Snow Lodge
Chapter 37
Nick pulled Brian tight against him, his own tears falling steadily. He couldn't believe this was happening. Not to AJ. He was always so alive, so full of life, Nick couldn't imagine laying still, in a hospital bed, in a coma.
Brian was shaking with the force of his tears, and he held onto Nick as if he was his only lifeline. This worried Nick, who was used to Brian being the strong one. He didn't think he could even remember the last time Brian had been this upset before, and it scared him. His best friend was falling apart, and he didn't know what to do about it.
Jonesy watched Brian break down, momentarily wondering whether to sedate him again. He dismissed the idea as Kevin joined Nick on the bed, soothing his younger cousin. He looked over at Howie, who was watching them from near the doorway, tears falling unchecked down his face. Howie looked at Jonesy for a moment before asking the question he needed to know.
"Doc? What are his chances?" Howie asked softly.
Jonesy sighed before answering him. "Well, I'm really not a betting man, but considering the severity of AJ's injuries, I guess I would put his chances at about 10%."
Howie wrapped his arms around himself, feeling a chill settle on him.
"The main problem at the moment is not actually his coma. That isn't life-threatening at this stage. The thing we are most worried about is the fever he has developed. His body temperature is dangerously high, and we can't seem to get it down. And at this stage, it could cause seizures, brain damage, or even death."
Behind them Brian seemed to sob harder as he heard the word 'death.' Howie ignored him though, concentrating on Jonesy.
"Can I see him?" Howie asked.
"Yes." Jonesy nodded. "He's in ICU, I'll take you up there, okay?"
Howie nodded and looked over at the three on the bed. Kevin looked at him and motioned for him to go be with AJ. Howie switched his attention to Brian, whose face was buried in Nick's chest, his sobs slowly coming under control. Howie knit his brow at seeing Brian like that, that same uncomfortable feeling from earlier settling in his stomach, before turning and heading out of the room, needing to go and see his best friend.
