Disclaimer: The
characters in the following fan fiction do not belong to me. They belong to CBS and Viacom
and other powers that be. I am only using them for the purpose ofwriting this story. No
money is being made from this writing it is for entertainment purposes only. And now on
with the show...
Amanda looked up from the microscope, Yeah, Mark, what is it?
What are you, CJ, and Dion doing for Thanksgiving next week?
My moms coming over for the day. Why?
I was wondering if you would like to come eat with us for Thanksgiving, Mark paused, Why
not bring your mother and eat with us. Jesses coming and Steve has the day off.
Amanda looked thoughtful, You know thats a great idea. Mom will love to come.
Mark smiled, Great. Im glad youll be able to make it.
*********
Mark walked in the door of the beach house and saw Jesse and Steve sitting on the couch.
Hey you cheated! Jesse yelled.
I did not. Its part of the game. Its not my fault you cant keep up.
Mark looked at the two grown men arguing over a game, What are you two doing?
Steve looked up, Were playing a game on my new Playstation.
Mark started to kitchen, Think you two can take a break and help me with dinner?
Yeah sure. Ive already beaten him five times anyway.
Jesse pushed Steve, Luck. Pure luck. Thats all.
The three men walked to the kitchen. Jesse grabbed an apple, So, is Amanda coming on
Thanksgiving?
Mark nodded, Yeah. Her, the boys and her mother are all coming.
Steve opened the refrigerator, So what are we having for Thanksgiving?
Turkey and dressing and all the fixings.
After a few minutes had passed, Mark asked Steve, Would you set the table? Dinners almost
ready.
Sure Dad. Come on Jess, help me.
Alright.
Steve and Jesse set the table, and soon, Mark put the food on the table and the three men
sat down. The doorbell rang and Mark stood to answer it. Once he opened the door, the man
on the other side pushed him back on the floor, and pointed a gun towards Mark, Stay
there. The man looked around and spotted Steve and Jesse running towards the door, Dont
take another step or I kill the old man.
Steve and Jesse stopped and Steve asked, Alright, look, just take what you want, but dont
hurt anybody.
Tell you what. Why dont you just shut up and get over here.
Steve hesitated but moved quickly as the man yelled, Now!
As Steve approached, the man moved his gun from Mark and hit Steve with it. Steve dropped
to his knees, and Mark sat up quickly. The man with the gun pointed it at Mark again, Dont
even think about it. He turned back to Steve, Get up. Lets go. Once Steve was standing,
the man grabbed Steves arm and pulled him out the door. He walked to the van parked in
front of the house and threw Steve into the back of it. He got in the drivers side and
sped off. Mark and Jesse made it to the door just as the van sped off.
*******
Mark sat on the couch doing his best to answer all Captain Newmans questions when the
phone rang. Mark picked it up and answered, Hello.
Mark heard the muffled voice on the other end, I have your son.
Mark tried to stay calm, What do you want?
Oh I dont want anything. Its just that your nosey son has been poking his nose into my
personal business. He has nothing on me, but he keeps trying to pin something I didnt do
on me. You have three days to find him. But at the end of 72 hours, if you havent found
him, he will die. Goodbye, Doctor.
Mark dropped the phone and staggered. Amanda and Jesse reached out to support him. They
led him to the couch. Amanda looked at her pale friend, What did he say?
We have three days to find him. If we dont Marks voice trailed off. Captain did you get a
trace?
He was on a cell phone and the call was too short to get a certain location. He didnt talk
long enough for us to even get a general location. But seeing Marks reaction, the captain
added, But we will find him Mark.
*************
Day 1
With his eyes closed, Steve didnt see the kick coming. Lying on the floor, Steve moaned in
pain. He heard someone yelling at him, Get up!
Through a haze, Steve managed to sit up. But before he made it to his feet, the man kicked
him again, Get up. You can sit here, he said pointing to a chair.
Steve managed to stand, and the man pushed Steve into the chair. In a matter of seconds,
the man pulled Steves arms behind him and tied his wrists together. Steve flinched as the
man pulled the ropes too tight. After tying Steves hands, the man tied each of Steves legs
to the legs of the chair. As the man left the room, Steve tried to survey his
surroundings. Sitting in the middle of the room, Steve could see that it looked to be a
small warehouse, with one lone window on the wall behind him. Soon, the man reentered and
walked towards Steve, Do you remember who I am?
Should I?
The man nodded and punched Steve, You sure as hell should remember me. Im Tom Paxford. You
arrested me and my brother. He was convicted on a phony charge. He died in a jail cell a
couple of months ago. Bringing his brother into the conversation angered Tom to the point
where he began hitting Steve. As Tom punched and kicked him, Steve could taste blood in
his mouth. Just when Steve thought Tom was finished, Tom threw another punch at Steves
cheek. As a final assault, Tom kneed Steve in the stomach. Steve groaned as a satisfied
Tom laughed, Ill be back in a while. Dont go anywhere.
**************
Mark stood looking at Captain Newman, Have you found anything new?
The solemn captain looked up, Nothing new. But we do have guys looking into Steves old
files searching for anyone who might have a grudge against Steve. Were doing everything we
can to find him, and we will find him.
Mark made his way to the dining room and sat down at the table. He just stared out the
window at the ocean. Amanda walked up and stood next to Mark, How are you doing?
Mark kept his eyes on the water, Im worried Amanda. I cant bear the thought of what might
happen if we cant find him.
Amanda placed her hand on his knee, I know Mark, but you cant focus on what ifs right now.
We all have to stay focused on finding him and not worrying about things that could never
happen.
With tired eyes, Mark looked at Amanda, Youre right. I know I need to think about ways to
find him. Thanks. I think Ill go see if I remember anything else that happened.
********
Day 2
All that night, Steve drifted in and out of sleep. Only out of pure exhaustion was he able
to sleep at all in the position he was forced to sleep. His head hung down and he was
half-asleep when the door slammed open and Tom entered the room. Dazed, Steve looked up
and saw a hazy figure standing in front of him.
Tom slapped Steve, Time to wake up.
Steve tried to focus his eyes, What exactly do you want? Steve asked quite irritated.
Tom didnt like that he wanted to make sure Steve knew who was in charge, so he swung a
punch at Steve. The punch hit Steves ribs hard. As Steve let off an involuntary moan, Tom
laughed, Ill be back later.
******
Mark stood at the window, looking at the ocean. Lost in his thoughts, he failed to hear
Amanda and Captain Newman enter the room.
Amanda repeated, Mark, you okay?
Mark turned his head, Yeah, Im fine. What did you need?
Captain Newman handed Mark a piece of paper, Weve located a probable suspect. Tom Paxford.
He was arrested by Steve, and hes a recent parolee. According to one of the reports, he
blames Steve for the death of his brother. The brother was killed in prison a few months
back, and this Paxford took it pretty hard.
For the first time in the past two days, Mark looked hopeful, Any leads on where he might
be?
Weve got all available officers following up on all leads.
******
Vision blurring, Steve tried to look out the small window behind him. But he couldnt make
out any objects. Soon, the door opened and Tom entered the room again. Steve could barely
focus on the figure standing in front of him. Steves anger heightened as the man just
stood there, What in the hell do you want? If youre going to kill me, then do it.
Tom kept his cool, Sorry, but not yet. Im not finished playing yet. He slapped Steve
again. Steve could taste blood in his mouth. But Tom didnt stop. The more he hit, the more
he enjoyed it. Steve could only sit there and let Tom hit him. Steve wasnt sure when Tom
left the room, but at one point Steve could sense that he was alone. Everything about him
hurt. He couldnt concentrate on anything, and soon a cloud of darkness overcame him.
*******
Day 3
Early the next morning, Mark, Amanda, and Jesse were sitting on the couch reading Tom
Paxfords file for the hundredth time, trying to find anything else that would help locate
the where-abouts of Steve. The captain walked in, Dr. Sloan, we have a good lead that we
are about to follow up. We found a witness that has seen Paxford hanging around this
building. Im on my way down there down. Units are already on the way.
Jesse stood, Let me go with you.
The captain looked at him, I dont think
If we find him, I want to be there to help him.
The captain agreed, Alright come on.
Jesse followed behind him and turned back to Mark and Amanda, Ill keep you informed.
*****
Tom walked into the warehouse and flipped on the light. While he untied Steve from the
chair, Steve woke up.
Tom looked at Steve, Stand up.
Steve tried to focus. He attempted to stand, but a wave of dizziness knocked him back down
to the chair.
Annoyed, Tom stood next to Steve, Would you come on, Tom asked as he jerked Steve into a
standing position. Steve swayed, but Tom kept a tight grip and forced Steve to walk to a
small room at the back of the warehouse. Tom pushed Steve inside the room. After hitting
the wall, Steve slumped to the floor. So long, buddy, Tom snickered as he shut the door.
Hands still tied, Steve just lay on the floor. It just hurt too much to move.
Meanwhile, Tom began pouring gasoline around the small warehouse. He lit a match and
within minutes, the warehouse was consumed with fire. Tom watched as flames continued
spreading around the building. As Tom walked to his car, he heard sirens. He quickly got
in his car, but before he could get away, he was surrounded by squad cars.
********
Back in the warehouse, Steve smells something. He wonders to himself, What is that smell?
And then he realizes, Fire! With not enough energy to stand, Steve crawled towards the
door and reached up with his bounded hands only to find that the doorknob was already hot.
He noticed smoke coming from under the door. Steve mustered all the strength he had to
make his way to the back wall. He watched as the door turned red and as it began to burn.
With not enough energy to move, Steve helplessly watched as the wall began to burn. Smoke
began to fill the room. Steve crouched as close to the floor as he could. The fire
continued to grow and room became smoke-filled. He coughed as he breathed in the smoke.
His eyes burned, so he closed them in an attempt to keep the smoke out of them. He thought
about his family and his friends as he slipped into the comfort and darkness of sleep.
*******
Captain Newman and Jesse watched as some firefighters blasted water towards the burning
building in order to try and contain the fire. At the same time other firefighters entered
the burning building to look around. Inside they searched the best they could, but they
found nothing. But on their way out, one man saw the rubble at the back of the warehouse,
Lets look back there before we leave. The three men made their way to the back, and in a
corner they saw Steve. The men ran to him, and one reached down to Steves neck, Theres a
pulse. Its faint, but its there. They picked Steve up and carried him to the front of the
building. Captain Newman and Jesse saw the men coming from the building. And once a safe
distance from the building, the firemen laid Steve on the ground. Captain Newman and Jesse
ran towards Steve. As Jesse crouched on the ground next to Steve, Captain Newman asked, Is
he alive? Jesse gingerly place two fingers on Steves throat, Weak, but yeah, he is alive.
The paramedics arrived and initially placed an oxygen mask on Steve. Jesse scanned Steve
and catalogued his injuries. Steve had burns covering most of his left arm and burns
covering about half of his right arm. Half of his shirt had been burned off, and he had
burns on the left side of his abdomen. One paramedic was able to find a clear spot on
Steves right arm, and there he inserted an IV in order to begin to hydrate Steve. After
inserting the IV, the two medics laid Steve on a backboard and then lifted him to a
stretcher. Jesse followed as the loaded Steve on the ambulance and sped away.
*******
Captain Newman called Mark as the ambulance left, Dr. Sloan, we found him.
Heart in his throat, Mark managed to ask, Is he alive?
Hes on the way to the hospital. Dr. Travis is with him.
Mark hung up the phone and looked to Amanda, Hes alive and on his way to the hospital.
Come on, lets go.
********
Jesse stepped out of the ambulance and helped move Steve. Jesse and several nurses pushed
the gurney to the trauma room. Another doctor appeared, What have we got?
Hes got first, second, and possibly third degree burns on both arms, both legs, and his
abdomen. His abdomen is rigid, with possible internal bleeding. He also has several broken
ribs and a probable concussion. Jesse turned to the nurse, What are his vitals?
BP is 80/40, and his pulse is thready at 130.
We have got to get him hydrated or hes going to go into shock. Get me a central line kit.
The nurse retrieved the kit as Jesse prepared to do the procedure. Meanwhile, the other
doctor did am ultrasound on Steves abdomen, There is a presence of bleeding in the
abdomen. Looks like maybe a small tear on the spleen.
Jesse glanced at the monitor, Okay, first lets get some dressings on the burns on his arms
and legs and then update his tetanus. Then we need to get him to surgery. Start him on 2
ccs Ringers Lactate to hydrate him and antibiotics to help keep down risk of infection.
They covered most of the burns and began transporting Steve to surgery. On the way to the
elevator, Jesse told a nurse, When Dr. Sloan arrives, tell him that I am in surgery with
Steve.
******
A few hours later, Jesse walked into the doctors lounge and found Mark and Amanda. Mark
looked up, How is he?
Jesse sat down next to Mark, Hes stable, but hes not completely out of the woods yet.
Apparently there was a fight or struggle because he was pretty beat up. He has a
concussion, several broken ribs, and a broken jaw. He also had some internal bleeding
caused by a small tear in his spleen. We fixed it. But Mark, the biggest complications
came from the fire. He suffered from smoke inhalation, but the preliminary testing doesnt
show any permanent damage. He sustained burns on about 35-40 percent of his body, located
mainly on his arms, legs, and abdomen. Most of the burns are first and second degree, but
he does have some third degree burns in a few places. He may need some graphs eventually,
but its not a major concern right now. Hes still at risk for infection, but we are giving
him prophylactic antibiotics to try and prevent that from happening.
By now Amanda had put her hand on Marks shoulder. Mark looked at Jesse, I have to see him.
Jesse stood, Of course. Hes in the burn unit CCU, room 4.
As Mark walked out of the lounge, Jesse turned to Amanda, So, have you heard anything
about the guy behind this?
Yeah the captain came by while you were in surgery. Hes in jail and his arraignment is
scheduled for next week.
*********
Mark walked into Steves room and slowly made his way to the bed. Mark looked at his son.
Steves face was red possibly mild burns and from the fire. Covering his nose and mouth was
an oxygen mask that helped him breath easier. Both of Steves arms were wrapped in gauze,
and each was resting on pillows positioned on each side of Steve. Also, his abdomen was
partially covered with gauze dressings. Mark could also see the bruising caused by the
broken ribs. He looked towards Steves legs. A sheet covered them, but Mark could tell they
were also wrapped in gauze dressings and that they too were resting on pillows. The
quietness of the room was only broken by the methodical beeping of the heart monitor
keeping track of Steves heart rate. Mark gingerly laid his hand on Steves shoulder. Mark
could only watch his son sleep. After a while had passed, Mark took a seat in the chair
that was near the bed. He sat down and some time later the door opened. Amanda walked in.
She knelt down next to Mark, You okay?
Yeah, Im fine. Id be better if I could talk to him.
Hell be awake soon.
********
Mark spent the remainder of the day at Steves side. Jesse came in to check on Steve. As
Mark watched Jesse check the dressings on Steves arms, Steve moaned. His eyes fluttered
open. Mark quickly approached the bed on the opposite side of Jesse, Steve.
For a moment Steve starred at the ceiling. But as the voice registered, he slowly turned
his head towards Mark. Through the oxygen mask, Mark could see Steve trying to say
something, Shh. Dont try to talk just yet. Do you know where you are?
Steve thought and then nodded ever so slightly.
Mark continued, Youre going to be fine. Just rest right now. We can talk later.
Steve closed his eyes and soon his breathing became steady and even.
Jesse finished changing the dressing on Steves arms, and he prepared to leave. He knew
there was no use in trying to get Mark to go home, Mark, please try to get some rest.
I will Jesse.
*******
The next morning, Mark watched his son sleep. Thinking about the events of the past days,
Mark realized that tomorrow was Thanksgiving Day. Thinking about the day of thanks, he
thought about how thankful he was to have his son back. After a while had passed, Mark
decided to get some coffee. He walked into the doctors lounge and saw Jesse pouring
himself a cup of coffee.
Hey, Mark. Would you like a cup?
Yes, I would. Precise reason I came down here.
Jesse poured the coffee, So, hows Steve?
Still sleeping, but his vitals are stable.
Good. As soon as I finish this, Im going to go check on him.
Well, Im going to head on back.
Alright. Ill be there in a few minutes.
Mark sat down, and within a few minutes, Jesse entered the room. He walked to the bed, and
wrapped a blood pressure cuff around Steves arm, Its getting back to normal 110/70. Jesse
checked the temperature on the thermometer, 99.1. He said with a note of concern, But I
dont think its anything to worry about.
Mark stood, Do you think its an infection?
Not really. But I think I am going to increase the antibiotic just in case. Its time to
change these dressings. Just as Jesse began to unwrap the bandage on Steves arm, Steve
moaned. Mark moved closer to the bed as Jesse asked, Steve? Can you open your eyes for me?
Steve opened his eyes and blinked against the bright lights. Eyes barely open, Steve
looked at Jesse and tried to say something. But again the oxygen mask and his raw, hoarse
voice prohibited him from saying anything more than a mumble.
Mark leaned over the bed, Steve.
Hearing Marks voice, Steve turned his head towards Mark.
Jesse is changing the dressings on your arms, so just relax. Youre going to be fine.
Steve flinched and closed his eyes in pain when Jesse applied an ointment to his arm.
Mark laid his hand on Steves shoulder. In response, Steve opened his eyes once more, and
again tried to say something. Mark removed the mask to allow Steve to speak. In a voice
etched in pain and hoarse from the effects of the fire, Steve managed to get out, Thanks
Dad. I love you.
Mark smiled as he replaced the oxygen mask, I love you too son.
Steve was asleep when Jesse finished changing the dressings on his arms and legs.
Jesse left but Mark stayed with Steve. Later that evening, Amanda walked into Steves room
and found Mark asleep in the chair. She walked next to Mark and gently shook his shoulder.
Mark looked up as Amanda told him, Go home, and get some rest.
I hate to leave right now.
I know Mark, but Jesse told me that Steve has slept most of the day, and will probably
sleep all through the night. You need to rest. Youve barely slept at all during the past
few days. You need to keep yourself well, so that you can help Steve recuperate.
Mark agreed that it would be best, so he and Amanda walked out of the room together.
******
The next day
Carrying two bags, Mark walked into Steves room. Amanda and Jesse, as well as Amandas sons
and her mother were already in there, and Steve was awake and sitting up some in bed.
As Mark closed the door behind him, Amanda asked, Why did you want us all to meet in here?
For Thanksgiving lunch, he replied putting the bags on the table, I figured we should go
ahead and eat it here, since we cant have it at the house.
Amanda smiled, Good idea. Here let me help get it ready.
Thanks Amanda, Mark looked to Steve, How are you feeling today?
Oxygen mask removed, Steve answered in a still low and hoarse voice, Pretty good. Kind of
sore.
Mark smiled as he looked to his son, Good. So what do you want to eat?
How about a little of everything.
Alright then, Mark said as he started fixing a plate for his son.
Soon everyone was eating. Amanda was the first to finish, Mark, this was wonderful.
Thanks Amanda. Everyone else enjoying it?
Everyone nodded as Mark looked to Steve. He was asleep. Mark walked towards Steves bed to
retrieve Steves plate. Just as Mark picked up the plate, Steve opened his eyes, Sorry Dad.
No problem. You just rest.
Steve couldnt keep his eyes open any longer, Okay Dad.
The remaining people in the room finished their lunch and packed away the leftovers.
Amandas mother took the boys for the afternoon, and Mark, Jesse, and Amanda made their way
to the doctors lounge to get some coffee.
Later that day, Mark quietly opened Steves door. As Mark walked to the chair, Steve opened
his eyes and turned his head towards Mark.
Sorry, I didnt mean to wake you.
You didnt. I wasnt asleep.
Mark noticed that Steve sounded stronger, How are you feeling?
Confined, Steve smiled, referring to his bandaged arms and legs that hurt when he moved
them.
Really, how are you feeling?
Not too bad. The painkillers are helping with a lot of it. It does hurt of I move too
much, though.
Yeah, that could be the broken ribs and the burns.
After a minute of silence, Steve told Mark, That lunch was good today. Thanks for bringing
it.
Mark smiled and walked closer to Steve, Well, I couldnt let the day pass without letting
you know how grateful I am to have you back safe.
I know Dad. Im glad to be back too.
Mark laid his hand on Steves head, and upon doing this, his expression changed to worry.
Steve noticed, Whats wrong Dad?
You feel warm. Ill be right back; Im going to get a thermometer. Mark left the room and
within a few minutes, Mark returned. Jesse and a nurse were with him.
After Steve looked at the trio, he focused his gaze on his father, Whats wrong, Dad?
As he placed the thermometer under Steves tongue, Mark replied, We think you may have an
infection. Just relax, and well take care of it.
Jesse took Steves blood pressure and pulse, His BP is 80/50 and his pulse is racing at
110.
The thermometer beeped and Mark read the results, 102.4.
Confused, Steve asked, What does all that mean?
Jesse spoke up, It means that there are definite signs of an infection.
Now worried, Steve asked, How bad?
Well have to run some blood tests to determine that. He turned to the nurse, I need a
blood lab kit and some broad spectrum antibiotics.
The nurse nodded and left the room.
Jesse turned back to Steve, Were going to get you on a stronger antibiotic and try to
knock the infection out of your system.
The nurse returned and Jesse prepared Steves arm to take blood, while Mark took the IV bag
filled with antibiotics and hooked it up to Steves already existing IV. Steve glanced back
and forth between the two men. As Mark finished, he checked Steves pulse again, Its still
racing. He looked over to Jesse, Im going to get a heart monitor and put him back on it so
that we can keep check. He looked to Steve, Ill be right back. Steve nodded and quickly
turned to Jesse as Jesse began unwrapping the bandages on Steves arm.
Jesse saw Steve flinch, Sorry, buddy.
Steve nodded and watched while Jesse finished removing the bandages. Steve looked at his
burned arm for the first time. They were red and scarred. Just as Jesse laid his hand on
Steves arm, Mark came through the door following him was a nurse pushing a heart monitor.
Mark saw Jesse checking Steves arm, so he walked over, How is it?
Jesse looked to Mark, Its redder and more swollen that before. And feel it.
Mark did, Its hot. Definitely an infection.
Steve laid his head back against the pillows, So what now?
Mark put his hand on Steves shoulder, It doesnt seem too bad. We caught it early so we can
treat it better. Marl walked to the other side of the bed to give Jesse room to clean and
re-bandage his arms. He took the leads from the heart monitor and placed them in various
spots on Steves chest. Mark looked at his son, This is just to keep check on your pulse
and blood pressure.
Jesse and Mark continued to work, but within a few minutes both men left. Steve, exhausted
from the events of the past several minutes, laid back and closed his eyes.
**********
Mark and Jesse were talking in the lounge when Amanda walked in, Hey, I was just looking
for you guys. She noticed the look on Marks face, Whats wrong?
Jesse looked up, Steve has developed a rapid-moving infection. We just got back the
results of the blood tests.
Amanda sat down, Oh no.
Weve got him on strong antibiotics, but so far his pulse hasnt slowed and his temperature
hasnt gone down any. I need to go check on him again, Jesse stood.
Mark and Amanda followed Jesse out the door. Once in Steves room, Mark walked to the side
of Steves bed. Due to his high fever, small beads of sweat had formed on his forehead. The
readout on the heart monitor indicated that his pulse was at 100, and the thermometer
revealed Steves temperature had reached 103.8. As Jesse checked the burns, Steves eyes
fluttered open.
Mark put his hand on Steves forehead, Steve, youre going to be fine. Steve turned his head
towards his father as Mark continued, You have developed an infection. Were giving you
strong antibiotics to clear up the infection.
Steve closed his eyes and soon he was asleep. Soon after, Amanda had to leave, but Jesse
and Mark stayed in Steves room. After a while had past, Jesse checked Steve again. His
pulse was right at 100, and his temperature was 103.5. Jesse looked to Mark, Its about the
same, Jesse paused, I need to get back downstairs. Ive got some paperwork to get filled
out. Try to get some sleep. He knew it was once again futile to try and get Mark to go
home.
Mark sat down, Ill try.
Jesse left and the night progressed slowly. Nurses came and went every hour, but their
checks on Steve showed little to no improvement. Mark tried to get to sleep, but he
couldnt. Early the next morning, Mark sat watching his son sleep. The door opened and
Jesse came in.
Hey, Mark. How is he?
About the same.
Jesse nodded as he walked towards the bed. He checked Steves temperature. It was 102.4. He
then looked at the heart monitor. His pulse had gone down to about 90. Jesse looked to
Mark, Theyre still high, but both his temp and pulse rate have gone down some.
Mark watched as Jesse unwrapped one of Steves bandaged arm, How does it look?
Jesse examined it, Not as red or swollen as yesterday. Looks like the infection is trying
to clear up.
However, throughout the day, Steve stayed about the same. Nurses continued the hourly
checks on Steve, and Mark only left the room to get something to eat. That night as Mark
sat in Steves room, Steves eyes fluttered open. Mark quickly moved to the bed, Steve?
Steve moved his head to the sound of Marks voice.
Steve, youre going to be fine. The infection is starting to clear up.
As Steve closed his eyes, Mark buzzed for the nurse and told her to page Dr. Travis.
Within a few minutes, Jesse entered Steves room, The nurse said he had woken up.
Yeah and his pulse is down to 75.
Great. Now lets check his temp, Jesse did so, 99.3. He leaned over the bed, Steve, can you
hear me?
In response, Steve slowly opened his eyes and turned his head towards Jesse.
Good. Youve had a bad infection, but it seems to be gone now. Your fever broke a few hours
ago and its almost within normal range now. Youre going to be fine.
Mark stood on the other side of the bed, How do you feel?
Steve paused, Not too good, Dad, came the weak response.
Mark looked down with a reassuring smile, I know. Just get some sleep. Youll feel better
if you rest.
Almost involuntarily, Steve closed his eyes, Okay.
Just sleep son. Youre going to be just fine.
*************
Three days later, Jesse entered Steves room and found Steve sitting up in bed and watching
TV.
Morning Steve. How are you doing?
Pretty good, Jess. Much better.
Good, Jesse replied as he checked Steves pulse, Keep this up and well have to kick you out
of here.
Steve smiled, Im ready when you are.
Jesse grinned as he looked at Steves arms. The burns had begun to scar and had begun to
heal, and there was no sign of an infection. Jesse re-wrapped Steves arms, and the checked
Steves legs. Again the burns has begun scarring and healing. As Jesse pulled the covers
back over Steve, he told him, Im going to get a physical therapist down here to help you
get moving around some.
When?
Either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. Now I need to know the truth. Are you in pain?
Yeah, some. But that medicine is helping.
Good. But if it gets too bad, let me know and I will get you something stronger.
Alright I will.
********
Later that day, the physical therapist came to work with Steve. He hadnt been on his feet
in almost two weeks, so things started off slowly. The next day, even though Steve was
sore, they made more progress.
Mark walked in at the end of the session and saw Steve struggling to walk with the cane.
As Steve sat back on the bed, he saw his father, Hey Dad.
Youre doing good with that.
The therapist agreed, You are doing a great job. And I want you to try these exercises
when youre in bed, he said as he demonstrated some exercises, itll help keep the soreness
down. And I want you to try and walk a little each hour or so. But always have someone
with you when you do so.
Alright. Will do.
See you tomorrow.
Steve still sitting on the edge of the bed looked to his father, So you really think Im
doing okay?
I know you are. Jesse told me that all your tests are looking good too. He said you may be
able to go home in a few days or so.
I cant wait.
Mark watched as Steve slowly lifted his legs onto the bed, Do you need some help?
No, let me try. Steve was able to scoot himself back against the pillows.
Mark smiled as Steve did it all on his own, Good, Mark commented as he helped Steve pull
the covers up. How are you feeling?
Pretty good. Kind of tired and sore, but pretty good.
Good. Im glad, Mark paused, You gave us quite a scare. Im glad that youre doing better.
Me too, Dad, Steve smiled.
********
Three days late, Mark pulled into the driveway. Steve sat in the passenger seat. He opened
the door just as Mark stopped the car.
Steve, hang on, let me help you. You dont have to do everything by yourself.
Steve sat there and waited for Mark to walk around. With Marks help, Steve stood with no
problem. He walked with his cane up to the steps. Leaning heavily on the handrail and his
cane, he made it up the steps, although slowly. Mark opened the door and Steve walked in.
Inside, several people yelled, Surprise!
Steve smiled as he stood in the doorway, Thanks guys. It feels great to be home.
Mark put a hand on Steves shoulder, Hungry?
Yeah, a little. Why?
Well, since we missed Thanksgiving dinner, I figured it wasnt too late to have it.
But you brought that stuff to the hospital?
Aww, that wasnt our real dinner. Come on. Lets eat before it gets cold.
As Steves close friends and family made their way to the table, Mark and Steve lagged
behind. Dad, I really do appreciate all this. Thank you.
Im just glad to have you back home, safe and sound.
Me too Dad. Im glad to be home. Happy Thanksgiving!
|
