Rasing the level of those platelets
Monday (16 days back home — 4 weeks since the attack on the Planet)
Lois turned around to be able to walk to her car, when she saw another car speeding towards them
— Clark!!!! — Lois screamed in fright, as she watched the driver of the car try to avoid hitting Clark from behind, but without completely succeeding
— Clark!!! — Lois screamed again, running desperately towards her husband
— Clark, honey are you okay? — Lois asked, as she reached the passenger side window of the car
— Yes... I'm fine... — Clark answered, who had a hand on his forehead
— Let me see... — Lois said, opening the door to be able to check Clark more carefully — did you hit the windshield? You have a cut on your forehead...
— No... With the dashboard
— Oh, your glasses broke... And your back?
— Don't worry, I didn't hit my back, but the sudden movement...
— Then you should lie down... I'll help you... Lean back... That's it, I'll lower the seat... Like this?
— Yes, thank you...
— Mr. Kent? Sir, are you okay?
— Oh... The operator... I don't know where the phone fell — Clark said
— It's over there — Lois said, pointing with her hand — under the brake pedal
Lois walked around the car and opened the driver's door to pick up the cell phone
— Hello?
— Miss, who's speaking? Is Mr. Kent okay? I heard a scream...
— This is Lois Lane, my husband is okay... He just hit his head a little on the dashboard — Lois answered
— I heard you talking... Did he hit his back?
— No... But he's recovering from a spinal operation he had about a month ago... And the sudden movement made his back hurt
— I see... What happened?
— Some idiot hit our car from behind
— Another crash?
— Yes
— Do you know how the passengers of the other crashed cars are? Your husband told me that you had gone to assist them...
— In one there is a mother and her ten-year-old daughter, both look relatively well, but scared. The driver of the car that caused everything is unconscious. And I haven't gone to see who hit our car yet
— Oh, I see... There are two ambulances that should be arriving soon, but I'll send two more... The police should be arriving soon too
— Thanks, I'll go check on the last car — Lois told the operator, then looked at Clark — Honey, I'll be right back, okay? Are you sure you're okay?
— Yes... Go help them
— If you feel bad, tell the operator, okay? — Lois said, handing him the cell phone before getting out of the car to go see who had hit them
— Mr. Kent, how do you feel? Is the blow to your head bleeding? — the operator asked
— Yes, a little... — Clark answered
At that moment Clark heard sirens approaching. Looking out the window he could see two police cars arriving.
Henderson got out of the car and looked around. Four cars involved... And as always Lois and Clark were at the center of the news.
Henderson was returning to the station when he heard about the accident on the radio, and when he heard the operator say Clark's name, he knew he had to go check what happened.
Bill could see Lois immediately, she was "talking" to the driver of one of the cars.
— Lane, what's the problem? — asked the detective as he approached the reporter.
— This idiot crashed into my truck from behind! We were parked! — replied Lois angrily — he was so focused on seeing the car that crashed into the pole, that he didn't see mine
— I see, and you asked him how he is?
— Of course! He's fine, nothing happened to him — replied Lois. — That's why I'm yelling at him.
— Lois...
— Clark is in the car... — replied Lois distressed.
— Oh... Is he okay?
— Yes... We were coming from the hospital... Dr. Rose discharged him...
— I understand... But he's okay, he's not hurt?
— Just a bump on the forehead...
— In that case, go with him... The ambulances just arrived — said Bill, pointing at the newly arrived vehicles — I'll take care of it... You go with Clark, I'll send someone to check him out, okay?
— Ok...
— Honey, how are you feeling? — asked Lois as soon as she got close to the car is it again
— Fine... — answered Clark, who was half reclined in the seat with his eyes closed
— Are you sure? — asked Lois, not very convinced with her husband's answer
— Yeah... It's just that... It's been a horrible day... And we haven't even had lunch yet
— Oh, honey... — answered Lois, looking around for her cell phone — Have you hung up yet?
— Yes... When the ambulances arrived — still without opening her eyes
— Did you take off your socks? — asked Lois. This was bound to happen the day Clark was under the influence of Blue-k — That will surely help with the pain...
— I thought about it... But the operator told the ambulance people that they had to come see me...
— Oh... Yes, I also told Henderson about it
— Is Henderson here? — Clark asked
— Yes... — Lois answered, who looking closely at her husband added — Is something else wrong?
— I... I argued with the 911 operator
— What? Why?
— She told me that I should be more empathetic and go help the injured, instead of staying here sitting in the car
— What?!? How dare she!!
— Yeah... That hurts... But..
— But what?
No— It hurt more to have to answer her... I told her I was paraplegic and couldn't just get out of the car and go help
— Oh, honey
— First time I said it with those words... — Clark said overwhelmed — Saying it hurt much more
— Oh, honey... I'm sorry you had to go through that... — Lois answered — I'll call to complain about what she did
— No, Lois...
— No, Clark... She can't be treating people like that, and... — Lois interrupted her statement, seeing that a paramedic was approaching them
— Hello, how are you? My name is Matt — said the paramedic
— I'm fine, I wasn't in the car when it's was crashed — answered Lois — but my husband hit his head... And his back hurts
— I see... — answered the paramedic, approaching Clark — Sir...
— Kent — answered Clark, opening his eyes
— Mr. Kent, try not to move too much... I'll check you out
— Ok...
— Did you hit your back too? — asked the paramedic, after checking the blow to Clark's forehead, and his pupil reaction
— No... I had a spinal operation recently, and the area is still sensitive... — answered Clark — the sudden movement of the crash made it hurt more than usual
— I see... — answered the paramedic — in that case I'll put a collar on you, okay? That will lower the pressure on your back and help reduce the pain... In addition to preventing any damage caused by the sudden movement your head made when you received the blow
— Oh... — Clark replied listlessly. Great, just what he needed...
— I'll go get a stretcher and we'll take him to the hospital so they can do a routine checkup — said the paramedic after finishing putting on the collar
— Oh... actually we just came from the hospital — said Lois — he just got discharged from the spinal surgery... And we were going to StarLabs for other medical tests... Could you take us there instead of the hospital?
— Uhm, I don't know... it's not the protocol — said the paramedic — ... I'd have to ask my superiors
— I understand... Dr. Rose at the hospital and Dr. Klein at StarLabs will be able to corroborate what I say — said Lois
— I'll ask... — said the paramedic — I'll be right back
— Thanks — said Clark
— Honey... — said Lois as soon as the paramedic left — how's the pain?
— Same
— As soon as we can I'll take off those socks, so your speed healing can work... I guess the platelets treatment will have to wait until you feel better...
— I guess so...
— Hi, I'm Carol — said another paramedic who approached them — Matt is talking to headquarters to see if we can take you to StarLabs, in the meantime I'm going to give you something for the pain, is that okay Mr. Kent?
— Yes, thank you very much — Clark answered gratefully
— Ready, in a few minutes the pain should start to go down — said Carol — We'll be back with the stretcher
— Thanks...
— Hey Kent, how are you feeling? — asked Bill, who had waited for Carol to finish to approach the car
— Hi Bill — answered Clark — ...peachy...
— I can see that...
— We're waiting to see if they can take us to StarLabs instead of the hospital... — said Lois
— Why? — asked Bill — I thought you were already discharged Clark
— Yes... But... — said Lois, who after exchanging glances with Clark added — the kryptonite bullets caused Clark's platelets to be somewhat low... Today he was going to start a treatment to fix it
— Oh, I see... I'll go see if I can help with that then...
— Thanks Bill — said Clark with a smile
— Are you feeling better? — asked Lois when they were alone again
— Yes, a little... The painkiller is already taking effect
— What a relief...
— Great news, they accepted your request — said Matt, who approached the car with Carol, while pushing a stretcher — We'll take you to StarLabs now
— Thanks
Matt and Carol, working in a very synchronized way, laid Clark down on the stretcher without problems, then began to guide him to the ambulance
— Could you wait a minute for me? — Lois asked them — I need to go see if I can take the car or not... And I have to get Clark's wheelchair...
— Ok, we'll wait... — said Matt
— Henderson! — said Lois, as she ran towards the detective — Do you think I can take my car? I have to go with Clark...
— I thought you would go with him in the ambulance... — answered Bill
— Yes, that's what I thought at first... — answered Lois distressed — ...but I have to take his wheelchair, and there's no room for that in the ambulance...
— Calm down, go with him... We won't be able to move your car for a while... — answered Henderson — ...I'll call a tow truck and put the wheelchair in my car, I'll take it to you later, okay?
— Oh, thanks! You're the best
— I know... Now go... Clark needs you
— Thanks
— Thanks for waiting — said Lois, as she ran towards the ambulance where Clark was already installed
— Redy to go? — Matt asked
— Yeah, let's go — Lois said, getting into the ambulance with Carol
— What about the car? — Clark asked
— Henderson will take care of it... And later he'll take your chair to StarLabs — Lois answered nad took Clark's hand — How are you feeling?
— Better...
— We'll be there in a few minutes — Matt said from the front seat
— I called Dr. Klein to tell him what happened and let him know we're on the way — Lois said to Clark
— When?
— After talking to Henderson — she answered — he'll be waiting for us
The ambulance ride was short, and at the entrance of StarLabs Dr. Klein and Julie were waiting for them
— Thanks for bringing them — Dr. Klein said to Matt and Carol as they began to lower the stretcher where Clark was — We'll show you where the room is
— We'll follow you — Carol said
— What's his status? — Dr. Klein asked
— Mr. Kent hit his forehead with the dashboard, it doesn't look serious, but it caused a cut and his glasses broke — Matt said, pointing to the incipient bruise that was forming between Clark's eyebrows from the blow with the glasses.
— We also gave him something for the back pain caused by the whiplash from the impact — Carol added — which is why we also put the collar on
— I see... — said Dr. Klein — Clark, how is the pain?
— Much better...
— Excellent — said Dr. Klein, who opened the door to Clark's room — please lay him down on the bed, but try not to move his back too much... We need to do some tests before ruling out any new injuries
Matt and Carol, with Julie's help, quickly transferred Clark to the bed. A few seconds later they left the room, leaving the couple of journalists alone with Dr. Klein
— I'm sorry this happened just today Clark — said Dr. Klein — but don't worry, we'll immediately take some x-rays to rule out any new injuries
— Could this new injury be serious? — Lois asked anxiously
— Probably nothing happened... — Dr. Klein tried to reassure them — but it's always better to check... It could be a problem with an intervertebral disk... Or just a muscle contracture
— Oh...
A few minutes later the results of the x-ray were already there
— Fortunately, no new structural damage was visible — said Dr. Klein
— What a relief — said Lois
— So you can take off those socks now... Anyway, now I'll check your muscles, okay? — said Dr. Klein — Lois, could you help him sit up, please
— Sure
— Can I take off the collar?
— Not yet... Let me check first — said Dr. Klein, as he began to palpate the muscles on Clark's back and shoulders — mmm... Okay, now I'm going to remove the collar, but don't move your head until I say so...
— Ok...
Dr. Klein continued to palpate Clark's muscles
— Good... Now turn your head slowly to the left...
— Ouch..
— And now to the right...
— Ouch...
— Calm down... look straight ahead — said Dr. Klein, placing the cervical collar back on Clark's neck
— What's wrong? — Lois asked frightened
— At the moment of receiving the impact of the other car, Clark's body tensed completely... A very normal reaction in these cases... Your body in an attempt to protect your already damaged spine, tensed all the muscles that surround it... — explained Dr. Klein — so now your back is a little contracted... Nothing that some muscle relaxants and a good massage can't cure
— Oh, what a relief — said Lois
— And my neck?
— The whiplash of the blow, also caused the muscles in your neck to not only contract, but some to sprain... Which causes pain when looking to the sides
— Great, just what I needed — said Clark. His patience had already run out for today
— Don't worry, you'll feel better soon... — said Dr. Klein — the collar will help keep the area motionless and reduce the inflammation... At least until your powers return and your speed healing does its thing
— Great — said Clark reluctantly
— We'll start the platelet treatment as soon as you feel better... — said Dr. Klein — although we still don't know how long it will take for your powers to return... So it's best that you stay here while that happens...
— ... — Clark didn't say anything, he just let out a big sigh before covering his eyes with his forearm
— Anyway, our car isn't available yet — said Lois
— It's better this way... For the moment you need absolute rest Clark... — said Dr. Klein, knowing that Clark would hate what he was telling him — at least for now the painkillers still work... Try to rest while we wait for your powers to return
— It's not like I can just get up and walk out of here, right? — Clark said sarcastically, without opening his eyes
— Oh, honey... — Lois said
— Come on Lois, let's go get something to eat — Dr. Klein said calmly — let him rest for a few minutes
— Ok... I'll be right back... I'll get you something to eat — Lois said, following Dr. Klein out of the room when Clark didn't answer
— I'm sorry Dr. Klein... Clark shouldn't have talked to you like that
— Don't worry Lois... I know he didn't mean to... Everything that's happened these past few weeks has been hard for him... And now on top of that, this happens — Dr. Klein said calmly — anyone would be irritable
— I guess you're right... — Lois said with some sadness. "Poor Clark, after everything he's been through, today has been horrible... First all the tests at the hospital, then that stupid 911 operator, the idiot who crashed into us and now waiting in bed" Lois added in her mind
0
— Honey, are you awake? — Lois asked upon re-entering the room — I brought you something to eat...
— I'm not hungry — Clark replied sharply
— Come on honey, I know it's been a tiring day, but you need to eat — Lois said, trying to remain as calm as possible
— I don't want to, okay?... I know I can't get out of here without help, but at least I can decide if I don't want to eat, right? — Clark replied irritated, who upon seeing Lois's shocked face added — I'm sorry honey... I...
— Hey, I understand... — Lois said after taking a deep breath. She really wanted to yell at Clark, but also knew that wasn't what he needed right now — it's been hard... Really hard, I know...
— Yeah, but I shouldn't have taken it out on you... — Clark replied — you've been here with me
— Not with Dr. Klein neither... — Lois added with a playful smile
— Yeah... I apologize to him too — Clark said — I'm really sorry, honey...
— Like I said... I understand,.. I know you feel very frustrated with everything that's been going on... Do you want me to ask Dr. Friskin to come see you tomorrow?
— Ahm... Yeah, I think I need it... — Clark said, just when at that moment his stomach gave a loud growl
— You weren't hungry, huh? — Lois said between laughs
After lunch Clark fell asleep, and Lois took advantage of the time to call Martha and tell her what happened
— Hello?
— Hello Martha, it's Lois
— Hello dear, how did it go with Dr. Rose? Are you already at StarLabs?
— It went well with Dr. Rose... He discharged Clark... He has a follow-up in a month
— That's great news...
— But... When we were on our way to StarLabs an idiot hit us from behind
— OMG! Are you okay? — Martha asked worriedly
— Yes... But Clark was still under the effects of Blue-K... — Lois explained — the sudden movement made the muscles in his back to contract...
— But is he okay?
— Yes... He already took off his socks, we're waiting for his powers to come back... in the meantime he's on painkillers and muscle relaxants
— Oh, my baby...
— And a cervical collar... And absolute rest
— Oh...
— Yeah... He's not taking it very well... — Lois said — besides, because of an idiot 911 operator his day has been even more difficult...
— What do you mean?
— The accident didn't start with our car... First they hit the car in front of us, and then a distracted idiot hit us — Lois explained — I got out to see if there were any injuries, while Clark called 911
— Ok...
— And the idiot operator told Clark that he should "be more empathetic and go help the injured instead of sitting in the car doing nothing"
— Oh my! She really said that!!
— Yeah... And Clark have to tell her that he's paraplegic... He hadn't said it with those words until now... And it wasn't easy to do so
— My baby...
— I know... I'll call and leave a huge claim!!
— I'll call too!! — said Martha, equally angry
— He's sleeping now... As soon as his powers come back, Dr. Klein will begin the studies...
— Don't you know what time that will be?
— No... Clark has the socks on for 6 hours... So it might take a while for them to come back
— So you're staying there today?
— Yes, I think so... Plus I don't have my car
— It was that bad?
— No... But they were still investigating what happened when the ambulance brought us to StarLabs... — said Lois — Henderson said he would call a tow truck to take it home
— Oh... I'll be on the lookout then
— Thanks Martha
— Take care of Clark
— I'll do
Shortly after that, Henderson showed up with Clark's wheelchair, and a police report of the accident for Lois.
They spent the rest of the afternoon watching movies, since Clark had to continue resting
It was around 11 at night, while they were watching another movie, when Clark felt his powers coming back
— My super hearing came back — said Clark — I can hear Dr. Klein talking to Julie
— Great! Your powers came back — said Lois, who after looking at the clock added — it "only" took 9 hours... I'll go tell Dr. Klein
— So, how are you feeling? — asked Dr. Klein as he entered the room with Lois — the bruise on your forehead is starting to disappear
— Better... At least my back is starting to relax
— Let's see your neck — he said, moving closer to take out the cervical collar — try to gently move it to one side
— I still feel a small pull... But minimal compared to a while ago
— Excellent! That means everything coming is back to normal — said Dr. Klein — do you want to start the studies now, or early tomorrow?
— As soon as possible... So I can go home sooner... No offense
— Haha... Fine, in that case we'll start now... — said Dr. Klein — initially my idea was to start the tests while you were still under the effects of Blue-K, and then do it without it and compare the results...
— Oh... So I have to put my socks back on?
— No... Since the effect takes a long time to wear off, it would be best to do it the other way around, start without the Blue-K
— Ok...
— Dr. Klein, do you think it will always take this long for his powers to come back? — Lois asked
— I don't know... But so far, in both cases the recovery time has been 1.5 times the exposure time... But we should have more attempts to be able to confirm that this is really the pattern
— Oh...
— Fine, I'll go get the medication... — said Dr. Klein
— Ok...
— Well, before we take out the Blue-K, I want us to review what we're going to do... — said Dr. Klein — we know that it takes a minute to take effect, so as soon as that happens, I'll inject you with the medication... to minimize exposure to Blue-K to a minimum...
— Ok...
— So we can see how it behaves with your normal Kryptonian metabolism... For 24 hours we'll analyze the absorption and metabolization of the medication — explained Dr. Klein — then we'll analyze 24 hours with Blie-K, and we'll compare both results with the results in humans... And so we'll adjust the treatment to your needs
— But for that, don't you need blood samples? — Lois asked
— That's right... That's why I've been preparing some special needles... They're made of Blue-K... So they'll allow me to inject the medicine or draw blood without any problem and we'll reduce the exposure time to the maximum
— Oh, great
— Are you ready?... Let's begin — said Dr. Klein taking out the syringe with the medicine
Tuesday
Dr. Klein had been taking blood and urine samples all day. Clark, for his part, had taken advantage of the free moments to move around the laboratory gardens and do some of the exercises that Sean had given him. Lois had gone home early to change and go to work on the Planet, she had already taken the day off yesterday, and she couldn't keep missing days, but she would return at night to be with Clark.
During the afternoon Dr. Friskin had come to visit Clark. It had been a great help to be able to talk to her about what had happened yesterday.
It was already close to 11 pm, which meant that it would soon be time to expose Clark to Blue-K in order to begin testing.
— Since we still can't say for sure how long it will take for your powers to return — Dr. Klein said — I think it would be best for you to be exposed to Blue-K for the 24 hours that the study lasts.
— Is there no other option? — Clark asked apprehensively. His strength and flight had not yet returned, and he feared that using Blue-K would delay their return.
— We could risk it, but if your powers return sooner than expected, we would have to repeat the process and in the long run it would be worse.
— Oh... Ok...
— How did the medication work these first 24 hours? — Lois asked
— Let's leave the results for another time... Let's have all the data and then we'll analyze the results... Let's not get ahead of ourselves, okay?
Wednesday
Clark's day went by relatively the same as the previous one, with Dr. Klein constantly taking blood and urine samples, and him using his free time to move around or exercise.
— You can take off your socks now, Clark — Dr. Klein said after finishing the study — we'll see how long it takes for your powers to come back this time
— Can we compare data now? — Lois asked anxiously
— Yes... We still can't see any effects on the platelet count, that will take at least another week — said Dr. Klein — but we were able to see how it behaves in terms of its absorption and metabolization speed
— Ok...
— Absorption without Blue-K is much faster than in humans — explained Dr. Klein — and with Blue-K, it's the same as in humans... Just as we expected it to happen
— Oh...
— As for the metabolism of the medication... This was the same in both cases... In both cases, much slower than in humans
— What? Really? — asked Clark confused
— Yes... I also found it strange, so I did some studies... — said Dr. Klein — the one in charge of metabolizing the medication is a specific enzyme... And you have it in low deer quantities than a normal human... That's why the metabolism is slower
— Ok...
— Is this a problem? — asked Lois worried
— No, it is not... But it is a factor that we must take into account when adjusting the treatment — said Dr. Klein — with this data, we have three treatment options
— Uhm... Ok... Which ones? — asked Clark
— The first one, without using Blue-K — said Dr. Klein — we would have to lower the dose, and apply the injection every three or four days and not every 10...
— Oh...
— The second one, is using Blue-K — explained the doctor — we would have to adjust the dose a little, but the injection could be every two weeks
— Ok... Then I think I prefer the first option — said Clark
— I was afraid you said that... — said Dr. Klein — But I must say that this is not a viable option in the long term
— What do you mean? — Lois asked
— As I explained the other day, this treatment will boost platelet production... We don't know how many times we'll have to repeat it — explained Dr. Klein — if the treatment is prolonged, we'll be forced to change to the second option, or at least take turns
— But why? — asked Clark
— The injections are subcutaneous... The injection area will be sensitive and a little swollen, so it is recommended to change the location with each injection... — explained Dr. Klein
— And if the injections are so close in time, we would run out of places to inject... — concluded Clark, understanding what the doctor meant
— Exactly... Plus, there may be some other complications if an area is used too many times
— Oh... — said Clark
— But we don't know how many times we'll have to repeat the treatment... it's possible that you'll only need one... — said Dr. Klein
— Or twenty... — added Clark
— I don't think we'll go that far — said Dr. Klein — but we should consider all scenarios
— And the third option? — asked Lois
— Considering that we have three possible injection areas (groin, abdomen and arm), I think the best option would be 3 injections with the first method and then one with the second — said Dr. Klein — for example, starting tomorrow Thursday, the next one on Monday, and the last one next Thursday... And the following Monday start with Blue-K for two weeks... Then start again... Monday, Thursday and Monday... And so on...
— It doesn't seem like a bad plan to me — said Lois — What do you think, honey?
— Yes, I suppose that's fine...
— This way we would give two weeks of rest to the injection areas, and we would decrease the probability of any complications — added Dr. Klein —... with any luck, we won't have to repeat the treatment too many times and you won't have to be on Blue-K for so long
— I hope so — said Clark
— Excellent, in that case, how about we apply the first dose on Saturday at 9 am, so that the injections are always at that time? — asked Dr. Klein — we still don't know when your powers will return, but I suppose that by Saturday they will have returned
— Yes, that's fine — answered Clark
— I have a question — said Lois — you are going to inject him on Saturday... But what about what you injected him last Tuesday? It won't be too soon?
— On Tuesday, I injected a lower dose than usual, since I just wanted to see how the medicine behaves in Clark's body... I couldn't risk a high dose, in case it was absorbed too quickly and an overdose occurred
— Oh...
— Fine, in that case... you can go home today... or early tomorrow — said Dr. Klein
— Tomorrow is better — answered Clark — Mom and John are already sleeping, and I don't want to wake them up
— Okay, in that case, I'll leave you to rest — said Dr. Klein before leaving the room
— Are you okay, honey? — asked Lois
— Yes... I guess I'll have to resign myself to all this — said Clark — ...Do you think that at some point my strength will return and I'll be able to fly again?
— Of course I will, honey, I have no doubt about that...
— But when?
— I don't know, honey... But when your body and mind are ready, you'll surely be able to fly like always
— Do you still think this is something psychosomatic?
— Yep... You don't feel like yourself... Not yet... — said Lois — somehow your subconscious is preventing all your powers from returning, because you don't feel ready for them to come back yet...
— ...I...
— Tell me something... If you had all your powers now, if you could fly and had your strength... Would you wear the cape?
— I... No, I don't think so...
— See? Stop trying to rush things Clark... Everything will happen in due time — said Lois — ...you're still adjusting to everything... Just take it easy, okay?
— Thanks, sweetheart — said Clark
Thursday (19 days back home)
The day started early for Lois and Clark. Clark powers hast returned ye.
Thursday (19 days back home)
After breakfast, Martha and Clark decided that since Dr. Rose had given Clark permission to leave the house, it was time to go out and explore the neighborhood with little John.
With John in his stroller, the three of them went for a walk, a couple of blocks away they found a park where John would surely love to come and play in a few months. There they stayed talking under the shade of a tree while John took a nap.
Clark was enjoying the walk, feeling the fresh air and the pleasant feeling of freedom and independence that being able to leave the house gave him. But he was also noticing the difference between moving the wheelchair at home and doing it on the street.
At home, the distances were shorter, and therefore there were more frequent moments of rest. On the street, however, the distances were much longer, the breaks were scarce, and the terrain was more complex. Although the sidewalks were in relatively good condition, he had encountered one or another crack or pothole, where the front wheels had gotten stuck, and only thanks to Martha's help had he managed to continue. When he reached the park, the terrain changed; it was no longer the cement of the sidewalk, but there was gravel and grass. It was a little more complex, and required more effort. Luckily, all the streets they had to cross had lowered corners, so Clark was able to cross without Martha's help.
By the time they returned home almost two hours later, Clark was exhausted. His powers hast come back yet.
— You should go lie down for a while, honey, — Martha told him. — I'll go prepare lunch.
Okay, but first I'll give John his bottle — Clark said, heading toward the kitchen.
Martha followed him, but without interrupting him. Just like with the morning routine, Martha was letting her son practice doing various things without help (unless necessary, obviously), and being able to attend to John was crucial for Clark, especially since Martha would be returning to Smallville in a few days.
After lunch, Lois arrived to be able to accompany him to his sessions with Sean and Kelly. The first to arrive was Sean, who made Clark do various exercises, and then Kelly arrived, who, taking advantage of the fact that Clark was already discharged, decided that it was best to go out so she could help Clark move better on streets and sidewalks, especially learn to avoid cracks and potholes like the ones he found in the morning.
By dinner time Clark was exhausted, today he had been moving the chair much more than usual, and in fact without realizing it he had been in it for almost three and a half hours before having to lie down for a while.
— You look tired, honey — Lois told him.
— Yeah, I am... — Clark replied, taking the last bite of his dinner — but it's a good tiredness, I feel like today was a very good day... I did a lot of things without any of my powers...
— If the patter of 1,5 of the exposure time... They should came back tomorrow morning — said Lois
— Yeah — said Clark — but I have to say that it wasn't as bad as I thought it will be...
— That makes me very happy, honey — said Martha — it makes me feel more at ease to go back to Smallville
— I'll be fine, mom — said Clark — you've helped us a lot, but dad also needs your help
— I'm sure John will miss you a lot, Martha — added Lois
— And I'll miss him... — answered Martha — It's been very nice to be able to spend so much time with him
— Don't worry, we'll go visit you as soon as we can — said Lois.
Clark, hearing Lois' comment, didn't say anything, he just kept thinking about that possible visit to the farm. He hadn't thought about it until now, but it certainly wouldn't be a good idea to go... He wouldn't have a way to move his wheelchair through the field, or through the house... He wouldn't be able to go up to his room on the second floor or the steps of the front porch...
— Are you okay, honey? — Lois asked him, seeing that he was staring at the wall without saying anything
— Yeah... I'm just tired...
— You better go to bed then... we'll clean here — Lois said
— Yeah... thanks — Clark said, starting to move his chair away from the table — good night...
As Clark put on his pajamas he couldn't stop thinking about Smallville... He had been in a very good mood today with everything he had managed to do... But the expectation of a trip to Smallville had changed everything in a few seconds.
And he didn't want to mention it to Lois or his mother... It wouldn't be fair to his parents to tell them that he wouldn't visit them anymore, simply because the house wasn't very accessible... But he couldn't expect his parents to install an elevator or look for another house to live in (like he and Lois had done)... He couldn't and didn't want to ask them to leave the farm...
— Honey? — Lois said from the bedroom door — are you okay?
Lois had been about to enter the bedroom when she saw that Clark was still putting on his pajamas, and that he seemed very focused on something else while he was doing it. Apparently he was so focused that he had forgotten to continue with the process... Clark had been with one leg inside his pants for a couple of minutes now, and he still hadn't tried to put the other one in.
— Oh... Yeah... — Clark said, continuing with the process of putting on his pajama pants — I'm fine...
— Are you sure?
— Yeah... I just want to go to bed
— You know you can tell me anything, right? — Lois said, sitting on the bed next to him
— I know... But don't worry, I'm fine — Clark said, giving her a kiss — good night
— Try to rest — Lois said, before heading out the room
.
I hope you like it