Snow Lodge
Chapter 50
Jonesy appeared in the doorway and took in the scene in front of him. He had maintained his distance when Nick and Howie had been talking to Brian's wife, but he had come now because he had heard Brian crying again, and was worried that it was all becoming too much for the young man.
"Howie." Jonesy called softly.
Howie turned around and Jonesy beckoned him outside.
"Howie, I am worried about all this emotional turmoil Brian is being put through. He is still weak and emotionally drained from his time up on the mountain. All this is not helping him at all." Jonesy warned him.
"I know Doc. I'm sorry. I had no idea that Leighanne was coming here, Brian never even mentioned it. None of us called her, so I don't know how she knew."
"She's his wife?"
"Yes." Howie answered.
"Then she is probably listed as his next of kin. The hospital would have automatically informed her that Brian was here."
"That explains it then." Howie replied.
"Listen Howie. I know you know Brian better than I do, but I am his Doctor and I can tell you now he is not going to be able to take much more of this. He is in a very delicate frame of mind, and it will not take much to push him over the edge."
"I know." Howie replied dully. He looked behind him at Brian's small figure on the bed, still wrapped in Nick's arms.
"Should I put him out again, force him to get some rest?" Jonesy asked. In his medical opinion he thought that would probably be best, but he wanted Howie's opinion as Brian's friend.
"No. I don't think that would be a good idea." Howie replied. "He is petrified that AJ is going to die if he so much as closes his eyes. Knocking him out for a few hours will only increase his agitation."
"Then what do you suggest?"
"I think you should let him go see AJ."
"I don't think�" Jonesy started, but Howie held his hand up to stop him.
"I know AJ looks terrible right now, and seeing him like that will be a shock for Brian, but I think it is what he needs. He needs to be able to see and touch AJ, to be able to talk to him and assure himself that AJ is still here. Then he will be able to rest a little easier, and concentrate on his own recovery. Besides, maybe having Brian near will be just what AJ needs as well." Howie told Jonesy.
"I still don't think�"
"Besides, we will all be with him. We won't let him be hurt anymore."
Jonesy looked at Howie and sighed. From a medical point of view he didn't agree with Howie's reasoning at all, but from a human point of view he knew that Howie was probably right. He thought for a moment before nodding.
"Okay, I'll go and make the arrangements. But he only gets a few minutes with AJ, he is in no condition to stay there for too long."
"Thanks Doc." Howie replied, smiling softly.
