing at a time... Superman is on the list, but it's not his turn yet...
- Okay...
- I love you - said Lois, giving him a tender kiss
- Me too
- For now, we should worry about what the OT tells us... Maybe we should check everything again - Lois said, stepping to look for the papers they had checked yesterday.
- I hope we haven't chosen wrong...
At that moment someone knocked on the door, a second later Anne entered, accompanied by a tall, dark-haired girl
- Mr and Mrs Kent, this is Kelly, Occupational Therapist - Anne introduced her
- Good morning - Kelly said - Dr. Klein told me that you needed my help
- Hello, yes... Thanks for coming - said Lois
- Dr. Klein sent me your file Clark, and he told me that he is still carrying out different tests in order to have a definitive diagnosis.
- Yeah...
- But, it looks like one of the probable options is paraplegia...
- Yeah...
- Well... If that is the case, we will have several sessions together, to be able to teach you new ways to carry out some activities of daily life... - Kelly said - But for now I understand that you want advice with the search for a new house
- Yes, that's right... - Lois said - our current house has two floors and the spaces are not really wide enough for a wheelchair to pass freely.
- So we wanted to see some options, in case a change of house will be necessary - Clark added
- Great... Let's start... - Kelly said - the main thing to worry o out is that you need to be able to enter the house, so there should be no steps at the entrance
-Yes, we already considered that - Lois answered.
- It is also important that you can move to all the rooms in the house, so steps, stairs, and especially doors should be considered
- The doors? - Clark asked.
- That's right, some doors are too narrow, and wheelchairs don't fit... At least 80-90 cm are required - Kelly explained - ... And you should check if the doors open inwards or outwards
- Why? - Lois asked.
- For example, if in a bathroom the door opens inwards, it is important that the bathroom is large enough so that once inside it with the chair, it is still possible to close the door
- Oh... I hadn't thought of that - Lois replied, taking a pencil out of her bag to start taking notes.
- Or in other cases, there are doors that open outwards in narrow corridors, and that prevents the wheelchair from passing
- Oh...
- Another important point is to see at what height are plugs, handles and switches... Since they must be at a height that allows their use by a person sitting in a wheelchair
- Okay...
- The available space is very important too... It must be taken into account that all the furniture must fit in the different rooms and also have enough space for the wheelchair to make a complete turn, this is at least 150 cm in diameter - said Kelly - otherwise the person will have to leave the rooms in reverse
- Okay...
- Something really important is the kitchen and bathroom furniture
- What do you mean?
- Imagine your current kitchen, under the counter there are some cabinets, right?
- Yeah...
- Well, now imagine a wheelchair, the footrest is the part of the chair that first bumps into most of the furniture in the house, and in the kitchen specifically it bumps into all those cabinets...
- Oh...
- If someone someone in a wheelchair wants to get close to the counter or stove to cook, the footrest will bump with the cabinets, leaving them too far from the counter or stove...
- And in that case, what could be done? - Lois asked.
- Sometimes people simply position themselves sideway to the counter or the stove, but that position can be tiring or even dangerous... - Kelly explained - if it is possible, it is best to have at least one part free of cabinets and have space under the stove
- Oh ok...
- The same goes for the sink, right? - asked Clark
- That's right, in the bathroom we have to worry about several things as well - Kelly said - the sink, that there is space for the chair to reach the toilet, and the shower...
- Oh, that's right, I hadn't thought about the shower - Lois said.
- The simplest thing is to have a shower, but eventually, if there is a bathtub, it is also possible to use it without major problems... But, I will explain it when we have our sessions.
- I understand...
- And obviously grab bars should be installed in the bathroom
- Sure...
- That is the main thing... Everything else can be seen along the way...
- Thank you very much, that was very helpful - Clark said.
- Yes, thank you very much... I think we will have to review our choices - said Lois, browsing the different houses that had been ruled out yesterday
- If you want I can help you review... - Kelly offered
- Oh really? That would be wonderful - said Lois relieved
After reviewing again the houses that Lois had selected, this time with the help of the Occupational Therapist, the final choice would be between three options, the two that they had chosen yesterday and one more that Kelly had suggested.
Lois had phoned the owners of the two houses that they had selected yesterday while they were performing Clark's myelography, so they had already agreed to let her visit them this afternoon, now she just needed to coordinate with the owners of the third house.
Shortly after coordinating the third visit, Anne arrived with Clark's lunch.
Lois was finishing helping Clark with lunch when there was a knock on the door.
- Hello hello - said Martha entering the room
- Mom! Hi... - Clark answered lively, he was always happy to see his parents
- Hello son - Jonathan greeted, from the threshold of the door
- Dad? who is taking care of John? - Clark asked confused.
- Little John came to visit his father - said Martha, who had quietly approached the door to take the stroller where John was.
- Oh really? - Clark said cheerfully. This was just what he needed today.
- Hello honey, come say hi to your daddy - Lois said, approaching the stroller to take John in her arms.
Lois walked over to Clark and gently placed John on the bed next to Clark.
- Hello little buddy... How have you been? - Clark said sweetly to little John, who was looking at him with interest - did you have fun with your grandparents this days?
Lois, Martha and John looked at the scene very relieved, especially Lois... Clark looked very happy, very different from how he had been all morning
- I missed you so much - Clark said, as he gave John a finger so he could play with it. John for his part took his father's finger tightly and began to babble happily
- He missed you too, honey... he hadn't been so awake these days - Martha said with a smile.
- Thanks for bringing him - Clark said with a huge smile.
- It was Lois's idea - Jonathan clarified.
- Thank you honey - Clark said, looking up from John to look at his wife.
- I'm glad you liked the surprise - Lois said, leaning down to kiss Clark.
- I love it
- Lois, did you eat anything? - Martha asked, noticing Clark's empty tray.
- Ehm, no... Not yet... You?
- Yes, we ate before leaving the house - answered Jonathan
- Why don't you go get something to eat dear, we'll stay with Clark and John
- Oh, ok... I'll be right back..
.Lois took advantage of her time in the cafeteria to call Jimmy
- Hello?
- Hi Jimmy
-Lois! How are you? How is C.K.?
- Fine... Did Perry talk to you?
-Yes, he told me that you needed my help today.
- Yes... Can you come to StarLabs? I explain everything then
- Sure, no problem
- Great... Ah, Jimmy bring your camera and a measure tape
- Ok... See you in a bit
Returning to the room, Lois found a beautiful scene, Clark was giving John his bottle
- I see someone hasn't lost their appetite... - Lois said as she entered.
- No... Not at all - Clark answered with a smile
- He eats almost as much as you do at that age - said Martha wistfully.
- Hahaha - Jonathan laughed - there was no way to satisfy you
After emptying the entire bottle from and Lois burping him, it was nap time for little John. Lois carried him around the room for a few minutes, and soon he was sleeping peacefully. The little one was used to being rocked a bit before going to sleep, and it always took him only a few minutes to fall asleep.
Lois put him back in bed next to Clark, where the little boy continued to sleep peacefully.
- Do you want to take a nap too? - Lois asked Clark in a low voice. Clark looked tired, and his eyes were closing.
- Yes, but... - Clark said, looking at John concerned - ... what if he falls?
- Don't worry, he's still too small to move while he sleeps, you have him hugged... And we'll be outside in case he wakes up - Lois reassured him
- Okay...
- That was a great idea, Lois - Jonathan said, closing the door to Clark's room.
- Yes, Clark seemed very happy - Martha commented, sitting down in one of the chairs in the hallway outside the room.
- Yes... It was just what he needed today... - Lois answered sadly.
- Something bad happened? - Martha asked worriedly.
- Clark woke up a little ... pessimistic today...
- Oh my baby...
- It must not be easy for him to go from being someone with super powers... to lying down all day without being able to move - Jonathan said.
- No, it's not... Besides... - said Lois
- Besides?
-This morning he had to try to sit down again, and just like yesterday it hurt a lot and he only lasted 10 seconds...
- Oh, of course that put him off - Jonathan said.
- Yes... And after that Dr. Klein performed a myelography...
- Today? But he wouldn't do it at the weekend? - Martha asked surprised.
-Yes... But since his speed healing is working, he decided that it was better to do one today, and another at the weekend... So he could compare both results and see if there was any improvement - Lois explained
- That makes sense - Jonathan said.
- Yes, but the result discouraged him even more... - Lois said.
- What was the result? - Martha asked very concerned.
- There is a complete rupture of the spinal cord at the level of L2-L3... In fact it is about 6 cm, where the spinal cord simply disappeared... - Lois explained - the liquid Kryptonite completely destroyed it
- Oh God - Martha said, covering her mouth with her hands.
- But will his powers be able to fix it? - asked Jonathan
- We don't know... Dr. Klein said that in humans the spinal cord doesn't regenerate, but he doesn't know if Clark's cells are capable of doing it or not... - Lois explained
- What does Clark think? - Martha asked.
- He thinks not.. that his cells, like ours, won't be able to recover from damage like that - Lois replied.
- Oh...Clark...
- After that Dr. Klein introduced us to Kelly, she's an occupational therapist - said Lois - she helped us better choose the houses that I'll see later today... And eventually she'll see Clark, if necessary...
- I hope everything go well with that - Jonathan said.
- Yes, I hope so... I'm just waiting for Jimmy to arrive.
Just then Jimmy appeared in the hallway.
- Hello Lois! Mr. and Mrs. Kent
- Great Jimmy, you're here - Lois said cheerfully
- How is CK? - Jimmy asked.
- As well as could be expected - Lois answered - he's taking a nap with John
- Oh, little John is here too - said Jimmy.
- Yes, and he will accompany us... So Martha and Jonathan can take care of Clark... - Lois said.
- Join us where?
- Go see some houses... - said Lois
- Houses for whom? - Jimmy asked.
- In case we have to move to a new house... - Lois said - it's not sure yet, but if Clark has to use a wheelchair, our current house is not the right place...
- Oh, you're right...
- Well, I'll go see if they're awake... - Lois said, standing up - I warn you so you can come in
Upon entering the room, Lois was able to notice that only one of her boys was awake, while the other was still sleeping peacefully.
- Hello honey, how was that nap? - said Lois in a low voice - it seems that your daddy was more tired than you
Little John was lying next to Clark, holding tightly to his father's finger, looking at him with great interest.
-Clark? - Lois said, trying to wake him up without scaring him.
- Mhmm?
-Clark? wakes up ...
- Lois?
- Sorry for waking you up honey, but Jimmy is already here and we must go...
- Oh, sure... - Clark said, looking at John in his arms - did you sleep well little one?
- Apparently yes, when I entered he was awake concentrated looking at you - Lois said - can the others come in? Jimmy wants to say hello
- Sure
Lois opened the door and peeked into the hallway.
- They're awake, come in...
- Hello CK - Jimmy said cheerfully as he entered the room - I'm glad to see you
- Same here, Jimmy... Thanks for accompanying Lois today - Clark said.
- It's nothing CK, I'm glad I can help even a little - Jimmy said
- We'd better get going, or we'll be late - Lois said, reaching out to take John - Say goodbye to daddy...
- Goodbye little friend, I'll see you soon - Clark said goodbye.
- Bye, honey, we'll bring you complete report - Lois said, saying goodbye to him and putting John in his stroller.
- I expect no less from the Lane-Olson duo - Clark said.
- It will be the best report CK - Jimmy said, happy
As soon as Jimmy and Lois left the room, Martha walked over to her son.
- Did you sleep well honey? Do you want us to let you sleep a little longer?
- I'm fine mom, thanks - Clark answered.
At that moment, the door to the room opened, and Dr. Klein walked through it.
- Hi Clark, how are you feeling?
- Fine...
- I heard you had a special visitor today
- Yes, the best...
- Let's check that wound then... - said Dr. Klein, approaching Clark - ... Well, this looks pretty good...
- Oh really? Clark asked.
- Yes, at this rate we can probably remove the stitches tomorrow
- So soon? - Martha asked.
- That's right... Everything looks very good - said Dr. Klein - your speed healinh is working wonderfully, and getting faster and faster
- Will we be able to do another myelography? - Clark asked.
- I hope so... Just in case, we'll be constantly evaluating if your invulnerability starts to return - Dr. Klein - we'll wait as long as possible to do it, to give your speed healing time to regenerate as much as it can...
- Okay...
- Okay, now we have to try to sit you up again... - said Dr. Klein, as he went to the door to call the nurses.
- Oh...
- I know it's not nice Clark, but with how fast your speed healing is acting, you'll see how soon it will be easier
- If you say so...
It's that one there - Jimmy said to Lois, pointing to a house that had a for sale sign on its entrance.
- Great - Lois said, parking in front of it - you brought the measure tape, right?
- Yes... What do you need it for?
-To measure some things... - said Lois, getting out of the car and taking John out of his car seat - I have to make sure that a wheelchair fits in all the places in the house
- Oh, ok... - Jimmy said, following Lois, who was already ringing the bell.
- Hello, Mrs. Lane... Nice to meet you - said a brown-haired woman who opened the door - my name is Brenda
- Hello, he is Jimmy... and his name is John
- Hello... Come in..." Brenda said, opening the door completely to let them in - I saw on the news what happened to your husband, I hope he's okay
- Yes... Thank you - Lois said, not knowing what to answer
- I was surprised that you were looking for a house at a time like this... - Brenda said with a smile.
Lois, again not knowing what to answer, decided that it would be best to do it with the truth... Or at least the "official version" of the truth.
- The truth is that we are still not sure what my husband's evolution will be... There are still some tests to perform - Lois said - but one of the options is that he must use a wheelchair...
- OMG... I'm sorry...
- ... If that is the case, our current house is not the best place to live ...- Lois explained - ... That is why we are looking for some options, just in case we need them ...
- Oh I understand
- That's why my friend Jimmy is with me today... So I can take pictures and show them to my husband later.
- Sure, sure... No problem... - replied Brenda
- Oh, and I would appreciate it if you did not divulge this information... Since, as I told you, there are still tests to be done...
- Don't worry, I won't say anything... I know it's a difficult time as a family... You don't need the press bothering you
- Thank you... - Lois answered sincerely.
- Very good Clark! - Dr. Klein congratulated him once Clark was lying on his side again - this time it was 15 seconds... And from what I saw, did it hurt a little less?
- Yes... I think I reached 8 - Clark replied
- Excellent, we are already making progress... Surely tomorrow we will make much more progress if your speed healing continues to accelerate
- You did very well honey - said Martha, who was happy for Clark, but she hadn't enjoyed seeing how her son suffered so much to be able to sit for only 15 seconds.
- How has the pain been during the day? - asked Dr. Klein - do the pain killers still work?
- I think so, but their effect is wearing off faster..." Clark answered.
- Ok... I'll raise the dose a little more, but I can't raise it much more... - said Dr. Klein - your accelerated metabolism must also be returning, that's why the effect lasts less...
- Okay...
- But these painkillers are highly addictive, and even if your metabolism is faster, I don't want to risk it, ok?
- I understand...
- Rest a bit, I'll be back in a while - said Dr. Klein
- Okay...
Lois had measured every door, room, light switch, and handle in the house, and had carefully looked at every corner of Brenda's house...She didn't want to miss anything Kelly had told her to look for. Jimmy by her side had taken many photos from different angles of every corner of the house.
Now they were in the car on the way to the second house
- What do you think about it? - Jimmy asked Lois.
- I really liked it, it has spacious rooms, the same as the bathrooms... But the kitchen doesn't convince me... at the moment it wouldn't be suitable for Clark, and I'm not sure if a remodelation would be enough
- It's true... The kitchen is a bit narrow... It's long and with plenty of space for the dishes, but being narrow doesn't let to much room for a wheelchair - Jimmy added
- I hope it goes better on this one - Lois said, just as she parked outside the second house on her list.
Only 40 minutes had passed since Dr. Klein had left Clark's room, when he re-entered
- Hello again - Dr. Klein said cheerfully - were you able to rest a bit?
- Yes... - Clark answered with a smile.
After Dr. Klein had left them alone, Martha and Jonathan had been doing their best to lift their son's spirits. They had been talking about various things trying to distract him, or even get him to laugh a little. To Martha's relief, Jonathan had done it by telling him anecdotes from when they were both young and haven't officially date yet
- I'm glad... - said Dr. Klein
- What will you do now? - asked Jonathan
- We will take some x-rays - said Dr. Klein - so we will have to transfer you to a stretcher again
- Oh... - Clark said disappointed.
- I'm sorry Clark... - said Dr. Klein - but I need to see how your vertebrae have healed...
- Okay...
Anne and Julie reentered the room, who together with Dr. Klein and with the help of Jonathan moved Clark onto a gurney so they could take him to the x-ray room.
- We'll be back in a few minutes - Dr. Klein told Clark's parents - and as soon as I have the images we'll discuss them together
- Ok, thanks Dr. Klein - said Martha
- That was a waste of time - Lois said angrily, as she got into her car.
- Yes... I don't know where they got the photos they published, but they are definitely not from this house...
- Of course not! The bathrooms were tiny, there were even steps to get into one of them!
- And the rooms weren't as big as they said either ... - Jimmy added.
- Don't remind me - Lois said - I just hope the next house is much better than the previous two... Or else I don't know if we can find a suitable house before Clark is discharged
- Don't worry Lois, we'll find something... Even if we have to go all over Metropolis
- Thanks Jimmy.
Clark had returned to his room a few minutes ago, but Dr. Klein still hadn't returned with the X-rays.
- Are you OK dear? You need something? - Martha asked Clark, seeing that he looked complicated...
- Um... No... I... I think... - Clark said embarrassed.
- What's wrong dear? - Martha asked worriedly.
- Could you call one of the nurses? - Clark said - please...
- Oh... Sure honey... We'll call the nurse - said Martha, who signaled to her husband to go call the nurse
- I'm sorry... - Clark said to Julie as soon as she finished helping him
- Don't worry Mr. Kent, it's something normal... - Julie said - ... In fact, we were a little worried that you hadn't done it until now...
- Oh...
-... Besides you still can't sit on the WC... So no one is judging you
- Thank you Julie
- Don't worry - Julie answered with a smile - ...Everything will be fine, in fact I'll take the urinary catheter, since all the results have been excellent and your urine production is normal
- Oh ok...
- If you have to pee, just call us, ok?
- Sure... Thanks
- Thank you dear - Martha said as soon as she finished and left the room - are you alright honey?
- Yes mom... - Clark replied - just a little embarrassed...
- You don't have to be ashamed, it's something normal... - Jonathan tried to calm him down
- Besides, it's not like we've never been in this situation when you were a baby - Martha said with a smile
- Mom!
- Haha ... Sorry honey
- I know it's normal. But…" Clark said, but he interrupt his sentence iwhen he saw Dr. Klein walk in.
- Knock, knock - said Dr. Klein upon entering the room - Julie told me what happened
- Oh...
- Don't worry, it's a good sign... - Dr. Klein explained - it means that your intestines are working properly... We were a little worried... Constipation is common in these cases.
- Oh I see...
- Now we must pay attention to your bladder... In some cases like yours neurogenic bladder occurs
- What is that? - asked Jonathan
- We have two options, one in which the bladder empties very often, and generally without prior notice... or in which despite having a full bladder, not emptying properly
- Oh...
- So we will take the time since Julie removed the catheter to see if everything is going normally - explained Dr. Klein
- I understand," Clark said.
- But don't worry, we haven't seen any sing of it yet... is just a precaution
- Ok
- Okay, so let's focus on the x-rays - said Dr. Klein, displaying the x-rays in the negatoscope - In this x-ray we can clearly see the metal plate that Dr. Rose had to implant in order to fuse both vertebrae... And here we see the small fractures suffered by the vertebrae L3, and especially L4
- It looks very different from the others.ones - Jonathan said pointing to the L4
- Yes... The bullet caused some parts of the L4 vertebra to break, and that is why there are small pieces missing... Here in the transversal process, commonly called the wing, and in the Spinous process, which is the part that we can feel when touching our spine...
- Oh...
- Both structures serve as anchors for muscles and tendons... - explained Dr. Klein - Dr. Rose corrected everything he could during the surgery, but it's one of the reasons why you're still having trouble sitting on your own.
- Oh... - Clark said.
- Also, as I told you before, all the musculature and innervation that are in charge of maintaining the balance and the posture of the torso, are just at the height of your injury... - said Dr. Klein - so do not despair if you still can't keep yourself sitting alone, it's just a matter of time
- Okay...
- As I was saying... Here are the small fractures... It looks like they have been healing, but they still require some time... - explained Dr. Klein - and this is the space where the intervertebral disc should be. .. But the Kryptonite almost completely destroyed it... And the reason why the fusion of both vertebrae had to be carried out
- Oh, I understand - said Jonathan.
- Clark, as you will understand... As these vertebrae are fused, the movement they will have will not be the same as before...
- Oh sure...
- As soon as we start with physiotherapy, you will recognize the movements that you can perform and those that you cannot... And the range of motion that the area will have - said Dr. Klein - ... That is very important, especially when you already recover your strength... We don't want you to break the metal plate due to a bad movement
- Ok, I understand... - Clark said, somewhat alarmed at the thought of the possibility of that happening.
- Excellent... - said Dr. Klein, turning off the negatoscope - everything looks in order... Everything is healing well, and at great speed... Soon you will be able to start lying on your back...
- That:s good news - said Martha.
- I'll leave you for now... I'll come back later for a new attempt to sit down - said Dr. Klein before leaving the room
- Everything is getting better, honey - Martha said, giving her son a soft hug. - You'll be better soon
- I hope so mom
- Well, it was better than the previous two... - Jimmy said as he got into the car
- Yes... But I still don't like it very much - Lois replied, securing John in his chair - the kitchen and bathroom were spacious, as were the bedrooms... But...
- But the house was not pretty...
- No... - Lois replied resignedly - it wasn't noticeable in the photos, but really the house is not in good condition... It would require a complete remodeling
- It's true... And that would take a long time... - Jimmy said
- Well, at least it remains as a possible option... - Lois said with a sigh - but I think the best thing to do is keep looking...
- Don't worry, I can search the internet or the newspaper tomorrow, and over the weekend we can go around all of Metropolis if necessary - Jimmy said with a smile
- Thank you Jimmy - answered Lois - I'm just sad I didn't bring good news to Clark today...
- Yeah... I was hoping we could surprise CK, tell him that we found a great house...
- I'd like that too - Lois said, distracted as she stopped at the red light, - this is a nice neighborhood ..
- ... Yes, the houses look very nice - Jimmy said looking around - Lois! Look!
- Lois and Jimmy have taken a long time - said Martha, looking out the window and noticing that it was already getting dark.
- It's true - answered Jonathan, noticing Clark's worried face he added - perhaps it took a little longer because Lois wanted to bring you a report with great detail
- I hope so... - Clark answered worriedly.
At that moment someone knocked on the door and he opened it a little to stick his head in.
- Can I come in?
- Of course, Chief - Clark replied, recognizing Perry White's voice.
- I'm glad to see you Clark, how do you feel?
- Fine...
- Lois and Jimmy still not back? - Perry asked when he noticed they weren't in the room.
- No, not yet... - Clark answered.
- Relax son, I'm sure they're on their way... - Perry replied trying to reassure him - how have they been treating you at StarLabs?
- Very well...they are all very kind - answered Clark
- I'm glad... - Perry replied with a serious tone - Clark... I'm very sorry about what happened... And I want you to know that the Daily Planet has already filed a lawsuit against those responsible, they just need to be caught... And we'll go down with everything we've got
- Thanks Perry
- In addition, HR is waiting to have a certificate with your definitive diagnosis to activate all the corresponding insurance, and thus cover all medical expenses - explained Perry - and eventually make adaptations in the newsroom if necessary
- Uhm... Thank you Chief.
- Clark, that newsroom is like your second home, so the Daily Planet wants you to return to work as soon as you feel ready to it, and ofcourse that you can do it comfortably and safely... - Perry said - if it is necessary to do some arrangements or some remodeling, it will be made... rest assured
- Thank you Perry, really - Clark replied relieved, at least his work and stay at the Daily Planet was something he shouldn't worry about
- Thank you Mr. White - said Martha
At that moment the bedroom door opened again and Lois came in with John in her arms, and Jimmy pushing an empty stroller.
- Lois! Why did it take you so long? - Clark asked as soon as he saw them enter.
- Sorry honey, we didn't mean to worry you - Lois said, leaving John lying next to Clark - Hi Perry
- Hi Lois - Perry greeted - how did it go?
- The first two houses were a disaster - said Lois - well, the first not so much... But still, they weren't the right thing
- And the third one? - Martha asked.
- It was accessible... But the house is in very poor condition... It requires a complete remodeling - said Lois
- So you found nothing good? - Clark asked disappointed.
- I didn't say that - Lois said with a smile.
- Huh?
- We were coming back when we passed outside a house that had a for sale sign - Jimmy explained - so we stop and go to take a look... We didn't lose anything by asking...
- And it was excellent! -said Lois cheerfully, taking out her "report" from her purse - All the doors were wide enough, as well as the rooms and bathrooms.
- The distribution was very good too, there were no narrow corridors or steps inside - Jimmy added
- And the kitchen was great! Spacious and with some counters without cabinets below. Even with space for a table to have breakfast - said Lois - we would only have to change the stove for a countertop and put the oven separately... But everything else was perfect
- And it was also very pretty - Jimmy added, showing the photos to Clark.
- It's true... It's very pretty - Clark said
- Look - Jimmy said, passing the photos to the others
- Oh, it looks great - Perry said.
- It's true - Jonathan added.
- And the price? - Martha asked.
- It's within our budget - said Lois - if we sell the current house, obviously
- What did you tell the owner? - Clark asked a bit worried.
- The truth... That there were still tests to be run, but one option was that you had to use a wheelchair... So we were looking for a new house just in case we need iti...
- Oh...
- By the way, the owners of the different houses sent their regards - Jimmy said - they had all seen what happened on the news
- Oh... Ehm, thanks... What did the owner tell you? - Clark asked.
-I told him that most likely we would have a diagnosis during the weekend... - said Lois - and he said that he would wait for us... That he would not accept any offers until he heard from us
- Oh, that's great - said Martha.
- Yes... So at least we don't have to worry about that until we are sure about what will happen - said Lois
- Thank you honey... Only you could have solved something like this so quickly - Clark said with a smile
- I'd like to take the credit, but it was Jimmy who saw the house - Lois said.
- Eh... It was nothing CK... I just saw the sale sign
- Thanks Jimmy...
- Knock Knock! - said Dr. Klein entering the room - oh, I see that there are many visitors today
- Yes, but we're leaving now - Perry said - come on Jimmy, Clark should rest and I guess Dr. Klein needs to check him out... And we just get in the way
- Sure Chief! Bye CK, bye everyone - Jimmy said, saying goodbye to those present and then going after Perry
- We should go too - said Martha - It's getting late... John's bedtime is coming up
- No Martha, wait... Don't you want to stay with Clark today? - Lois said - ... Tomorrow I will be checking some document and doing some paperwork, to have them ready in case we have to move...
- Oh, sure... Don't worry, I'll stay - said Martha with a smile
- You don't have to stay, mom - Clark said, thinking of the uncomfortable sofa where his mother would have to sleep - ... I can stay alone one night...
- Don't be ridiculous son - Jonathan said, with a firm tone, without giving way to contradictions
- I'll stay with John tomorrow... So Jonathan can come here early...
- Great! Everything is decided then - said Martha - we will have mother-son night
- Sure mom - said Clark with a smile
- Did it go well with the house? - asked Dr. Klein
- Yes, we found a very good option - answered Lois - that hopefully we don't have to use
- We all hope that - Dr. Klein said - Okay Clark, are you ready for today's last attempt at sitting up?
- I think so - answered Clark, who then looked at Lois - Could you wait to leave?
- Sure honey... This time you'll do it with your entire team of cheerleaders cheering you on - Lois said with a smile, pulling John out of Clark's bed - Isn't that so, baby? You'll cheer for daddy too, right?
- Blaaaa... da... - little John babble
- You see? Even he agrees
- Haha... Thanks - Clark said with a smile.
- Excellent! So, let's start as always by checking the incision - said Dr. Klein, approaching Clark - excellent, this looks really good.
- Great - Clark said relieved
- Your speed healing is accelerating... Acting faster and faster - said Dr. Klein, putting the bandages back in place - I'll call Anne and Julie then...
- Very good Clark... Anne will move your legs now - said Dr. Klein, while he guided the same procedure that they had already done several times -... you will be fully seated in a few seconds...
- Okay...
- You're doing well? - asked Dr. Klein
- Yes... let's continue
- You're doing great, Clark - Jonathan said, encouraging him.
- Yes, very good... - said Dr. Klein, looking at the clock
- No more .. - Clark said exhausted
- Very well, we will laid you down again - said Dr. Klein
- You did excellent, honey - said Martha, while she watched as they put her son back in the same position as before.
- You lasted 30 seconds this time honey - Lois said, going to kiss him on the forehead - you were super
- Also you were a little more stable than the previous times - said Dr. Klein
- Yes... I wasn't going so far to the sides - Clark added
- We keep advancing Clark - said Dr. Klein - everything is going very well
- That's good - said Martha happily
- Tomorrow we will make more attempts - said Dr. Klein - and we will keep an eye on whether your invulnerability starts to return so we can do a new myelography
- Okay
- Remember to let me know if you feel any of your powers start to come back
- Sure..
- Well, I'll leave you to rest... Have a good night - Dr. Klein said goodbye
- We must go honey - said Lois - it's too late for John
- Yes... Thanks for staying - Clark said.
- You don't have to thank us son - Jonathan said.
Shortly after Lois and Jonathan left, Martha went to the cafeteria to get something to eat, as she knew that they would soon be bringing Clark dinner.
Just as Martha had predicted, returning to the bedroom with a sandwich in hand, she was met by Anne, who was setting up the tray of food on the table in front of Clark's bed.
- Thank you very much, dear - Martha told her.
After dinner, mother and son enjoyed a movie together, and soon after Clark fell asleep.
They hadn't talked much during the movie, but the mere presence of his mother in the room reassured Clark enormously, and all the pessimism with which he had woken up had gradually disappeared during the day.
.
again, sorry if the story is not very coherent in terms of medical information...