Finally back home
The next few days passed in a similar way, Lois, Martha and Jonathan preparing everything for the move to the new house, while Clark continued to make progress in his recovery with the help of Kelly and Sean
Tuesday
After breakfast, Sean took Clark to the gym again, to continue working out his arms, back, and abdominal muscles.
Clark and Dr. Klein were leaving the gym on their way back to Clark's room when they ran into Henderson.
— How nice to see you, Kent — said Henderson — Dr. Klein...
— Oh, hello Bill... — Clark said, a little nervous about meeting the detective, after all only his family and closest friends knew about his current condition — Lois told me you were coming...
— Yes, I need to talk to you two
— Sure — Clark responded — do you mind if we talk outside? I was going to get some fresh air
— Of course not
— I guess you'll need to talk to us separately... — said Dr. Klein
— Yeah
— In that case, as soon as you finish with Clark, you can come to my office.
— Okay, thank you very much — Henderson said.
— Lois told me that you already have a definitive diagnosis — said Henderson, as they walked toward the gardens.
— Yeah...
— I'm sorry Clark... — Bill said — I'm sorry I couldn't help that day, but at least we are very close to catching those who attacked you.
— Oh really? Lois told me you were following some clues — Clark said, positioning his chair in the sun, on the side of a bench under a tree.
— Yes... And everything indicates that we are on the right track — Bill responded, sitting on the bench — that's why I want to have all the statements before we catch them. I don't want them to escape us because of a technicality.
— No, it would be very bad... But I don't know how much my statement can help... — Clark said — the truth is, I don't remember that much
— Don't worry, Clark, we have many witnesses — Henderson told him — ...And you were unconscious at the beginning of the attack, so no one really expects you to be able to provide much new information... But your medical record is what we need the most.
— Oh I understand...
— You don't have a problem with us showing it in court? — Henderson asked.
— Ehm, no... No problem — Clark responded after thinking about it for a few seconds.
The truth is that Clark didn't really want everyone to know the details of his medical file, but being a public figure and with the media coverage of everything that happened, he knew that there was very little chance of keeping this a secret. Regarding his powers and his "actual medical record," Clark was sure that Dr. Klein already had everything under control.
— Excellent... I hope we catch them soon... — said Henderson, taking out a notebook and a pencil — tell me everything you remember...
— I'm glad you're still with us Kent, you gave us a good scare —Henderson said, standing up. Clark had already told him everything he remembered from that day, and several things about what happened during these days at StarLabs.
— Thanks Bill — Clark said, wheeling back with Henderson into the building.
— I'll go talk to Dr. Klein — said the detective — I'll keep you informed of any progress we make.
After lunch Lois and little John went to visit him for a while, while Martha and Jonathan continued with the preparations for the move.
— Hello — Lois said from the door of the room, approaching Clark to give him a kiss and hand him John — someone wanted to come see his daddy.
— Hi buddy... I've missed you a lot — Clark responded, taking John in his arms — how has everything been today?
— Very well, Mr. Jenkins' lawyer has already done all the paperwork with the contract, so it is very likely that today or tomorrow we will already have the house in our name
— That's fast
— Yes... Martha already has everything organized by categories to start packing...
— Hahaha I told you that mom was very good at that...
— There's no doubt... — Lois answered — Jimmy will come later to help us pack, so we'll all be at her disposal.
— Oh, I hope you're ready for that...
— What are you talking about?
— My mom can be... A bit bossy...
— Martha? Of course not... Don't be ridiculous Clark
— I warned you ...
— How was today with Sean and Kelly? —Lois asked, changing the subject without believing Clark's words.
— I haven't seen Kelly yet today, but Sean took me to the gym where he made me work a lot with the exercises — Clark responded — first I had to...
— Are you sure you don't want me to stay with you tonight? — asked Lois, who was lying in bed next to Clark, with little John sleeping between them.
— It's not that I don't want to, but I know there are still a lot of things to do before the move — Clark responded — and I don't want you to have to run from one place to another
— I miss you...
— Me too... — Clark responded, kissing her on the forehead. — As soon as Dr. Klein lets me come home, I'll be all yours.
— He still hasn't told you when?
— No... he says I'm making great progress, but he still wants to keep me here for a few more days — Clark said — besides, it wouldn't be "normal" if I came home too soon.
— It's true...
— Besides, Jimmy will go help in a little while, won't he? You should go home...
— Yeah...
They sat in silence for a few minutes, just enjoying each other's presence, until Clark broke the silence with a timid comment.
— I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to see a therapist...
— What? Why? Something happened? Are you ok? — Lois asked alarmed, sitting up on the bed.
— I'm fine... It's just that I've had time to think... — Clark said — ...This is all a lot to process... And my powers still don't fully return... And...
— Clark, you don't have to explain it to me — Lois told him kindly — if you feel like you need to talk to someone, we can find someone
— I had thought about Dr. Friskin — Clark said — She's easy to talk to...
— It's true... — Lois said — I'll call her to ask her if she could come see you.
— If she can't come, I can wait until I can go to her office
— Mmm... We'll see... We still don't know how long it will be before you can go there, honey — Lois responded — I'll ask her what she thinks about it...
Wednesday
On Wednesday it was Jonathan who, along with little John, accompanied Clark to sunbathe in the laboratory gardens for a while.
That morning Lois had received the keys to the new house, and since then the handymen were already carrying out the necessary renovations in the bathrooms and kitchen.
— Lois left your mother at the new house supervising the handyman's work — Jonathan told him.
— Oh... I assume it was her who offered? —Clark asked, stopping his wheelchair in the sun next to a bench in the shade of a tree, where Jonathan and John settled. Seeing that his father nodded his head, he said — well, at least we are sure that everything will be done well.
— Yeah... That woman can be "a little" bossy when she wants to be...
— Hahaha... How was everything yesterday? Jimmy didn't regret offering his help?
— No, but he almost did... hahaha — Jonathan responded between laughs. His wife could be a little intimidating sometimes.
— Hahaha... I'm going to have to think of some way to thank him — Clark said
— Yes... yesterday we made a lot of progress with his help, we already have almost everything packed... — Jonathan responded — depending on how long the renovations take, the move could be this weekend
— With mom acting as a general supervising the work, I think they will end today — Clark said with a smile.
— Hahaha, I wouldn't be surprised... — Jonathan responded — for the same reason I can't stay long, by the time your mother comes back she will surely have some work for me...
Thursday
Thursday started as usual for Clark, with Anne and Julie waking him up and helping him sit in his chair to go to the bathroom.
Yesterday afternoon Dr. Klein had performed some urine tests to see how Clark's kidney was doing. Everything looked in order, but Dr. Klein wanted to make sure everything stayed that way, so he was very demanding that the wc routine he had established be followed. Although Clark had not lost sphincter control, it was not the same as before the accident... the feeling of having to go to the bathroom usually appeared when his bladder was already full or he simply did not get it; In addition, he often needed a caterer to be able to completely empty his bladder. Because of this, Dr. Klein was very strict with the schedule, to re-train his bladder, and thus avoid infections or long-term kidney damage.
After breakfast Kelly and Sean worked with Clark on various exercises. Clark had been a little tired after the exercises, but very happy, he had managed to do everything and without realizing it he had remained sitting for a little over an hour.
Clark was enjoying his lunch when he began to feel a slight headache, just as Dr. Klein entered the room.
— Clark... I just received a call from Inspector Henderson... — said Dr. Klein — they caught the criminals who attacked you
— Really?
— Yes... And apparently in their hiding place they found more Kryptonite
— Oh...
— He asked me to go to the place to see if it is the same one with which they attacked you... — he said — I offered to help analyze and protect all the Kryptonite that they find.
— Thank you Dr. Klein...
— Anything you need, ask Anne or Julie... — said Dr. Klein — I'll be back in a while.
— I know... I'll be fine Dr. Klein... Thanks
At that moment the phone on Clark's nightstand began to ring.
— That must be Lois... — Dr. Klein said, before heading to the door — Henderson said he should call her too...
— Hello? —Clark said as he picked up the receiver.
— Clark! They caught them! — said Lois's voice on the other end of the line.
— I know... Henderson called Dr. Klein
— I was leaving for StarLabs to see you when Henderson called me... — Lois told him — I have to go to the police station to be able to identify them.
— But they were masked — said Clark.
— Yes, but we heard them talking... And a lot... — Lois responded — Perry and Jimmy are also going to the police station
— Oh...
— I'm sorry, honey, I wanted to see you today... But I don't know how long this will take.
— Don't worry, I know this is important.
— If everything goes well, the trial against them would be next week
— All the more reason you should go — said Clark, whose headache was beginning to increase slightly.
— Martha and Jonathan apparently won't be able to come see you today either... — Lois said sadly — at least not if we want to move tomorrow.
— Tomorrow?
— Yes... We already have almost everything ready, and if we do it tomorrow we will have more time to have everything ready for Sunday
— What's the hurry?
— On Sunday you will leave StarLabs! — Lois responded excitedly — Dr. Klein called me a while ago to give me the good news.
— He didn't say anything to me...
— Of course not, I asked him to let me tell you
— Oh...
— Aren't you happy?
— Yes, yes... Of course... — Clark responded, the headache getting stronger.
— Clark? Are you ok?
— Yeah, you just caught me by surprise... — Clark responded — Who are you leaving John with tomorrow?
— I was thinking of having him with us, and taking turns...
— Why don't you bring him here? You will already have a lot of work
— You're sure? And your exercises?
— John sleeps most of the day... I can give him his bottle and change his diaper without a problem... — Clark responded — plus Anne and Julie can surely help me if necessary...
— Ok... See you tomorrow morning then
— Brilliant
— I love you
— Me too.. — Clark responded — Bye
— Wait! I almost forgot... Dr. Friskin said she would come talk to you later today
— Oh... Thank you honey
About half an hour later, Clark was in the bathroom washing his hands after peeing when he felt a sharp pain behind his eyes, the headache increasing by the second. Suspecting what was about to happen, Clark took off his glasses and turned on the sink completely.
Just a few seconds later the bathroom was covered in steam. His heat vision had returned, and the headache was rapidly subsiding.
Clark looked at himself in the foggy mirror... In the reflection he saw a very different Clark than the one he was used to seeing... Sunday had been the last day he had been able to shave, so he already had a bit of a beard... Now that his heat vision was back, he could shave and be the same Clark as before.
About an hour later someone knocked on Clark's bedroom door.
— Come in — Clark said.
— Mr. Kent, you have visitors — said Anne, behind her came a woman — Dr. Friskin came to see you
— Oh, thank you Anne — Clark responded, pointing to the small sofa he added — Thanks for coming Dr. Friskin, make yourself comfortable
— Good afternoon, Mr. Kent — she said, sitting on the couch — I'm sorry about what happened... Lois told me some details, and that you needed help to process it... — said Dr. Friskin, observing Clark carefully.
— Ehm... Yes... I think so
— Did you grow a beard? In all the photos I've seen of you, you don't wear a beard — she asked.
— Ehm... Yes... I had never worn a beard before...
— And why did you decide to do it now?
— I don't feel very... Me...
— I see... — she responded, taking note of what Clark was telling her.
— I understand that only a few days ago you obtained a definitive diagnosis?
— Yes, last Sunday...
— I see... And what would you like to talk to me about?
— ... — Clark wasn't quite sure where to start...
— We can talk about how you felt when you heard the diagnosis, how you feel now that you've had a few days to process it... We can talk about your fears and worries about the future... Or anything else you want — he said. kindly Dr. Friskin
Clark was still a little undecided on how to go about the conversation... he had asked Lois to call Dr. Friskin... But now that #he was here, he just didn't know what to say...
— I know that many times in these cases people tell you that you should be grateful to still be alive... that your life continues... — she said, looking carefully at Clark — and it's true, but that doesn't mean that we cannot feel frustrated or angry about what happened... It is normal to feel worried about the changes that this new reality implies... And while life goes on and we can learn to enjoy new things, we can also miss things from our old routine... It's normal to have a jumble of emotions...
Clark still didn't respond, but he was starting to feel more relaxed.
— Whatever you want to vent about, I will listen to you without judging you... And later we will see the best way to manage those emotions... Ok? — Seeing Clark nod, she added — What would you like to talk to first?
— I think it was a very good first session Clark — said Dr. Friskin, writing down the last comments in her notebook — Do you feel calmer?
— Yes, thanks
— I'm glad I can help... — she said — Do you know when you can go home? I wish we could continue talking
— Yes, on Sunday... But I haven't been able to talk to Dr. Klein yet... I don't know if I'll have to stay in bed for a few more days or not...
— I understand... When you are clear about this, call my secretary... — she said, standing up.
— I will do it, thanks
Just after dinner Dr. Klein re-entered Clark's room.
— Hello... How was it?
— What the police found was indeed Kryptonite — said Dr. Klein, closing the door so that no one else would hear thenñm.
— Liquid ome? — Clark asked distressed.
— Yes... And in his normal state too
— But where did they get it?
— I don't know... But they had a very sophisticated laboratory to be able to produce the concentrated liquid version... And...
— What else was there?
— There was red and blue Kryptonite...
— What?
— They were not very large pieces, but from the papers that the police found, it seems that they also planned to generate liquid forms of both types
— Where they able to?
— Apparently not, since nothing was found there...
— But they could have hidden it somewhere else...
— Maybe...
— That's not good...
— Of course not...
— Could you bring the Kryptonite? — Clark asked
— No, not yet... It is still in police custody... But as soon as the judge allows it, we will keep it in the StarLabs vaults
— Thank you...
— Hopefully it will be after Sunday, I wouldn't like its presence to affect you...
— But it will be in lead containers, right?
— Of course... But we still don't know anything about the concentrated liquid version... — said Dr. Klein — the lead might not be enough
— Oh... Is that why I'll be discharged on Sunday?
— No, I had that in mind before this... But it's a good coincidence
— Oh, and when I return home, will I have to stay in bed?
— Oh, right... We haven't talked about it — said Dr. Klein — we must consider two aspects... Your real recovery, and the recovery that everyone else expect...
— I understand
— To keep up appearances, when you return home you will have to wait at least six weeks before you can return to work... During this period you will be slowly "recovering your strength and mobility"
— Six weeks?!? I won't be able to go out in all that time? — Clark asked, horrified at having to be locked up at home for so long.
— Calm down... During these first two weeks here, in theory your wounds from the operation were healing...
— Okay...
— So when you get home you should still be a little sore and not be able to move much...
— Oh... ok... When can I leave the house?
— Before leaving you should wait another two weeks, enough time for "the metal plate in your spine to no longer cause much pain when you sit down"... Remember that in theory you should still be taking painkillers
— Oh, right... — Clark said.
— Afterwards you can start going out, but only for short periods and without movements that require a lot of effort... Remember that in theory you should still be sore and just beginning to recover your mobility — said Dr. Klein — little by little you will improve, and you can go out for longer periods of time
— Okay...
— Until after 6 weeks you will be recovered enough to be able to return to work and sit in the chair all day
— I understand... And the real recovery?
— During the first two weeks you should rest and take it easy, just as you are doing now...
— What? But...
— Today you were sitting for 75 minutes... A great advance, but it is better not to overload yourself... We still don't know if the Kryptonite caused long-term damage, or if your body will reject the metal from the rods and screws
— Oh...
— You still have some pain from sitting for a long time, so clearly your body still needs time to recover... — said Dr. Klein
— The pain will pass, right?
— Yes, when your body is recovered, enough it won't hurt
— Good...
— Sean and Kelly will come to your house a couple of times a week for your therapies...
— Okay...
— I will also go visit you to see your medical advances, and your powers...
— Oh! I had forgotten to tell you that my heat vision came back today...
— Oh really? That's very good! Tomorrow we will evaluate it calmly
— Okay...
— During these first weeks at home you can sunbathe and rest, to help your body recover faster
— I understand
— Little by little you can increase the time you sit on the chair but we will talk about it more calmly on Sunday before you leave... Ok?
— I understand, thank you Dr. Klein
Friday
It was finally moving day.
Lois got up very early so she could go drop John off before the moving truck left for the new house.
— Hello, honey — Lois greeted him as she entered the room — how are feeling today?
— Good morning, honey — Clark responded from his bed — Pretty good, happy to be able to spend the whole day with John
— Great, it seems he's excited too — Lois said, taking John out of his stroller and handing him to Clark.
— Hi buddy
— In his bag there are diapers, three changes of clothes, the baby carrier and what is necessary to prepare all his bottles today — Lois commented, showing the bag she kept in the bottom of the stroller — and I brought you another change of clothes...
— Oh, thanks — Clark responded — What's the plan for today?
— Martha and Jonathan were waiting for the truck and will make sure they don't forget anything there, while Jimmy will be waiting for them at the new house... — Lois answered — I must try to get there before the truck leaves for the new house, so I can give the house keys to Phill, and take Martha and Jonathan to the new house... And get to the truck to help Jimmy take the boxes out of the truck
— Oh... I'm glad Jimmy could help you today... Thank him for me
— Yes, he has been a great help... we will have to invite him to dinner — Lois said with a smile — Are you sure you guys will be okay today?
— Of course... — Clark responded with a smile, tickling little John — How did it go with Henderson last night?
— Well... It was them... We managed to identify the five who attacked us... — Lois said — they caught another five with them... They must have been the ones who were at the lobby...
— Oh... So the trial will be soon?
— Henderson thinks so... There is no date yet, but with everything they found in their hiding place it shouldn't take long.
— That's good... — Clark said — And do we know why they wanted to attack Superman?
— No not yet...
— Oh...
— How did it go with Dr. Friskin?
— Great... — Clark said thoughtfully, after a few seconds he added — Do you have toleave right away?
— I have a few extra minutes — Lois responded, looking at her watch. She could see that Clark didn't want to give more details about his meeting with Dr. Friskin. — Why?
—To see if you could help me while I take a quick shower
— Haven't you showered since the other day? — Lois asked, amazed when she heard Clark's embarrassed tone.
— Ehm... No... — Clark responded — I didn't want to ask Anne or Julie to help me...
— Why not?
— It wasn't shame or anything... It's not like they haven't seen me these days...
— So?
— I don't know... I just felt that it was something intimate, and I preferred your help — Clark responded, looking at John without daring to look up — would you help me?
— Of course, honey — Lois responded, approaching Clark to give him a passionate kiss, — but we'll have to ask someone to watch John for us.
— Anne must be outside at her desk...
— Come on... We don't have much time — Lois said, taking John to leave him in his stroller and then go in search of Anne.
This time Clark made no mistakes when showering, so everything was very pleasant. After the bath, and putting on the clothes that Lois had brought him today, Clark decided to stay in the wheelchair for a while before going back to bed.
— Remember that in a while it's time for his milk and then his nap — Lois told him, coming to kiss Clark goodbye.
— I know, Lois — said Clark, who was playing with John, who was still in his stroller very entertained by what Clark was doing.
— Okay, I have to go... — Lois said, kissing Clark again — I'll come pick up John after dinner.
— Ok...— Clark responded distractedly while he continued playing with John — wait... And tomorrow?
— Tomorrow what?
— Won't you be too busy tidying up tomorrow? Who will see John?
— Don't worry about tomorrow, we already have everything organized..
— But I could .
— No. Tomorrow is your last day here, so Dr. Klein will probably want to do some final studies... Or Sean and Kelly will have some new exercises for you — Lois said — it's important that you do your exercise honey... You won't be able to do them calmly today.
— But...
— You'll have all the time in the world to spend time with John and me as soon as you get home — Lois told him — these last few days here, focus on your recovery, okay?
— Okay...
— I love you — Lois said, giving Clark a kiss and one on John's forehead. — ...Be good to daddy, okay?
— I love you — Clark replied.
Clark had been playing with John for about 20 minutes when he remembered that it would soon be bottle and nap time, so he had to change his diaper first.
Pushing the stroller a little closer to the bed, he took out his bag with his things to look for the changing mat, and finally he also moved his wheelchair closer to the bed.
After making sure to put the brakes on the wheelchair and the stroller, Clark picked up little John and laid him down on the changing nat he had placed on the bed so he could be changed. The truth is that it wasn't very comfortable to do it like that, mainly because of the height of the bed, but surely in a normal bed it wouldn't be so difficult.
After putting a clean diaper on him, Clark put John back in his atroller so he could prepare the bottle
From the bag, Clark took out a bottle, formula, and a thermos of hot water. Fortunately John loved his formula, and always drank the hole bottle without problem.
Clark was burping John when the bedroom door opened.
— Good morning Clark — said Dr. Klein. Clark had told him last night that John would be with him today, so he had decided to give him some time alone with the baby — how's everything going? How long have you been sitting in the chair?
— Everything's fine... I've been here for almost an hour... I was planning to go back to bed as soon as John fell asleep.
— That's a good idea... — said Dr. Klein — How long does his nap last?
— A couple of hours ...
— Great, we'll come back when he wake up then.
— We will be back?
— Kelly wants to take advantage of the opportunity that John is here to teach you some things
— Oh ok
As soon as John fell asleep, Clark laid him down in his stroller and called Anne and Julie to help him get back to bed.
John had woken up a few minutes ago, and Clark had called Anne so she could bring the baby to him. Clark didn't know if Kelly's exercises would be in the wheelchair or not, so he decided to stay in bed for the moment.
Clark was changing his diaper when Kelly, Sean and Dr. Klein entered the room.
— Excellent, our little assistant is already awake — said Sean.
— How's everything going Clark? Haven't you had problems handling the baby? — Kelly asked, watching as Clark moved John, who was lying on his legs.
— No, it hasn't been that difficult... — Clark responded — except for the fact that I can't get him out of his stroller from the bed... Or move the wheelchair if I have him in my arms.
— That's what we're here to practice now — said Kelly — we know that this dynamic with John is a fundamental part of the activities of your daily routine that you must recover...
— Thank you — Clark responded animatedly.
— As for being able to reach it from the bed, you will see that it is much easier with a normal bed... These hospital beds are very high and therefore it is more difficult
— I suspect that
— But we can practice holding him in your arms in the chair — said Kelly — for that we will need the baby carrier... Do you have one?
— Yes... It is in the stroller — Clark responded
— Excellent — Kelly said, searching the stroller.
Meanwhile Sean and Dr. Klein helped Clark into the wheelchair.
— Okay, before you take John, I want you to put the baby carrier on, but only halfway... Then you will put John in ir, and then you will finish putting the baby carrier in.
— Ok... — Clark said, doing what Kelly told him.
— Are you comfortable? — Kelly asked once he finished adjusting John in the carrier.
— Yeah... Then it's time to start moving — Sean said.
— Don't worry about John, he is safe with you
Clark began to move around the room without problems... he couldn't believe he hadn't thought of this solution.
— When John is a little older you can sit him facing forward — Kelly added.
— Obviously, for now you have to be careful not to put too much strain on your back — said Dr. Klein — even if you are sitting, it is an effort to have it there with you... Remember that you are still recovering
— I know...
After practicing with the baby carrier, Sean wanted to take advantage of the moment to exercise strength... Clark had to pick up John and leave him in his stroller or on the bed repeatedly.
Then it was time to go to the gym to practice, so John spent his next nap sleeping in the stroller, accompanying Clark while he performed various exercises in the gym with Sean.
Dr. Klein let Clark rest the rest of the day, so he could enjoy the company of little John.
The move occurred without major problems. The truck arrived at the agreed time, and it fit all the furniture and boxes. Thanks to Jimmy's extra help the new house was pretty tidy by dinner time. For the next day there were only small things left like installing paintings and curtains, organizing the closets... And building Superman's secret closet.
It had already been decided where the secret closet would be built, but together they had decided not to do it until they were installed in the house, so that no one who should not know about it could see it. Jonathan would be in charge of building a false bottom to the towel closet that was in Lois and Clark's bedroom, it wouldn't be as big as the one they had before, but it would be a safe place.
It was almost 9 pm when Lois arrived to pick up John.
— Hello, honey — Lois said entering Clark's room — How was your father and son' day?
— Great... — Clark responded.
Clark had John curled up on his chest, an image Lois loved.
Lois slowly approached Clark so as not to wake John, gave him a kiss and then sat down on the bed gently.
— How was the move? — Clark asked.
— Everything was fine... There were no broken boxes or damaged furniture.
— That's good news — Clark said, remembering how during the last move several things had been damaged by the truck crew.
— Yup... We're almost done taking things out of the boxes... — Lois said — Martha already has the kitchen ready.
— How fast!
— Yes, well... Jimmy was a great help... And obviously Martha too, it's amazing how she organizes everything so quickly
— I know... And hasn't she been too bossy?
— Yes, a little... Hahaha
— So what do you have left for tomorrow?
— Organize the closets... Install the curtains... And basically finish organizing the smallest things, books, decorations, etc...
— Oh, not much...
— And how was your day?
— Fine... Today I had an excellent assistant in my therapies
— How so?
— Kelly helped me with the baby carrier, so I could maneuver the chair with John in my lap... — Clark explained — and with Sean we exercised muscles by taking him from the stroller and the bed
— Excellent
— And then he accompanied me to the gym to take his nap while I did other exercises...
— Oh... No wonder he's so tired — Lois said, stroking John's head.
— Did you talk to Dr. Klein about your recovery at home? — Lois asked — he only told me that you could leave on Sunday.
— Yes... It will be looong
— What are you talking about?
— I won't be able to go back to work for at least another 6 weeks... — Clark explained, — during which I'll have to pretend I'm still slowly recovering.
— Well, it would be very suspicious if you return to the Planet on Monday...
— Yes, I know... But 6 weeks? I will go crazy locked up at home for so long
— Stuck at home? Won't you be able to go out?
— Not the first two weeks... Then I can start going out little by little... I have to keep up appearances
— And will you continue with therapies from Sean and Kelly?
— Yes... he said that they would go to the house...
— Come on, honey... in that case, it won't be so long... — Lois said — You'll be busy... you will have your therapies and John...
— I know... It's just that...
— You are such a farm boy... As soon as you can start going out, we will take walks with John around the neighborhood... Ok?
— I guess I won't be visiting the farm for a while... or never again
— Oh, Clark... Of course we can go to the farm later...
— It's a farm... The wheelchair couldn't move on terrain like that... Especially after a rainy day
— Surely Jonathan has something in mind already... — Lois said, distressed by how sad Clark sounded — ...we could consult with Kelly, surely she has some suggestions...
— Yes, maybe... — Clark responded, not very convinced about it — ...And we will have to go by plane...
— Honey, we'll worry about all the logistics later, okay? — Lois said, taking his hand — for the moment the priority is your recovery... Let your body continue to heal, the pain will continue to decrease, and you need to continue with the therapies...
— Okay...
At that moment John woke up, it was time for a new bottle.
Saturday
Clark was woken up today by Dr. Klein. Since today he had many exams planned, Dr. Klein had given everyone the day off, he wanted to be able to do everything without outside eyes watching them.
— Good morning Clark, how are you feeling today?
— Good...
— Since this is your last day here, we will take advantage of it to do different tests and exams, okay? — said Dr. Klein — this way we can determine your progress more objectively.
— Okay...
— We will start with the medical stuff and then we will see how are your powers
— Alright...
The first thing was to take urine samples... Check the incision, blood pressure, pain levels, etc.
Before Dr. Klein could continue, there was a knock on the door.
— Am I interrupting something? — Lois said from the door
— Of course not — said Dr. Klein.
— Hello honey, what are you doing here?
— I came to accompany you today, of course — Lois said, approaching to greet Clark with a kiss.
— I thought you would stay organizing things in the new house
— No... Your parents are doing that... — Lois said, taking his hand — I know there will be many exams today, so I preferred to be here with you
— Thanks
— What exams will you take today? — Lois asked Dr. Klein
— At the moment I have only taken urine samples... — he responded — but I would like to be able to do others later... If you agree, Clark, obviously.
— Which is it? — Clark asked, somewhat uneasy with Dr. Klein's tone.
— It would be good to have some blood samples... An ultrasound of your kidney, and an x-ray of your spine...
— But... — said Lois.
— We would have to have Kryptonite to do it — said Dr. Klein — that's why we will only do it if you agree, Clark.
— It's really necessary? —Lois asked before Clark could say anything.
— Yes... We still don't know if the liquid Kryptonite could have caused any long-term damage or...
— Like which? — Lois said, interrupting Dr. Klein
— We don't know for sure... Anemia perhaps... Or some other problem — he replied.
— That's why you need the blood test
— Exactly... We must also check that there is no infection, or rejection of the metal after the surgery... — Dr. Klein explained — and we must see how your kidney behaves, I am worried that it is overloaded.
— But I thought my urine tests were normal... — Clark said.
— They are... But the kidney are a very noble organ... Normally you don't see signs that there is any problem, until when these are serious... — he explained — with ultrasound we could detect them sooner...
— Oh... In that case I think we'll have to do it — Clark said, not very enthusiastic about the idea.
— My idea is to do it in the afternoon, so that you have the night to recover while we monitor you, and in the morning you can go home — said Dr. Klein
— Okay... — Clark said — and what do we do in the meantime?
— I would like to evaluate your powers... See which ones have returned, and at what capacity they are — said Dr. Klein — ...and I would like to evaluate your physical condition and rehabilitation... See your range of motion, strength, etc.
— Ok... — Clark said — What do we start with?
— Let's finish with the medical examination and then we can start with your physical condition
— Okay...
— I would like to see the incisions from the surgery... — said Dr. Klein — I know they have already healed, but strangely there are still some thin scars... I would like to take some photos so I can evaluate in the future if there is any change or not
— Oh ok...
— Why do you think the scars have not disappeared yet? — Lois asked.
— To be honest I don't know...
Lois helped Clark expose the scars so Dr. Klein could take some photos of them.
— Thanks Clark, you can get dressed now — Dr. Klein said when the photos were ready — now I'll take your blood pressure...
Clark rolled up his left sleeve and passed his arm to Dr. Klein.
— Very good... It's within your normal ranges... — said Dr. Klein, writing down the results in his notebook — tell me Clark... how is the pain going?
— Ehm... While I'm lying down it's more discomfort than real pain...
— Okay...
— When I'm sitting down the discomfort begins to increase as the minutes go by — said Clark — ...and then it starts to hurt...
— I understand... And when do you decide to lie down again?
— When the pain it's over five or six...
— You hadn't told me that before... — said Dr. Klein, reviewing his notes — From now on I don't want you to try so hard...
— But...
— I know you're anxious to get your routine back, but it's better to go easy... — said Dr. Klein — Soon you'll be able to sunbathe all day if you want, and that will help everything go faster... But forcing your body will only play against you
— Okay...
After the medical examination, the first thing was to evaluate Clark's physical condition. For that, the three went to the gym, where Dr. Klein asked Clark to make a few transfers to different places (chair, toilet, exercise machine), and to perform some of the exercises that he had been practicing with Sean.
After that Dr. Klein gave them a lunch break.
Lois and Clark enjoyed their lunch together, watching a movie in Clark's room. It wasn't the most romantic moment, but they hadn't had time for themselves in a while, so they enjoyed it as if it were a date.
After lunch it was time to check Clark's powers, for that Dr. Klein guided them to the room where he usually carried out these studies with Superman.
— Ok... We already know that your invulnerability returned as well as your speed healing... And I don't think it's necessary to evaluate if they are at 100% or not... — said Dr. Klein — I prefer to wait and not overload your body that is still recovering from what happened
— Thank you — said Clark, who didn't feel like checking whether a bullet would bounce off his body or not.
— Let's better start with your frozen breath...
After reviewing the potency of ice breath, Dr. Klein ran tests to analyze his x-ray vision and super hearing.
— Great... Everything still seems to be at 70% but soon your powers will be at full capacity again... — Dr. Klein said, taking notes in his notebook.
Luckily Dr. Klein had Superman's powers well studied, and therefore it was easy to estimate whether they were at 100% or not. They had basically been repeating the same tests they normally did when Dr. Klein studied one of his abilities.
— We haven't seen how your heat vision is going yet, I had forgotten to check it — said Dr. Klein.
— Has it returned? —Lois asked surprised.
— Yes... The other day — replied Clark, who had forgotten to tell Lois.
— That's good news, honey — Lois said — And why haven't you shaved yet?... It's not that I don't like it... But you don't look like yourself with it.
— Um... I don't know... — Clark said, without looking Lois in the eyes — ...I don't feel like myself lately.
— Oh, honey — Lois said, coming to hug him and kiss him on the forehead — you'll feel like yourself again in no time
— It's true Clark, your recovery has been extremely fast for the severity of the situation... In these situations a human would still have several months of physical recovery left — Dr. Klein told him, trying to cheer him up — ... I know it has been a big change for you, but you are on the right track.
— Thank you... — Clark said with a shy smile.
— Now that I think about it... Maybe that's why all your powers haven't returned yet... — Lois said.
— What are you talking about? — Clark asked.
— After Nightfall... You couldn't fly, because you didn't remember that you could do it... Your mind influenced your body... — Lois said — maybe now, unconsciously, your mind is doing something similar...
— It's possible... I was not present on that occasion, but... — said Dr. Klein, thinking of a way to explain to Clark what was happening — perhaps your subconscious knows that you are not ready yet, neither physically nor mentally, for all your powers to return...
— Especially the ones that make you feel like Superman the most — Lois added — like flying...
— Oh...
— I'm sure that as soon as you're ready they'll come back — Lois added — don't get obsessed with that...
— I'll try
— Let's see then how we do with heat vision... — said Dr. Klein, bringing some metal plates closer — just as usual Clark... Let's see what temperature you reach
— Well... You still haven't reached the maximum possible temperature... — said Dr. Klein, observing the little experiment — ...it's still halfway... But taking into account that it only came back a few days ago, it's not strange...
— That's good news...
— We are still waiting for your strength, speed and flight to return... — said Dr. Klein — but taking into account that your speed depends on your muscle strength... They will probably come back together
— You won't test Clark's strength? —Lois asked.
— No, at least not yet... — he explained — ...in theory someone who has just lost a kidney and suffered a serious spinal injury should not be lifting weights or doing movements that require a lot of effort... Thanks to his speed healing, Clark has already been able to start with transfers and other rehabilitation exercises... And that is already enough strsin for his body, I prefer not to abuse
— Oh... — she said — so it's time for Kryptonite?
— I'm afraid so — said Dr. Klein. — Are you ready, Clark?
— I guess...
— First we will do the ultrasound, and we will leave the x-ray for last... We need the Kryptonite to take effect for it to work... — said Dr. Klein — go back to your room in the meantime, and I will go get the ultrasound and the Kryptonite
— Okay...
Just a few minutes later Dr. Klein entered the room with the ultrasound machine and a small lead box.
— I'll open the box... So that the Kryptonite begins to take effect... — said Dr. Klein — ...I won't put it too close...
— Okay...
Dr. Klein opened the lead box, where there were two pieces of the green material. Clark could immediately feel the negative effect of the Kryptonite
— Okay, we better hurry — said Dr. Klein — Lois, help me transfer Clark to the bed.
— Okay...
With Clark already in bed, the first thing was to obtain a blood sample. Just as they had done for the past few years while creating "Superman's blood bank", Dr. Klein moved one of the small pieces of Kryptonite a little closer to Clark in order to insert the needle into his arm.
— Almost there... — said Dr. Klein while he filled several small tubes with blood — ... ready, with this I will be able to perform various tests ...
— Great... — Clark said, the discomfort was evident in his tone of voice.
— Let's continue with the ultrasound... I'll try to do it as quickly as possible... I need you to lie on your side... — said Dr. Klein, as he began to put gel on Clark's side — Has the pain increased?... do you want me to give you morphine?
— It has increased a little... But I don't want morphine... Not yet at least...
— Ok, but let me know if you need it... — Dr. Klein said, leaving the piece of Kryptonite back in the box — Lois I need you to keep the box open and stand behind Clark... But not too far away.
— Okay...
— ...As we suspected, there are no signs that a new kidney is regenerating... — said Dr. Klein, while the first images were already being seen on the screen — Veins and arteries look good... The ureter looks normal...
— Looks good so far — Lois commented.
— The morphology of the kidney is normal... Although there is a slight increase in size...
— That's bad? Clark asked.
— No... It is to be expected, it is very common for compensatory growth to occur... The kidney must work twice as hard, so it grows a little — explained Dr. Klein
— So everything is okay? — Clark asked.
— Yes... Everything is fine — said Dr. Klein, cleaning the remains of gel from Clark's abdomen — Let's go to the radiology room
Dr. Klein and Lois helped Clark back into his wheelchair so they could head to radiology, where they then had to help him lie down on a gurney so they could get images of his spine from all angles.
— This won't take long Clark — Dr. Klein told him — the Kryptonite has already been affecting you for several minutes, we should be able to get a clear image...
Lois and Dr. Klein left the room so as not to be affected by the radiation while the x-rays were taken. When everything was ready they went back into the room.
— The first image will be ready in 5 minutes and we can see if it worked or not — Dr. Klein said to Clark, moving the Kryptonite away from Clark a little, but not completely — I won't close the box yet, in case the images haven't come out good enough and we must repeat them
— Ok... — Clark said in a low voice, quite affected by the Kryptonite
— Hold on darling, it won't be long
After the longest five minutes, Dr. Klein returned with the results
— The first ones didn't come out very clear... Only the last one came out well — said Dr. Klein — now that the Kryptonite has taken effect for another five minutes, we will repeat them... And that would be it.
— Okay...
— We'll be right back honey — said Lois.
Finally Clark was back in his bed, and the Kryptonite was inside the lead box again.
— I'm sorry Clark, but we had to do it — said Dr. Klein.
— It's okay... — Clark said — it's not your fault.
— How do you feel?
— My head hurts... I'm nauseous... And everything hurts...
— Oh, honey... — Lois said, caressing his hand.
— I can give you something for the pain... It may still work for a few minutes — said Dr. Klein, offering him a couple of painkillers and a glass of water.
— Alright...
— How did the x-rays come out? — Lois asked.
— Everything is fine... The fractured vertebrae have already completely healed... But...
— But? — Lois asked distressed.
— There are no signs that the damaged intervertebral disc has regenerated...
— So clearly the spinal cord hasn't done it either — Clark concluded.
— I'm afraid so... — said Dr. Klein — I'm sorry, Clark.
— It's okay... — Clark said, covering his eyes with his forearm — We already knew that...
— I'll go analyze the blood and urine samples... — said Dr. Klein — Try to rest Clark... You should turn on the UV lamps
— Mmm — Clark responded.
Dr. Klein and Lois exchanged silent glances, at Clark's response. As soon as Dr. Klein left the room, Lois said
— Honey... I'll go get something to eat... You must be hungry
— No... Not really — Clark responded, still with his eyes closed.
— You should eat something... — Lois said — ...try to get some sleep, I'll leave the UV lamps on... I'll be back soon
— Hmm...
As soon as Lois left the room she gave a big sigh... It had never been easy to see Clark affected by Kryptonite, but exposing him to it on purpose had been almost cruel.
Lois went to the cafeteria, where there was no one... After all, Dr. Klein had made sure of that, but he had asked the cafeteria staff to leave some things prepared for them... Nothing too elaborate, just some sandwich and desserts
Lois decided it was best to give Clark a few more minutes under the UV lamps, so she took advantage of the time to call Martha. Sitting down in one of the many chairs in the room, she took out her cell phone.
— Hello?
— Hello Martha, how is everything going there?
— Hello Lois! Great... Jonathan finished Superman's closet and I finished organizing the closets
— Oh, Martha... Thank you very much, you are a salvation. And John?
— He's already sleeping peacefully... How is Clark?
— He's also sleeping... Or so I hope
— Something happened?
— Dr. Klein took advantage of the day to do many exams...
— I know... But did something go wrong?
— No... But the last exams required Kryptonite...
— What? Why? — Martha asked alarmed
— It was the only way to get a blood sample or get ultrasounds and x-rays... — Lois explained — Dr. Klein wants to make sure that the liquid Kryptonite hasn't caused long-term problems, and he needed to do those tests... And there was no other way to do it.
— Oh, my baby...
— Clark is resting under the UV lamps now... And Dr. Klein will monitor him overnight, and in the morning we can go home
— What a relief... It will be very good for Clark emotionally to be able to leave StarLabs.
— Yes... In fact... Did you know that his heat vision had already returned?
— No... when?
— Few days ago...
— He didn't tell us anything... And why hasn't he shaved yet then?
— Because he doesn't feel like himself... Or so he said
— Oh... My baby — Martha said distressed.
— I know... On Monday I will ask Dr. Friskin to go see him at the house, at least until Clark can go out.
— I hope she accept...
— Yeah...
— Do you know what time they will discharge him?
— No, I haven't talked to Dr. Klein about that... But I'll let you know early tomorrow.
— Ok dear, see you tomorrow
— See you tomorrow
Lois didn't want to go back to the room yet, Clark needed to rest... But she was tired, it had been an exhausting week...
She was getting up to go get food when her cell phone rang.
— Hello?
— Dear! Are you fine? How is Clark? We just found out what happened!
— Hi Mom...
Lois's parents had been on a cruise for the last four weeks. They had been somewhat disappointed to leave just when John had come into their lives, but the trip had been scheduled for a long time, and they had no way to cancel it. Because they were on the cruise ship, Lois had not had a way to call them to let them know what had happened, or inform them of Clark's condition.
After what happened a little over a month ago, she and Clark had decided that it was best to continue keeping the secret from them... At least for a while longer. With what happened with Clark, it would be best to keep that decision and not complicate things even more
— When you arrived? — Lois asked.
— A few hours ago... When we turned on the TV to watch the news we found out what happened. How is Clark?
— Recovering..
— Come on, honey, tell me more... On the news they said that they had to operate on him to remove some bullets...
— Yes, they did... One of the bullets hurt his spinal cord... He won't be able to walk again
— Oh, honey! I'm so sorry!
— But he is still with us... That is the most important thing
— Of course, honey... And he's still in the hospital?
— Yes... Tomorrow they will discharge him
— What great news, he will be much better at home... How will he do with the stairs?
— We moved to another house...
— What? When?
— Yesterday... The new house is only one story, and is completely accessible
— I'm glad, but how did you do everything so quickly?
— With help... Martha and Jonathan have helped a lot with the move and taking care of John... Jimmy helped me with the search for a new house... — Lois explained — ...and since the incident appeared on the news, Even those at the bank were friendly and expedited the procedures
— Oh, that's great... Can we go visit you tomorrow then?
— Yes, of course mom... But in the afternoon, I still don't know what time they will let Clark out...
— Sure, sure... We'll give you time to get settled and for Clark to rest a little before our visit.
— Thanks Mom
— Tomorrow you call us when we can go, and then you give me the new address...
— OK, see you tomorrow
— See you honey
Lois quietly entered Clark's room, which still had the UV lamps on.
— Clark? — Lois asked softly, turning off the UV lamps — I brought you something to eat.
— Oh, thank you... — Clark responded, opening his eyes.
— How do you feel? Were you able to get some sleep?
— Yes, I slept a little... — Clark responded, sitting up — the nausea has passed, although my head still hurts a little...
— Here, maybe that will help — Lois said, handing him a sandwich — ...although maybe what I tell you now will make the headache come back...
— What happened?
— Mom called... They arrived today and found out what happened to you when they saw the news
— Oh... Are they still talking about that on the news?
— I don't know, I haven't seen them today... Maybe they were talking about the trial or something like that.
— Is there a date yet?
— No not yet
— Oh...
— Well, mom wanted to know how you were... And she said they were going to visit you at home tomorrow.
— You didn't tell them about Superman did you?
— No... I still think it's not necessary to do it... But it won't be easy to deceive them about your recovery
— You're right... Your mother was a nurse and your father was a doctor.
— I don't think tomorrow's visit will be very long or that they will visit us very often... But you will definitely have to act a little... — Lois said — Well, if Jimmy or Perry are going to visit you it will be the same
— Yes... Dr. Klein told me about real recovery and the recovery that people expect...
—bWe'll have to be careful with that... It would be too suspicious if anyone knows how quickly you are recovering.
— I know... And I'm still a little nervous about Anne, Julie, Sean and Kelly seeing the progress I've made — Clark said, finishing his sandwich and starting with the dessert that Lois had brought him.
— Yes, me too... But Dr. Klein has done a good job of keeping everything within the "normal" ranges as much as possible...
— It's true, nothing extremely strange has happened... — Clark said — I haven't lifted very heavy things or anything like that.
— I think they just think that you heal very quickly... But the rest has been quite "normal" — Lois said — Perhaps the best thing is that you stay in bed when there are visitors, at least at the beginning...
— Yes... anyway Dr. Klein said I should have two more weeks of bed rest...
— Oh really?
— Yes... Two more weeks of being mostly in bed and sitting in the chair at short times
— Great, then there won't be much to lie
— Yeah... Yei — Clark said feigning excitement
— Oh, honey... I know you don't want to be in bed anymore, but if that's what your body needs to recover, well... There's nothing to do
— I know... It's just that I hate doing nothing...
— When you're home you'll surely have something to do... — Lois told him — You can go out and sunbathe in the garden... read, play with John... Or even write
— Do you think Perry will let me write while I'm at home?
— I don't know... But if he doesn't, you could write a novel...
— The continuation of Wanda Detroit and Kent's love story?
— Haha... So funny — said Lois between laughs
Sunday
— Good morning, Mr. Kent — Julie said when she woke him up — How did you sleep?
— Good morning — Clark said, — pretty good, thank you
— I'm glad — she replied.
— Dr. Klein will come in a few minutes to talk to you and then we will start preparing everything so you can go home — Anne added — big day today
—;Thank you for taking such good care of him these days — Lois told them.
— We're so glad he can go home so soon — Julie said, as she adjusted the wheelchair so Clark could go to the bathroom.
— Good morning — Dr. Klein said, entering Clark's room — How are you feeling today, Clark? Are you still feeling the effects of Kryptonite?
— Good morning Dr. Klein — Clark said — no, I feel much better now.
— I'm glad... In that case, let's start with the preparations so you can go home... — said Dr. Klein, who after looking at some notes in his notebook added — The wc routine has been working very well... I want you to keep it when you are at home...
— For how long? — Lois asked.
— I don't know... That will depend on your body Clark... We will evaluate the progress and decide later — Dr. Klein responded — remember that we are re-training your bladder... The idea is that you achieve control of it, but only time will tell us if it has worked or not...
— Could it not work? — Lois asked.
— It's one of the possible results... — said Dr. Klein — But not the only one, that's why you should continue with it.
— Okay... — said Clark
— I have the results of the urine and blood tests... — said Dr. Klein — everything in the urine looks normal, coinciding with what we saw in the ultrasound... In any case, I would like us to maintain a routine checkup of your urine, just to be able to monitor that everything is going well
— Ok... And how often?
— At first every two weeks, and then we will distance them... Possibly every two or three months — said De. Klein — ...But in any case I would like you to be attentive to any changes in your urine, smell, color... ...Or if it hurts when peeing... Anything strange I want you to come see me immediately
— Okay... — Clark said — And the blood sample?
— Mostly within normal ranges, but your platelet and red blood cell levels are somewhat low — said Dr. Klein, who upon seeing the concerned faces added — ...they have been low since the incident... At first I attributed it to blood loss from the attack and surgery... But I thought that when your speed healing activated they would return to normal ranges
— What does that mean? — Lois asked, somewhat scared — Is it a product of the liquid Kryptonite?
— I don't know yet... — said Dr. Klein — at the moment it's not something to worry about too much... The levels are low, but not that low... They are very close to the minimum expected.. We will do another test in a week to see if they have increased
— And if they don't... could it be permanent? — Clark asked.— should we worry?
— Maybe...
— And what would we do then? Would there be any treatment? —Lois asked.
— To be honest, I don't know... — said Dr. Klein — I'll start researching it... Maybe we could adapt a treatment so that it can be effective on Clark.
— Thank you Dr. Klein — Clark said.
— Could this be what caused the scarring of the surgery wounds? —Lois asked.
— It's most likely... Until then no wound had left scars on your body... — Dr. Klein said to Clark — ...the scars are thin and look older than they really are, but they haven't disappeared as usual...
— Oh...
— If your platelet levels do not increase, we could assume that is the cause
— So from now on every time I have a wound, there will be a scar? — Clark asked.
— Just like everyone else honey — Lois responded with a smile before Dr. Klein could answer.
— Haha Lois is right... Apparently it's not something serious... — said Dr. Klein — you don't have internal bleeding or anything like that, so it's probably just at the skin level... Like any human
— Oh ok...
— Well, moving on to another topic... Due to the removal of one of your kidneys, I would recommend you be more careful with your diet — said Dr. Klein — you don't have prohibited foods, but you should be careful with the portions...
— Ok... With what things?
— In order not to overload the remaining kidney with work, you should not exceed the amounts of meat or fats... or the amount of salt.—said Dr. Klein — along with the kidney they also removed the left adrenal gland, so there is a risk of high blood pressure
— Oh...
— At the moment your pressure is within normal limits for your standards... but if it increases we would have to find and adapt a treatment so that it is effective for you...
— It will be easier to eat healthy — said Lois.
— That's right — said Dr. Klein — it is not necessary to be extreme with the diet, but to be aware of the portions.
— Okay...
— Well, to finish just remember the recovery times — said Dr. Klein — as I told you the other day Clark, your actual recovery will be much faster than the expected recovery, so you must be careful not to raise suspicions.
— Yes, in fact my parents will visit us today... — said Lois — ...they are both from the health field, so it will not be easy to fool them.
— I see, then let's review a little — said Dr. Klein — the next two weeks you will have to be mostly in bed, only sitting in the chair for short periods... And without leaving the house
— How short? — Lois asked.
— You still have a little pain after sitting for a while Clark... currently you have already achieved 75 min... You can increase little by little, as the pain allows you... And as we talk yesterday, don't force yourself... You could increase the time until you reach two hours at the end of these two weeks — said Dr. Klein — but that is in private... If there are visits, I recommend no more than 30 minutes and perform the transfers with "difficulty."
— Alright...
— A human at this point would still be somewhat sore... And it would not be so easy to perform transfers or other movements
— Okay...
— At the end of those two weeks we will have a medical check-up here at StarLabs... Dr. Rose wants to be present — said Dr. Klein — I have been informing him of your condition, and he wants to see you in two weeks
— But... Will he try to do some studies? —Clark asked nervously.
— Possibly... but what we can do is perform some tests the day before and show him the results — said Dr. Klein — with that he will leave you alone
— I hope so...
— After that you can start going out if you want, but in short periods... Go have a coffee, take a stroll around the neighborhood, etc... Little by little you can increase the times — said Dr. Klein — you may no longer have pain when sitting by then, but you should appear uncomfortable after a few hours...
— Okay...
— And after another four weeks you could return to work — said Dr. Klein — you just have to remember that the recovery until then must be gradual
— We will keep it in mind — said Lois.
— Your bed does not recline like the one you have here, so you will need to have cushions and pillows on hand to be comfortable
— Okay...
— Great, in that case I'll leave you alone so you can change your clothes, or take a shower if you want — said Dr. Klein — I'll go look for the official discharge papers, so that you can later deliver them to human resources or insurance.
— Thank you Dr. Klein — said Lois, as soon as Dr. Klein left the room, she added — Do you want to bathe here or at home?
— Can I do it there?
— Sure... the bathroom renovations are already ready, and it is completely accessible
— Great, I prefer to bathe there then
— Okay... I'll take out the clothes I brought you — Lois said, taking Clark's clothes out of the bag she had brought with her — Jeans or sweatpants?
— Jeans please — Clark said.
— Okay
— Are you ready? — Dr. Klein asked as he re-entered the room 20 minutes later.
— Yes, everything is ready — replied Clark, who was already sitting in his wheelchair.
— Excellent — said Kelly, who, along with Sean, had entered after Dr. Klein — then we will practice one last exercise before you leave.
— Hello Kelly, Sean — Clark said — What are we going to do?
— We will see a new transfer technique... That can be useful for the car — said Kelly — and over time you will be able to see which one best suits you for different situations.
— Oh ok...
— For the car you can use the same transfer that you use for the toilet, but it is usually a little more complicated, since the car gets in the way... — said Kelly — And therefore requires more effort on your part
— So it will possibly cause you pain if we try it now — said Dr. Klein — we will leave that option for later... For now the transfer must be with a little help
— Oh ok
— For that we have two options — said Sean — a modify stand pivot transfer or a transfer board
— The first requires the help of a person, in this case it will be Sean, and we will try to make the transfer to the sofa — Kelly said — the first thing, as always, is to position the chair, ideally at 45 to the destination, set the brakes and remove the footrests, so they don't get in the way... Make sure your feet are well positioned on the floor. Then Sean will stand in front of you... You should put your arms over his neck, while he grabs your pants.
— Ok... — Clark said, doing what Kelly told them.
— On the count of three Sean will stand you up, turn to the side and gently sit you on the couch — said Kelly — ...this type of transfer is usually used with people who can keep their weight on their legs, but can be used from time to time on patients like you... You just have to be careful
— Careful with what? — Lois asked.
— With the caregiver's back... The force must be well done so as not to cause any back injury... And you must be careful not to slip... — Sean explained — that is why the ideal is not to use it so often
— I understand — said Lois.
— Ready Clark? — Kelly asked.
— Yeah...
— On the count of three... 1, 2...3! — Sean said.
In one quick movement, Sean put Clark on his feet for a couple of seconds and then sat him back down on the couch.
— How did it feel, Clark? —Dr. Klein asked.
— Strange... But fine
— The safest way is to do it using a gait belt... But we didn't use it this time, since the belt would have tightened the area of the injury on your spine — Kelly explained — so it was better to just use the pants as a guide
— The other option is the transfer board — said Sean, showing Clark a wooden board about a meter long — this board acts as a "bridge" between both surfaces, and you simply have to wiggle your way to the other side
— This board can be really useful for transferring to bed or the car — Kelly added — Do you want to try it?
— Ok... — Clark said, positioning the board just as Kelly was showing him — And now?
— Same as always, one hand where you are and the other where you're going... If you don't reach your destination, in this case the wheelchair, this hand can go on the board... And as you advance you move it — Kelly said — you should do small push ups, in order to move forward... Wiggle your hips...
— I understand... — Clark said, beginning to wiggle his way back to the wheelchair
— Very good honey! — Lois said as soon as he was sitting back in the wheelchair—great hips moves .
— Hahaha thanks...
— That was very good... — Kelly said — Lois, did you bring the new chair?
— Yes, it's in the car
— New chair? — Clark asked.
— The chair you are currently occupying is a standard chair... Normally used sporadically by patients in hospitals or after an accident... — Kelly explained — but for permanent use another type of wheelchair is better... In your case you could use a category 2 or 3 chair...
— As a recommendation, it is always better to start in category 2, and over time if you feel comfortable evolve to a category 3 — added Sean
— I bought a category 2 — said Lois
— What is the difference? —Clark asked.
— The main difference is the weight, the standard one is very heavy — answered Kelly — category 2 is almost the same in shape but lighter... And category 3 is designed for active people... It's even lighter, it's easy to disassemble, and has anti-tip wheels
— Oh...
— That's why the ideal is to change categories little by little — said Kelly.
— Okay
— If you're ready to go, let's go to the car then — said Dr. Klein.
— Well, in order to transfer to the car, first you have to open the door completely and put the car seat as far back as possible, to have more space
— Ok — Lois said, opening the car door.
— So now all that's left to do is get on — Kelly said — Do you think we try to get on and off with each of the options?
— Um, okay — Clark said.
— Well Lois, first we will do a stand pivot transfer — said Sean — don't worry, we will be here to help in case of emergency
— Ok — Lois responded somewhat nervously. She didn't know if she would be able to support Clark's weight.
— First position the chair at 45 to the car, as close as possible... Set the brakes and remove the footrests... — Kelly said to Lois — Make sure Clark's feet are well positioned on the ground... And now stand in front of him...
— Okay...
— One of your legs should be between Clark's, this way with your knees you can block his, and the transfer will be safer — Sean added
— Ok... — Lois said, getting into position — Ready Clark...? On the count of 3... 1, 2, 3!
To Lois's surprise the transfer was not that complicated. She was able to support Clark's weight for the few seconds he was standing, and sit him on the edge of the car seat without major problems.
— Excellent Lois! — Kelly told him — Now Clark, hold on where you can... And start moving your hips back to sit better, so that you don't fall forward.
— Ok... — Clark said, holding onto the door frame and other parts of the car.
— Now that you're sitting better, it's time to move your legs towards the inside of the car — said Sean — for greater security, stay supported with one hand, and with the other move one leg at a time
— Okay...
— Excellent! — Kelly said enthusiastically — now let's try to get out of the car, but I want us to use the new chair.
— Okay, I'll bring it — Lois said, opening the trunk to take out Clark's new chair.
— Well, to get out of the car it's the same but in reverse... First get your legs out of the car... — Kelly said while positioning Clark's new chair — holding yourself up well, you must get a little closer to the edge of the seat and then Lois will help you with the rest
— Okay...
— It is very important that you are always well supported Clark, since it is easy for you to lose your balance... and the fall can be ugly — said Dr. Klein
Clark and Lois followed Kelly's instructions, and completed the transfer without any major difficulties.
— That was great — said Dr. Klein.
— Clark, I want you to try maneuvering the new wheelchair a little... — said Sean — to see if you notice any difference.
— Ok — Clark said, releasing the brakes and starting to move — yeah, I can see that it's lighter... And new haha, it's much easier to maneuver
— Great — said Sean — later we will evaluate if it is necessary to add special cushions to the seat or back.
— Why would they be necessary? —Lois asked.
— Over time patients begin to lose muscle mass in their legs and butt... So sometimes a little extra comfort is needed — Kelly explained — sitting all day is not always comfortable
— Oh...
— But that's for later — said Sean — now let's try the board
— Ok... — Clark said, taking the board that Sean handed him
— As you can see here, a difference in height is generated between the wheelchair and the car seat — explained Sean — This is what makes the traditional transfer more complicated... And with the board too
— Oh... — Clark said, trying to position the board as best he could — Is that okay?
— Yeah... Make sure the board is firm and not going to slide — said Sean — like that, good... Now start moving forward
— It's not that easy — Clark said as he inched toward the car seat.
— Sometimes it can be helpful to park the car close to the sidewalk — said Kelly — if the chair is on the sidewalk, the chair and the car seat are at the same height... But you have to take all the safety precautions so that there is no accident during the transfer
— I'll keep that in mind — Lois said.
— Now, just like before, you should get comfortable in the seat — Kelly said to Clark as soon as he managed to sit in the car — and then get your legs inside the car
— Do you want to practice how to get out? — Kelly asked.
— No, not really — Clark said sincerely — I already understood how it works.
— Haha it's okay — Kelly said — but we'll practice it the next time we see each other.
— Okay...
— I'll buy one as soon as I can — Lois said as she folded Clark's chair to put it back in the trunk.
— Seat belt Clark — Dr. Klein said — And this is for the car Lois.
— Oh, thank you very much Dr. Klein — Lois said upon receiving the disability sticker, then she approached Clark's door and asked — ready to go?
— Yes, ready — Clark said, settling into the seat and putting on his seat belt.
— See you soon — said Sean and Kelly
— Call me if something happens — said Dr. Klein
— We will — Lois said, closing Clark's door and then heading towards the driver's door. — Thank you for everything.
— Are you okay, honey? —Lois asked.
Clark had been very quiet during the few minutes of the trip.
— Yeah... I'm fine — Clark said — ...it's just that... It's hard to take in.
— I know, honey... But you'll see how you'll feel better being at home.
— Yeah...
The rest of the way Clark didn't say much else, but mainly because of the pain and discomfort the car ride was causing him. Every jump or turn, sent a wave of pain down his back.
— We're almost there... — Lois said. She had tried to drive as slowly as possible, but she hadn't been able to avoid all the potholes — ...that's it, the white house on the left.
— I's very pretty, honey — Clark said.
He knew that Lois had done her best to find him an accessible home, but he still resented having to leave the previous one.
As soon as Lois parked the truck in the driveway, Martha, Jonathan and John came out to greet them.
— Welcome home, darling — said Martha, who had little John in her arms.
— Hi mom — Clark said from inside the car. Lois was preparing the wheelchair
— Are you okay son?
— Yeah... It was just a bumpy ride
— I tried to avoid sudden movements as much as I could — Lois clarified — everything ready Clark...
— I'm ready — Clark said after positioning himself as best as possible.
— On the count of three... 1, 2, 3! — Lois said,
Just as they had practiced a few minutes ago at StarLabs, the transfer went smoothly, although Clark's face clearly showed that the trip had not been comfortable.
— Let's go inside so you can see the house — Martha said, — and maybe lie down for a while if you want.
Clark guided his chair into the house, following his mother, who gave him a quick tour of the house.
— I love it, honey, thank you — Clark said at the end of the tour — thank you for all your help, mom, dad.
Clark had been amazed by the house. He had only seen the photos Jimmy had taken, and in them were the previous owner's furniture, but it actually looked very cozy with their own things.
— I'm glad you like it — Lois said, giving him a passionate kiss
— Lunch will be ready soon — Martha said — Do you want to sit at the table with us or do you prefer to eat in bed? Do you want to take a nap first?
— I would love to sit at the table with you — Clark said, — but first I want to take a shower.
— Great! — Martha said happily.
— Come on, honey — Lois said — I'll be in the room if you need me.
Clark's shower went off without a hitch. The renovations had turned out very well, and Clark could move around the bathroom without much problem. Getting dressed was also easier than in StarLabs, since he could do it in bed if he wanted.
After the shower, everyone sat at the table to enjoy lunch, but there was no time for dessert, since Clark was still a little sore from the car ride and wanted to go lie down for a while.
— Honey, are you in the mood for some visits? — Lois asked as she watched Clark transfer to the bed.
— Yeah... But could it be later? — Clark said somewhat discouraged — I think I'll take a nap first.
— Sure... — Lois said, a little worried about Clark's mood — ...I'll be in the living room with John... Shout if you need anything, okay?
— Thank you — said Clark, who, noticing Lois' worried face, added — I'm sorry... I don't want to be ungrateful to you... But it's been a difficult day...
— I know, honey — Lois said — and here we are if you want to talk, scream, cry... Or a simple hug... You just have to say it.
— Thank you... I love you
— Me too — Lois said, giving him a tender kiss — rest.
— Ehm... Would you stay with me for a while?
— All afternoon if you want — Lois responded — I'll go tell your parents first... And call mom to come later... I'll be right back
— Okay...
— All good? —Martha asked when she saw Lois return to the living room.
— Yes... He wants to take a nap — Lois said — he asked me to stay with him… Could you see John while we are at it?
— Of course — said Jonathan.
— I'll call Mom and the others to come over in a couple of hours — Lois said — and I'll definitely call Dr. Friskin tomorrow...
— He'll be fine, honey — Martha said. — We just have to give him time.
— I know... But he needs help to get there... — Lois said — and if he doesn't want to talk to us I can't force him...
— We can't force him to talk to Dr. Friskin either.
— Jonathan said.
— I know... But he asked to see her... And from what he told me, it had been a good conversation
— In that case it would be good for him to continue seeing her — Martha told Jonathan.
— I'll ask her if she can come see him here — Lois said — Clark can't leave the house for two more weeks.
— I hope he can come — said Martha.
After the nap Clark had woken up in a better mood, the back pain had significantly decreased, so he had decided to take advantage of the last rays of sunlight of the day and go sit on the terrace for a while with the others.
The new house had a nice backyard. A couple of leafy trees, beautiful and well-kept grass, and a pleasant terrace, where there was a small table with a couple of armchairs.
It was around 5 pm when the visitors began to arrive.
— I get it — said Jonathan, getting up as soon as the doorbell rang.
Just a few seconds later Jonathan returned to the terrace followed by Jimmy and Perry
—CK! —Jimmy said happily.
— It's good to see you out of bed, son — Perry added. — How have you been feeling?
— Every day is getting better — Clark responded with a smile, — especially since I can get out of bed, even if it's just for a short while.
— That's good — Perry said.
— When can you go back to work CK? —Jimmy asked.
— Jimmy! He just got out of the hospital! Let the poor man rest — replied Perry.
— He said he felt better! —Jimmy responded — besides, we all miss you CK
— Thanks Jimmy — Clark responded — but I can't go back yet... Dr. Klein barely gave me permission to leave the bed, and only for short periods...
— Oh...
— I have another two weeks of bed rest — Clark said — and then another four weeks to start sitting for longer periods... If my back agrees with it
— Six more weeks? Oh, man... — Jimmy said disappointed — What do you mean if your back agrees?
— For now I can sit for a while, until my back starts to hurt... — Clark explained — And I have to lie down again
— Oh, I see
— Take all the time you need Clark, if you need more than six weeks... — Perry said — We'll be waiting for you.
— Thanks Chief
At that moment the clock in the living room was heard ringing, announcing that it was 5 p.m.
— Sorry guys, but I have to go to the bathroom — said Clark. Dr. Klein had been very insistent that he continue with his wc routine
— Sure, sure — Perry said, as he watched Clark enter the house.
— Don't he need help? —Jimmy asked.
— No... And if he needs it for something, we must wait for him to ask for it... — Lois said — We must try to maintain his independence as much as possible.
— Oh, I understand — said Jimmy.
— But I think I'll go see him... — said Lois — ... he's been in the wheelchair for a while now, it's best for him to go back to bed
— No honey, I'll go... — Martha said, getting up to go see her son.
— So... When will you be back Lois? — Jimmy asked.
— I haven't discussed it with Clark yet... — Lois said — ...Human Resources gave me a few days off so I could be with Clark and see about the move... But I should come back this week
— I can talk to them to give you a few more days if you need, dear — Perry said.
— Don't worry, Perry, I know I can't ask for much more time... Especially if I'm not the injured one — Lois said — I prefer to go back now, and leave open the possibility of asking for permission again in the future if necessary.
— You're right — Perry said.
— Also, at first I'll be back part-time... At least until Clark feels much better — Lois said.
Lois had already discussed this with Perry the day she had spoken to Human Resources, but not with Jimmy.
— We will be here to help too, Lois — said Jonathan.
— Thank you Jonathan — said Lois.
— Clark is already in bed — Martha said as she returned to the terrace. — You can go to the room if you want to be with him.
— Oh, I don't want to bother you — said Perry — maybe we should go.
— Oh, no Perry... — Lois said — you just arrived... Clark is happy to see you, I'm sure he wants to continue talking with you a little longer.
— That's right — said Martha, — it will do him good to be distracted for a while.
— Come on — Lois said, standing up to guide them to their room.
— I'll make coffee for everyone — said Martha.
After about 20 minutes Perry decided to leave, but Jimmy kept Clark company for a while longer. Just as Martha had said, Jimmy's company was very good for Clark, they had been laughing most of the time, until their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Lois's parents.
— Clark! — Ellen said as she entered the room.
— Hey Ellen, Sam — Clark greeted them, — how was your vacation?
— They were great — Ellen responded — Sorry for not coming earlier...
— It's okay... Lois hadn't been able to talk to you, you had no way of knowing — Clark said.
— Is the diagnosis definitive? — asked Sam — if you want I can review your file...
— Oh, no Sam... No need for that... — Clark said — all the tests confirm the diagnosis...
— Oh, I'm sorry, Clark — Ellen said to her son-in-law, then looked at Lois — And you dear, how are you?
— Fine, mother... — Lois responded in an exasperated tone.
— I was just asking — Ellen apologized.
To Lois's relief, her parents' visit wasn't long. She had managed to convince them that Clark needed to rest, and they had left in less than an hour.
Jimmy, for his part, had stayed later, accompanying Clark and Jonathan to watch a baseball game on TV.
When the game ended, it was time for dinner, so Clark transfer back to his wheelchair for a while and thus enjoyed a nice dinner with his family.
— This is delicious, Mom — said Clark, who was delighted to finally put hospital food aside.
— Oh, thank you darling — Martha replied.
— How have you felt today, son? — Jonathan asked — how was your first day back home?
— Well... It hasn't been difficult to move around the house — Clark responded — I guess it'll just take time to get used to it.
— Speaking of which... — Lois said — ...I'll have to get back to work soon.
— Oh, right... — Clark said — when?
— During this week... But I wanted to talk about it with you first — Lois said — Martha, Jonathan... How long can you stay in Metropolis?
— I can stay as long as necessary — said Martha.
— I already spoke to the person who takes care of the farm — said Jonathan — I can stay one more week
— What a relief — Lois said.
— You don't need to stress about it — Clark said — I can stay alone...
— Clark... — Lois told him, trying to calm him — ...it's not that we think you can't be left alone... But we'll feel calmer if there's someone else at home... Just as a precaution, at least at the beginning
— Honey, you're still getting used to all this, not to mention your body is still recovering — Martha said — you could slip... Or get hurt...
— Come on son, don't be stubborn — Jonathan said — it will only be for a few weeks.
— I know... I know... — Clark said — I just don't want to feel useless.
— Calrk, we just said it was just a precaution — Lois said jokingly, trying to cheer up Clark — if you don't want us to pamper you, we won't...
— Yeah... So enjoy your meal... Because it's the last time I'll cook... — Martha said between laughs
— Mom! — Clark said, laughing at last — I get it... I get it!
— So... As I was saying... — Lois said, happy that Clark was in a better mood — ...I should go back to the Planet in a few days... And at least until you can start going outside, I will return only part time
— Will you go in the mornings or in the afternoons? — Clark asked her
— I don't know... We will have to coordinate with Sean and Kelly's visits — Lois responded — I would like to be able to be present at your therapies, so I can learn, and eventually help you if necessary
— Tomorrow they will come before lunch... But we have not coordinated for other days — Clark said — tomorrow we can coordinate with them
— Brilliant! — Lois said with a smile, and then changed the subject — so... How was the game?
— Very good! — Clark and Jonathan said at the same time
After dinner everyone retired to their rooms.
Lois took care of changing John and giving him his bottle, while Clark changed into pajamas to go to bed.
— He's sleeping — Lois said when she returned to their room — do you want to watch a movie?
— Sure... — Clark said.
— And we can cuddle... — Lois said seductively while she put on pajamas
— Obvious...
— I miss you so much — said Lois, getting into bed next to Clark.
— Me too — Clark said, giving his wife a passionate kiss.
.
So sorry for the delay.
In this chapter the days go by a little faster, in order to advance in the story... I hope it wasn't too boring