"ANYTIME, JOHNNY"
“Good morning, good morning, gentlemen! How are you this fine morning?” John Gage bounded into the locker room at 7:20 am with a wide, sincere smile stretched across his face. He placed his bag on the bench and began to remove his shirt.
Roy and Mike, the other occupants of the room, returned their colleague’s greeting, albeit somewhat less enthusiastically.
“I take it your vacation agreed with you, Johnny,” Roy stated while buttoning his uniform shirt.
“What all did you do?” asked Mike.
“Oh man, it was incredible guys, incredible!” John started. “Just got back last night. I’m so glad I ended up going. I did so much; I don’t know where to start. I drove along the coast. The beaches I went to were beautiful, the hotel was great…. There was this girl,” John turned to grin at Mike, and then back at Roy. John saw his partner roll his eyes and smile, which John returned with a half-hearted glare, but he was too excited to let anything interrupt his story. “She was staying at the same hotel as me, and man, was she something! Now, don’t get me wrong, I know I’m on the rebound and all and I wasn’t about to do anything stupid. But, I figured asking this incredibly smart and attractive woman to join me for dinner couldn’t hurt, right?”
“So you went on a date with her?” Roy asked.
“Well, I spent an afternoon talking with her on the beach and then I asked her out. But as it turned out, she didn’t really dig me.” John replied matter-of-factly.
Roy chuckled softly and shook his head.
“Hey,” John said, as he saw his partner’s reaction. “It’s not like I went to Mexico to meet women. In fact, most of the time I was by myself, which is really why I went in the first place.”
“Did you take a lot of pictures, Johnny?” asked Mike.
“Oh, yeah, I was getting to that Mike. I got some beautiful shots on the beach at sunset. And, I went hiking for two days, too. Man, I hope those shots turn out, the scenery was unbelievable.”
“Ah, Johnny, why don’t you finish telling us while we get some coffee? You don’t want to be late for roll call on your first day back,” Roy hinted gently.
John abruptly realized that his two friends were fully dressed in uniform while he was still wearing jeans and his undershirt. “Oh, you’re right, thanks Roy. Save me a cup, will ya?”
John promptly yanked open his locker door, an act which rewarded him with a face full of water. The Phantom had left his favorite pigeon a little “welcome back” present.
“Oh, man,” yelled John. “Chet!”
* * * * * * * *
Roy looked briefly over at John. They'd made it over six hours into the shift before their first run. The call was for an unknown-type rescue located well out of their normal service area. As both paramedics expected, the run was cancelled before they had traveled more than halfway. They were now on the way back to the station.
In stark contrast to the exuberance John had been displaying all morning, he was now engulfed in a thoughtful silence. Roy thought about all the anecdotes John had told earlier about his week in Mexico. He smiled as he remembered John speaking of the girl he had met on the beach. It wasn't the fact that Gage had struck out with yet another woman that Roy found amusing. It was that John had thought to include it in the tales of his adventures that had made him chuckle.
“Hey, Johnny,” Roy said, his voice visibly startling John. “Sorry… I just wanted to say I’m glad you had fun on your trip. You were so down for the last couple weeks, I was really starting to worry about you.”
“Really?” John answered. “I didn’t realize.” Johnny paused a moment as he pondered Roy’s comment. “I guess I had been kind of down since I broke up with Elizabeth. I mean we were together for over five months. Things were getting serious. It may have been a mutual decision, but it was still really rough.”
“I know, Johnny.”
John took a deep breath and exhaled sharply. “I did a lot of thinking during my trip. I really believe breaking up was for the best. I'd never be happy tied to someone like her.”
John had trailed off, but Roy sensed his partner was just gathering his thoughts. He decided to remain quiet and wait for Johnny to continue. Roy’s mind drifted to a conversation he had shared with Johnny on the last shift before his vacation....
* * * * * * * *
One week and three days prior....
John and Roy sat at the station’s kitchen table, eating what was left of Stoker’s spaghetti. The paramedics had missed dinner, and now nearing 10:00 pm, ate their reheated meal alone, while the engine crew was on a run.
“Oh man, Roy, I didn’t even realize how starving I was.” John crooked a smile at Roy.
Roy returned John’s comment with a small grin of his own. “I hear ya.”
Two weeks had passed since John had ended a relationship with his girlfriend, and not yet a single word had been uttered by John revealing any emotional reaction. John had casually mentioned the break-up to his shiftmates a day or so after the fact. Any initial expressions of sympathy were short-lived as Gage politely, yet almost forcefully, brushed them off. John’s behavior remained ordinary enough to squelch most doubts his friends may have had about his emotional well-being. However, the façade had not fooled Roy.
Roy studied the face of the man he had worked closely with and considered his best friend for five years. Roy knew his partner was struggling with something. John’s expressive eyes belied the cool exterior. Roy briefly considered asking John if anything was bothering him, but dismissed the thought. All previous attempts had been expertly sidestepped. Roy decided Johnny would come to him, if and when he needed to talk.
“What?” mumbled Johnny through a mouthful of food. “Do I have sauce on my face or something? You’re staring at me.”
“No, no.... Sorry, I’m just exhausted.” Roy returned his gaze to his plate. “So, you’re actually going to Mexico?”
“Yeah.” John swallowed and took a gulp of milk. “I’m leaving the day after tomorrow.”
“So what made you want to go to Mexico all of a sudden? I thought you were going to go camping on your time off?”
“I dunno. I was.... Well, you know I was planning on taking Liz camping at that beautiful spot I found last year? I’d already booked the time off a while ago and we’d made all these plans. Somehow I just didn’t think that going up north and camping alone would clear my head the way it usually does. I just felt like doing something I’d never done before, something spur of the moment. I wanted to do something that would only remind me of me... not me and Elizabeth.”
“I guess that makes sense.”
“Yeah..., yeah.... Um..., Roy?” Gage cleared his throat. “Am I..., um..., what do you think..., uh....” He took a deep breath and exhaled loudly, but didn’t again attempt to verbalize his thought.
“What, Johnny?” Roy gently prompted.
“...Nothin’,” John sighed. He ate in silence for a few moments before turning to Roy once again. “...Roy?”
“Yeah, Johnny?”
“You’ve got sauce on your face.”
* * * * * * * *
Returning to the Present....
Roy waited patiently for almost a minute. Now that his partner seemed ready to talk, Roy didn't want to distract him.
“I’m a pretty independent guy, right Roy?”
“Yeah, I would say that,” Roy said cautiously, not sure where Johnny was going with this.
“I’ve lived by myself for almost all my adult life, up until five months ago, that is.” John paused and ran a hand through his hair before continuing. “Roy, she was starting to suffocate me. The way she entwined herself into my life. It was really nice at first, having someone always care where I was, where I’d been, where I was going. But, I began to realize there wasn’t a single part of my life left that was all mine. I didn’t know where my life ended and hers began.”
“Johnny, you’ve pretty much described every married couple I know. Sharing a life together is what marriage is all about. Are you saying you want to live alone for the rest of your life?” Roy asked his partner pointedly.
“Yes... No.... No, you don’t understand. That’s not what I’m saying. If I do ever get married, it can’t be to someone like her.... I can’t make the same mistake again. She took away my independence… and my freedom.” Johnny paused for a moment when he spoke again, his voice was softer. “Roy, when Liz left I felt really empty and lost.... I’ve never felt lost when I’m alone before. Sure, ending a relationship with someone you care about is always rough…, but it was when she left that I realized how dependent I’d grown on her. That’s what made me feel lost.”
Roy nodded, but kept quiet, as he had the feeling there was more to come.
John paused only briefly. He rubbed the side of his nose with one finger, and took a breath before resuming. “At first it was just a bunch of little things I noticed. I forgot to pick up my uniforms, because she always went to the cleaners. She had totally rearranged my kitchen.... I didn’t know where anything was or what food I had. I had a headache... and I just crawled into bed like someone was going to bring me aspirin and make me dinner. My place started getting really messy.... I mean, I’m no slob but, I had been totally taking it for granted that she’d take care of everything. I’m a grown man! I’ve always taken care of myself, and here I was unable to function normally! It’s those little things that keep your life from falling apart.”
Roy hadn’t expected this at all.... The speech, or its contents. No wonder his partner had been out of sorts the last few weeks. He chose his next words carefully. “It sounds to me like you fell into a comfortable routine over the last four months, and when you were forced to change, everything got disrupted. Top that with all the stress of a break up…, of course you were feeling down. That’s normal.”
John exhaled sharply, clearly not convinced. “You could be right..., but..., I dunno. It’s just.... Maybe, it wasn’t just her. Maybe, I would be happier on my own. I’m not swearing off women or anything, but maybe there’s no such thing as having independence and freedom in a committed relationship.”
“Well, I guess that depends what your definition of independence and freedom is.”
“Roy, all I know is from now on, outside of work, I’m not depending on anybody. I’m going to make sure I’m completely self-sufficient, even more so than before. And, if I happen to meet a woman one day that I want spend my life with.... I’ll make sure I stay that way. I won’t ever take her or anybody else’s help for granted.”
Roy just shook his head. His partner had a lot to learn about marriage. He had no doubt that one day John would fall truly in love, and realize the error in his philosophy. There was no need to argue the point now, though.
“So, you’re not going to depend on anyone for anything?” Roy asked.
“No, not if I can help it.”
“Can I still depend on you to help me work on my floors next week?”
“Of course! I said I would, didn’t I?” John seemed surprised at the suggestion to the contrary.
“Yeah, yeah you did.” Roy murmured, laughing quietly to himself.
John rubbed his left eye and stifled a loud yawn. “Man, it’s almost three and we still haven’t had a run. Squad 16’s been called out twice since we left! You sure that thing’s working?” John motioned jokingly to the squad’s radio.
With perfect timing, the radio crackled to life telling them to stand by for response.
“You were, saying?” Roy snorted as he reached for his helmet.
“Uh, Roy? Thanks for listening,” Johnny said quietly while scribbling down the address.
“Any time, Johnny, anytime.”
The Next Shift....
DeSoto sighed as he sat behind the wheel of Squad 51, about to begin the fifteen-minute drive to Rampart General Hospital. Unlike the unusually slow shift they’d had the other day, this one had begun early, and never stopped. They’d had continuous runs almost all day, culminating in an early evening fire in a large office building. Roy was hot, dirty and sweaty. His tired eyes watched as other firemen continued to mop up the last vestiges of the structure fire. He leaned back and closed his eyes, taking a long cleansing breath.
Roy guessed his partner would be arriving at the hospital with their smoke inhalation victim right about now. Roy had stayed behind to look after two other men from 51s who had been injured while fighting the fire. Fortunately, Chet and Marco received only small cuts and bruises, nothing that required a trip to the hospital.
Roy carefully massaged his temples before turning the key and pulling out of the parking lot. It had taken a while to find the missing janitor. Roy had eaten some smoke himself in the fire, and the acrid fumes had left him with an aching head. Nothing some aspirin, and peace and quiet can’t cure. A hot shower and a good meal wouldn’t hurt either.
Roy winced as he realized his peace and quiet would soon be broken. Roy had been very relieved to discover John was back to his old, very talkative self. Roy usually found Johnny’s penchant for chatter amusing. Their conversations often left him confused, but Roy decided their differences… including thought patterns… was probably one of the things that made him and Gage so compatible as friends. Johnny was also one of the most sensitive people Roy had ever met. He could usually tell when Roy really was not up to listening about his current obsession and tried his best to accommodate, for which Roy was always grateful. However, when Johnny was truly irked nothing could get in the way of his rant... except a run, of course, and that only served to postpone it.
Roy knew this run had the potential to prompt such a reaction in his partner: The janitor wouldn't have needed rescuing if he had followed the proper fire procedures instead of hiding in a bathroom. Normally Roy might have wholeheartedly shared in the conversation, but right now he was too drained. Roy dreaded the inevitable prattle.
Hmmm..., Johnny should be just as tired as I am, and he took in as much smoke as me.... He’ll probably be craving quiet, too.
Roy’s hope was short-lived, and he sighed as he was hit with a twinge of guilt.
I just wished that my best friend has a headache and feels like crap. Roy gently shook his head. This headache is really getting to me.
With that, he quieted his thoughts and tried to enjoy his last ten minutes of guaranteed silence.
* * * * * * * *
Johnny exited Treatment Room 3, glanced around, and then headed to the base station.
I feel like crap, he thought to himself. He nodded at Dixie and smiled at her wanly.
“Hi, Johnny,” said Dixie. “Tough day?” Dixie looked at the still very sooty, disheveled young man. His hair hung limply and his face was streaked with the rivulets of sweat that had streamed down his face earlier. He looked tired.
Johnny suppressed the irrational urge to stick his tongue out at Dixie.
“You could say that,” he responded as he reached for a Styrofoam cup and the coffeepot. “We got the guy out just in time. You’d think a grown man would know better than to hide in a bathroom stall. I left Roy treating a couple of minor injuries from our guys. Hose blew.” He took a sip of the hot brew. “And, how is your day going?”
Dixie was recounting the impossibility of her day when her words started to become muffled and a familiar low roar invaded his ears. I don't believe this, thought Johnny. I'm going to pass out. He knew he was in trouble and needed help now. At the very least, he was going to get coffee everywhere. Dix wasn't going to like that....
"Dix," said Johnny quietly. He blindly tried to place the cup on the counter he knew must be to his right as he felt himself starting to go, his vision fading.
John felt tight fingers wrap around his left arm. With his ears and eyes now useless, he could only assume the grip belonged to Dixie. John felt one hand move to his back as she tried to ease him gently to the ground. However, Johnny’s tenuous grip on reality abruptly released while he was still standing, and his dead weight tumbled to the coffee-strewn ground.
* * * * * * * *
John awoke to a cold wetness slowly enveloping the back of his neck and stomach. The same sensation abruptly appeared on his forehead, and he dimly recognized its source as a wet towel.
Gage cracked his eyelids open a slit, not entirely sure what lay beyond them. A bright light pierced his exposed eyes, its sudden, painful intensity overwhelming the details of the dark figure that hovered over him. Full awareness returned to John, along with a rush of embarrassment, as he realized why he was staring up into the face of Dr. Kelly Brackett.
“Welcome back, Johnny.” The doctor smiled as his patient roused.
“Oh, man.... I passed out, didn’t I?” Johnny said quietly.
“You sure did, Johnny.” Dixie’s voice traveled to Johnny from somewhere behind his head, but he dared not turn around to look for her. Lying still on the exam table was currently a sickeningly dizzy experience for Johnny. Head turning was out of the question. Dixie moved into his line of vision as she continued to speak. Her eyes sparkled down at him. “But not before decorating my floor with your coffee.” Dixie’s voice took a slightly more serious tone. “You gave me quite a scare there.”
“Sorry Dix,” Johnny said softly. “I tried to put the cup down first. I didn’t want to make a mess.... I didn’t mean to scare you either.”
“Johnny,” Dixie replied. “Relax, it’s okay. I was only teasing.”
Johnny nodded his head weakly, and squeezed his eyes shut as a wave of nausea swept over him.
“Johnny, how do feel?” Doctor Brackett asked. John knew his subtle display of discomfort hadn't gone unnoticed by the physician.
“Not so good, Doc,” Johnny replied in a small, tight voice. He opened his eyes a crack to look at the doctor. “Head’s killing me.... I’m dizzy and really nauseous....”
“Just try to relax and take deep, slow breaths,” Doctor Brackett spoke soothingly. “The nausea should pass. There’s a basin right here just in case though, Johnny. We’ll give you something for your stomach if you don’t feel better soon. I think you’ve got a bit of heat exhaustion. Dixie’s going to set you up with an IV here. You should be feeling much better once we get some fluids into you. I have to go see another patient, but I’ll be back later to check on you, okay?”
“’kay,” Johnny whispered, shutting his eyes once more.
“Dix,” Brackett said, his voice now coming from the direction of the doorway. “When you’re done here, Mike’s going to need your help in 1.”
“Sure, Kel,” she replied, as she began to prepare Johnny’s left arm for the IV. “Okay, Johnny, you’re going to feel a little prick. You know the drill.”
Johnny, who knew the drill all too well, stayed silent and just nodded his head slightly without opening his eyes. He hated getting needles almost to a phobia, but at the moment the battle to keep his stomach contents in place demanded all of his attention. John offered no protest as he felt Dixie insert the needle and start the IV drip.
“Here, Johnny, just in case,” Dixie said knowingly, as she tucked a blue plastic emesis basin in Gage’s right hand. She noted the paramedic’s still very grimy complexion. “One of my nurses will be in soon to get you cleaned up a bit.” She squeezed his shoulder gently, before walking away.
“Thanks, Dix,” Gage mumbled to the retreating nurse. He took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly.
Gage lay alone in the treatment room, waiting for a sense of normality to creep back.
* * * * * * * *
DeSoto strolled into Rampart through the Emergency entrance. The ER was a whirl of activity, but that was nothing unusual. Roy continued down the hall to the base station in search of his partner. Two paramedics from 45s were there, sipping coffee. A young blonde nurse, whose name escaped Roy, busied herself with a small stack of paperwork.
The paramedics and nurse exchanged pleasantries as Roy poured himself a much-needed cup of coffee. He asked if any of the three had seen his partner, but the answer was no.
Roy, not really feeling up to small talk, politely made his excuses, and continued the search for Johnny.
He peeked into the doctor’s lounge, but found it empty. After freshening up a bit in the men’s room, Roy returned once more to the base station, assuming Johnny would eventually end up there. The paramedics were gone, their half-empty coffee cups left behind. The same nurse was still sitting behind the counter. She looked up as she heard him approach. Amy, recalled Roy, that’s her name.
“Are you still looking for your partner?” she asked.
“Yeah, he’s probably just helping out with a patient,” Roy sighed. He'd been hoping to just retrieve Johnny and head straight back to the station.
“Well,” Amy started, “I just heard from Sarah, one of the new girls, that a paramedic collapsed here in the hall about fifteen or twenty minutes ago. She didn’t remember his name, but he’s in Treatment Room 4 if you want to see if it’s him.”
She nodded at the door across the hall, but Roy had already mumbled a thank you and started toward it, his mind overwhelming him with the possible scenarios waiting for him in the next room.
Roy opened the door to reveal his partner lying on the exam table. John’s uniform shirt had been removed and his whiteT-shirt was pulled up to his chest with a damp white towel placed on his exposed belly. His face was much cleaner than the last time Roy had seen it. A moist cloth also rested on Gage’s forehead. Dr. Brackett was talking to Johnny, but both looked toward Roy at the sound of his entrance. Roy glanced worriedly at Johnny, then the doctor.
“What happened? What’s wrong?” Roy asked. His voice appeared calm as always, but his quicker than normal movements betrayed his concern.
“I’m fine now, it’s nothing. Jus’ got a little dizzy is all,” Johnny replied sheepishly.
Roy ignored his partner, looking to Brackett for his answer.
“It seems your partner had a touch of heat exhaustion, and he passed out in the hallway. But, we rehydrated him and his vitals are back to normal.” Brackett said, as his face twitched into the hint of a smile.
“So he’s okay...?” Relief was evident in Roy’s voice.
“Yeah, I’m feeling much better... can I go, Doc?” John removed the towel from his head and propped himself up on both elbows.
“Well,” Brackett started. “Let’s sit you up first and see how you feel, okay Johnny?”
Roy and the doctor each grabbed an arm and gently raised John so he was sitting on the table. John didn't verbally or physically resist the assistance, but he wore an expression of utter annoyance as he was lifted. The look intensified when the helping hands refused to leave his arms, even after Johnny was sitting upright. Roy had to suppress his grin at the sight of his partner’s obvious displeasure.
“I’m okay, I’m okay. You can let go now!” John emphasized. Both Desoto and Brackett released their grip. John straightened his T-shirt, and ran a hand through his damp hair.
“Johnny, anymore dizziness?” Brackett asked.
“No, not dizzy any more, and my stomach’s firmly in place.” John patted his belly and flashed a crooked grin at the doctor.
“Can he go back to work, Doc?” Roy asked.
“I don’t see why not, but I’ll leave it up to you, Johnny. You should know best if you’re up to finishing the shift or not.”
Johnny’s reply followed an almost imperceptible hesitation. “Hey, I told ya, I feel fine. So, I can go?” John hopped off the table.
“Then get out of here, hose jockey," said Brackett, lightly. "But Johnny, come back right away if you experience any more dizziness or nausea tonight, okay?”
“Good deal.”
John and Roy left the exam room, both thankful to be on their way back to the station.
John slipped into the passenger seat of the squad and shut the door. John slowly reached for the squad’s microphone, then held it in his hand, taking a long moment before calling them in as available.
“Johnny, you sure you’re okay?” Roy asked with concern.
“Yeah Roy, I’m fine. Really. If I couldn’t do the job, I’d say so.”
“As long as you’re sure,” DeSoto said, as he turned the key in the ignition.
“Yeah, I am. What about you? You were in the fire as long as I was.”
Roy sighed tiredly. “Yeah, I’m okay too. I’m beat, but I’m okay.”
“Squad 51 available,” John said into the microphone then returned to its holder. He rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands. Dispatch acknowledged their availability.
Truthfully, John didn’t feel perfectly fine. His head still hurt and all he could think about was the warmth of his bunk... that desire even overshadowed any thought of food. He really had been tempted to tell the doctor he didn’t feel well so he go home and sleep in his own bed and nurse his aching head. One look at Roy, however, had stopped that notion. Roy looked exhausted, and John could see the pain lurking behind Roy’s eyes. John always knew when his partner had a headache just by looking at him… there was something about the way his brows furrowed, and his eyes settled in a slight squint. John knew he couldn’t possibly feel any worse than Roy or any of the other guys did. They’d all had an equally trying day.
They rode back to the station in comfortable silence.
* * * * * * * *
The paramedics returned to an empty station. It was Roy’s turn to cook dinner. Fortunately for the weary pair, Roy had been able to prepare a tuna casserole earlier in the shift, during a brief break in the action prior to this last call.
DeSoto pulled the casserole from the fridge; it just needed to be baked. He looked over at his partner, who had loudly collapsed on the dayroom couch a moment before. John sat in the middle of the couch, his legs stretched out straight in front of him. His head leaned on the back of the couch, eyes closed, and his right hand absently scratched Henry’s belly, who was sprawled on the couch next to him.
“Hey, Johnny?”
A grunt that sort of resembled ‘uh huh’ came from John, but he didn’t move, and his eyes stayed closed.
“This is going to take about half an hour before it’s ready. You can get in the shower first if you want.”
John opened his eyes and leaned forward, his hands placed on each knee. “Yeah, thanks Roy. I’m so tired I could fall asleep right now… I’m sorry, do you need help with dinner?”
“No, it’s okay, thanks, there’s not much left to do.”
“Do you want me to finish it? You could go take a shower first, or lie down or something. You look like your head’s bothering you.”
“No, thanks I’m fine. I took some aspirin at the hospital… headache’s pretty much gone now.”
“Okay, suit yourself,” Gage mumbled. He reluctantly pushed himself off the couch and walked toward the doorway.
Roy shook his head as his partner left the kitchen and headed to the locker room. John looked positively haggard. His hair was a matted mess, his shoulders slumped, and Roy thought he still looked too pale. Roy wondered if John finishing his shift wasn't such a great idea after all. But, he trusted Doctor Brackett’s judgment, and he trusted Johnny’s judgment.
Unbelievable, the guy looks dead on his feet and he’s worried about my headache.
However, Roy had to confess that he, too, had relied on the powers of adrenaline to make it through a shift from time to time. They all had.
I’ll just keep an eye on him…. I really do worry too much.
Roy had set the table and was removing the casserole from the oven when he heard the engine return. A minute later, four very hungry firemen poured into the kitchen, with various compliments to Roy about the wonderful aroma wafting through the station. Roy and the engine crew made no haste in assembling at the kitchen table and digging into the casserole.
“Hey, where’s Gage?” Chet asked.
“He went to take a shower, but he should be finished by now,” Roy replied.
Marco volunteered to find the absent paramedic, but returned alone a minute later.
“Roy? Johnny’s sound asleep in his bunk. I didn’t know if I should wake him.” Marco said, as he returned to his meal.
“What? It’s not even eight yet!” exclaimed Chet.
“Maybe I should go check on him,” said Roy. “Brackett treated him for heat exhaustion about an hour ago.”
“Is he all right to work?” Stanley asked with concern
“Yeah, I think he’s just tired,” assured Roy. “I’ll see if he wants dinner.”
Roy entered the dorm, and sure enough, his partner lay on his back in his bunk, hair still damp from the shower. His left arm was draped over his eyes, a customary sleeping position for John, but Roy suspected he had been consciously trying to block the summer sunlight still filtering through the window blinds. His turnout pants and boots were ready by the side of the bed. This was no pre-dinner nap.
“Johnny....” Roy gently shook his partner, an act that rewarded him with a mumbled expletive. He shook him again, a little less gently.
“Go away. What do want, Roy? I’m sleeping.” John didn't remove his arm from his eyes.
“I just wanted to make sure you’re feeling okay... and tell you that dinner is ready.”
John flopped his left hand down on the bed and looked at his partner.
“I’m fine Roy, just bushed… and I’m not hungry.” Gage placed his arm back over his eyes.
“Do you feel sick to your stomach again? If you do, you need to go see Brackett.”
“No, I don’t feel sick… just tired and achy and not hungry. Would ya leave me alone, please?”
“Okay. Just don’t expect there to be any leftovers for a midnight snack. Chet’s already on seconds.”
John released a loud, exasperated breath. “All right, all right. I’m wide awake now anyways.” He grumbled through his teeth, as he sat up in bed and rubbed his face. “Jus’ gimme a minute.”
Satisfied, Roy returned to the kitchen.
John grudgingly sat up and pulled on his bunker pants. Sleep had claimed him the moment his head hit the pillow. He had taken some aspirin for his headache, but it was the kind of pain he knew wouldn’t go away until he got some decent rest. He ran his hand through his hair and slowly padded across the engine bay to the kitchen. He hadn’t lied to Roy; he didn’t feel queasy… just not at all hungry. But, he was aware that he hadn’t eaten anything, save a few hurried mouthfuls, all day. Johnny figured it would be wise to try and down some sort of nourishment.
One syncopal episode a shift is enough for me.
John reassured Captain Stanley that he was fine, just tired; a claim that was supported by the plateful of dinner he surprised himself by finishing. Although quiet at first, John soon actively participated in the conversation and playful banter of his co-workers, alleviating any lingering worries about his health.
The men spent the rest of the evening relaxing quietly and watching an old horror movie on television. John slipped away to bed before the movie was over, but his weary shift mates joined him shortly after.
The next day’s wake up tones roused the firemen at Station 51. The men were pleasantly surprised to discover they had slept the whole night through without a single run. Their final hours of duty were equally uneventful. The squad was toned out to a traffic accident just before the shift was over, but the newly arrived B-shift paramedics offered to take the call.
Roy hurried home at the end of the shift. Joanne and the kids were leaving later that morning to stay at her parents’ house. This was his last chance to spend time with his family for almost a week.
Jennifer leapt into her father’s arms the moment Roy came through the door. Chris let his dad ruffle his hair, but at eleven years old he was ‘too big’ for unabashed displays of affection. Joanne tenderly kissed her husband’s cheek, and led the family into the kitchen, where she had a special breakfast waiting.
Roy wanted this morning to last forever. Both kids vied for his attention, while still being uncharacteristically courteous to each other. It was a welcome change from the sibling bickering that had been escalating since the DeSoto children started summer vacation a little over a month ago.
Roy smiled at his wife across the kitchen table. Joanne returned his loving gaze with a radiant smile of her own. She ran a hand though her dark hair that fell in soft waves below her shoulders. Roy loved that she had grown her hair out the last two years from her previous shorter style. He always thought she was beautiful... but nothing compared to running his fingers through the long silky strands. Roy regretted he wouldn’t have some time alone with Joanne before she left.
The last few weeks had been stressful. The kids had been fighting more than ever before, and had found increasingly inventive ways to annoy each other, while eluding parental restrictions. It was a constant struggle for peace, creating a hanging tension that had led to more than a few arguments between Roy and Joanne. There was no tension now, though....
Roy’s schedule this week included a precious four days off for A-Shift. While Joanne and the kids spent the week away, Roy was planning to do some long awaited work around the house. Joanne had been asking him to refinish the aged oak floors for years. The walls also needed a fresh coat of paint, and there were various other odd jobs to be done. Johnny had offered to help him for at least a couple afternoons, and the other men of A-shift had volunteered some time, too. Roy appreciated their generosity.
By 11:00 am, Joanne’s station wagon was packed and ready. Jennifer, and even Chris, hugged and kissed their father goodbye before hoping in the car, secure in the knowledge that a firm, rotating schedule was in place as to who sat in the front seat. Currently Chris sat in the back, buried beneath a mountain of pillows, books, and toys.
Roy and Joanne went back in the house to ‘check something.’ Roy took Joanne in a passionate kiss, followed by a tight embrace. When they parted, Joanne reached up and brushed her hand through his brown hair. There was a hint of sadness in his eyes.
“Hey, we’re only going for a week.”
“I know... you’re not going to recognize the place when you get back.”
“I can’t wait, hon. But don’t work yourself too hard. You look tired.”
Roy kissed Joanne’s forehead and walked her out to the car.
* * * * * * * *
Johnny drove home, while making mental notes of the chores he wanted to do before going to Roy’s place that afternoon. The grocery store wouldn’t be open yet, so shopping had to wait.
Upon arrival, he surveyed his apartment, dismayed to see it was still in an abnormal state of disarray. He’d only had one day off since returning from Mexico, and that had been filled with catching up on sleep, attacking a stack of unpaid bills, and a rush to make sure he had clean uniforms.
Man, I’ve got to get my act together. I really meant it; I’m going to be in total control of my life.
He went into the bedroom. John grabbed a laundry basket from the closet and picked up the dirty clothes that were piled into a corner, as well as the few errant articles scattered around the room. The bed was made, but the sheets needed changing. He yanked back the quilt, but sat down on the bed before removing the bedding. He lay back crosswise on the bed, closing his eyes, while trying to prioritize his chores and errands, and figure out what he could get done this morning before going to Roy’s house.
His phone rang, startling him. He sat up, groggy and confused.
Damn, Johnny rubbed his face. I must have dozed off for a minute.
He fumbled for the receiver, pulling it to his face.
“Hello?”
“Johnny? It’s Roy. Weren’t you coming over today?”
“Yeah… but not till this afternoon.”
“Johnny, it’s almost three-thirty. Chet’s been here for two hours already.”
“What! Aw..., man! I fell asleep.... I had things to do today....”
“Relax, it’s okay. You don’t have to come over. Chet and I can handle things today. Don’t worry about it. I’ve got more than enough help this week if you’re busy.”
“No, Roy. I’m sorry; I’ll be there. I’m leaving right now. Bye.”
John hung up the receiver before Roy could argue. He splashed cold water on his face in the bathroom, attempting to rid himself of the thick fog of over-sleep that was slowing his mind and body. He felt better, but decided to pick up a large coffee on the way.
He pulled up to Roy’s house shortly after four-thiry. He let himself in, and found Roy and Chet in a very empty living room.
“Hey, guys…brought some pizza.” John held up the box. He walked into the kitchen, and placed the box and a six-pack of beer on the counter.
Roy and Chet followed him in, each grabbing a slice and a beer. Roy thanked John for the refreshments.
“Hey Gage, nice of you to finally join us. While you were getting your beauty sleep, us real men have been working our asses off.” Chet teased, as he finished a piece of pizza.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah…whatever Kelly,” Johnny replied dryly. “So what needs to be done?”
Roy briefly updated Johnny on what work was already finished, and what they still needed to do.
“Good deal. Let’s get started then,” Johnny offered.
“Hey, we’ve already started,” Chet reminded with a mischievous tone. John shot him a dirty look.
They worked continuously for several hours and got a lot done. John purposely avoided Chet, not really in the mood for a sparring match, friendly or otherwise. He worked mostly in silence. It felt good to work with his hands; it gave John a real sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. He began mentally listing all the projects he could do around his apartment... alone, of course. That’s exactly what I need right now.
Deciding on Chinese take-out for dinner, they sat outside on the back patio eating and sipping cold beers. Chet left right after dinner, claiming he had plans that night, but Johnny offered to stay later.
Around ten, Roy finished painting the ceiling in the living room. He stepped off the ladder and looked around for Johnny. He finally found him sitting at the picnic table in the backyard, his head rested on folded arms.
“Hey, Johnny, you okay?”
“I just needed some air.” Johnny’s voice was quiet and strained. He looked up at Roy, squinting at the porch light, which illuminated his very pale face. John grimaced slightly, in obvious pain. “Man, I’ve got a killer headache. It started sometime after dinner, but it didn’t get really bad until about twenty minutes ago. It’s pounding right behind my eyes.” Johnny closed his eyes and massaged his forehead. “You got any aspirin?”
"I'm sure we've got some. Come back inside and I'll get it for you."
Slowly, Johnny got up and followed Roy back into the house where he sat at the kitchen table. Roy brought him a bottle of aspirin and a glass of water. He downed three tablets. John hoped Roy hadn’t noticed his shaky hands.
Besides having one of the worst headaches he could ever remember, an overwhelming exhaustion had set in along with the pain.
Oh man, I hope I’m not getting another cold. He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. Roy took advantage of the moment and felt John’s forehead with the back of his hand, before Johnny pushed it away.
“Well, you don’t really feel warm.”
“I know, I know… I... I’m not sick. It’s just a headache. I did eat all that smoke yesterday, remember?”
“Okay, you’re probably right then. Maybe you shouldn’t drive home. Why don’t you stay here tonight? You can sleep in Chris’s room.”
Damn, he did notice.
John thought for a moment. Roy was right. Feeling like he did right now, Johnny wouldn’t be comfortable driving. He couldn’t stay focused. If Roy gave him a lift, he’d be stranded tomorrow without a car for who knows how long.
“Um, thanks Roy. You mind if I take a shower first? It might wake me up, and make my head feel better. Maybe I’ll be up to driving after.”
“Sure, go ahead.”
Johnny grabbed a towel from the linen cupboard, and made his way to the bathroom. He stripped out of his sweaty, paint-streaked clothes, and turned the water on as hot as he could stand it. He stood in the shower and let the water rush over him, but instead of invigorating him, the water seemed to wash away what little energy he had left. The heat didn’t even touch the pain.
Johnny quickly washed himself and got out. He towel dried, and pulled on his boxer shorts. His head was spinning with pain and fatigue. He opened the door, releasing steam into the hallway, and leaned heavily against the doorframe.
“Roy?” called John.
“Yeah?” Roy peaked out of Chris’s bedroom.
“I think I might take you up on your offer.”
“Come on in. I just put fresh sheets on the bed.”
John, who couldn’t have cared less about clean sheets at this point, walked in and curled up in the bed.
“I’m going leave the window open. The paint fumes might be bothering you. G’night, Johnny.” Roy said quietly.
“’Night Roy, I’m sure I’ll feel better once I get some sleep. Can you shut the door?” whispered Johnny.
Darkness and silence enveloped him, leaving him alone with the throbbing in his head. He was distantly aware he’d feel embarrassed in the morning… but right now there was only pain. He waited. He waited for the aspirin to work its way through his blood stream… and for sleep to claim him. Whatever took the pain away. He was asleep in minutes.
* * * * * * * *
The fire was burning all around Johnny; there was no way out. His air tank was long empty. The heat and smoke entered him with each breath, burning him from inside his body. He wasn’t going to last much longer. He could no longer see through the thick smoke. He tried to remember how he had gotten here, or whom he was last with… but he drew a blank. All he knew was that he was alone now, and the fire was too strong for anyone to get to him. John was forced to the ground as something fell on top of him. Searing pain coursed throughout his body. He coughed and spluttered. Blood trickled out of his nose and mouth. There was a loud crash, followed by a shuddering crack beneath him… and then he was falling as the floor gave way....
Johnny’s body jerked, abruptly ending his nightmare. His breathing slowed as he realized he was safe. He was in a bed… Christopher DeSoto’s bed. But something was wrong… the terrible sensations from the fire were still there; they hadn’t ended with the dream. John lay on his back, trying to will himself back to sleep, hoping that a new dream would be less uncomfortable than the one he just had. A sputtering cough forced him to sit up and catch his breath, as he choked on something dripping down his throat. The last disorienting tendrils of slumber dissolved from his mind, leaving Johnny to contend with a myriad of very real pains and discomforts.
Blood, he thought, as the metallic taste registered. The warm liquid dripped onto his bare chest. He touched below his nose, finding the source of the bleed. Perspiration trickled down his face and back. Johnny felt unbearably hot. He sighed softly in resignation. He had a fever… and judging from the sweat soaked sheets beneath him, it was probably quite high. His head was still pounding mercilessly, joined now by a deep ache in his lower back and legs.
Johnny slowly got out of bed and forced his trembling legs to carry him to the bathroom. He shut the door without turning on the light and sat on the edge of the bathtub. Johnny hoped he had managed to stay quiet enough so as to not wake Roy.
A drop of blood splattered on his bare leg. First things first, he had to stop the bleeding. He squeezed the bridge of his nose and leaned his head back. He eased himself onto the floor, so his back could lean against
the cool tiles of the wall.
He needed to figure out what he was going to do next. If he were at the station, he would tell Captain Stanley he was sick and needed to go home. Cap would probably have Roy check him over, and John would either end up at home in his bed, or at Rampart, depending just how sick he was. If he were at home, he’d check himself over and either take an aspirin and go back to bed, or get himself to Rampart… by taxi if he had to. He’d only bother Roy or one of his other friends for a drive as a last resort. The situation would have to be absolutely dire before he called himself a squad. Johnny desperately wished he were at home right now.
After about five minutes, he leaned his head forward, and dabbed his nose with a wad of toilet paper. His nose had stopped bleeding. Now he had to determine just how sick he was.
Johnny slowly stood up, gripping the edge of the sink for a moment as a wave of dizziness passed through him. He opened the medicine cabinet and found a dusty thermometer, which he rinsed off and positioned under his tongue. He grabbed his watch, which was still next to the sink where he’d placed it before showering a few hours ago. It was 12:37 am. He sat down on the toilet lid and took his pulse. His pulse was 65… too low. He checked the thermometer…103.1 degrees. He was beginning to shiver… the telltale sign of a rising temperature.
High fever, relative bradycardia.... I’m in over my head here.
If he were at home, he would be calling a taxi....
There was no avoiding it; he had to wake up Roy. Johnny walked down the dark hall toward the master bedroom. As awful as he felt, Johnny was dreading the inevitable fussing about to ensue. He also didn’t like the idea of anyone seeing him so ill and helpless, even his best friend.
The door was partially open. When Johnny stepped inside, the room was empty. The bed had obviously been slept in; the sheets were thrown back. Confused, and none too steady on his feet, Johnny sat down on the edge of the bed. It was still warm. Johnny’s feverish mind realized that wherever Roy was, he’d probably be back shortly.
A minute later Roy quietly returned, carrying a plate with a sandwich and a glass of milk. Roy was startled to see Johnny sitting slouched over on his bed.
“Johnny, you scared the hell out of me. Is something wrong?”
“Yeah,” said Johnny, his voice noticeably weak and shaky. “I’m not feeling too good. I guess it wasn’t just a headache.... I uh..., I think I might need to see a doctor.”
Roy placed his food down on the dresser and flipped the lights on. If Johnny was volunteering for a hospital trip, this was serious.
Roy gasped at the sight of his friend. His lower face and chest were covered with blood. Roy immediately went into paramedic mode. “How do you feel? Is it only your nose bleeding?”
“Yeah, jus’ my nose... it stopped though... head still hurts... my lower back aches… my legs hurt... fever’s 103.1... pulse is 65.”
“Did you vomit?”
“No, I’m not nauseous... well, a little queasy maybe.” Johnny unconsciously rubbed his stomach.
“Do you feel like you might throw up?"
“No, I don’t think so… maybe… but I don’t think so.”
“Were you feeling bad before tonight?”
“No..., just the headache... and the heat exhaustion at work... don’t think that had anything to do with this though....”
“Is your head worse now?”
“Uh..., yeah... it... it feels like water is boiling in my head... hurts when I move my eyes....”
“Why don’t you lie down and I'll take your temp again.”
John readily lay back on Roy’s bed, while Roy got the thermometer from the bathroom. Roy placed it under Johnny’s tongue, then went to get a bowl of cool water with a couple of clean washcloths. Roy set the bowl on the nightstand, and retrieved the thermometer.
“103.3. Johnny, it’s rising. Roy reached for Johnny’s wrist, and confirmed the too-low heart rate. Rinsing out one of the cloths, he rested it on Johnny’s sweaty forehead, and used the other to wipe away some of the dried blood. Johnny closed his eyes, too exhausted to protest Roy’s ministrations.
“Johnny, don’t fall asleep. We’ll get you to the hospital as soon as you’re cleaned up.”
“’kay.... Here let me finish that.” Johnny took the cloth from Roy and washed away the few smears left on his chest and belly.
Roy quickly pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. He gave Johnny a pair of gray sweat pants and a t-shirt. “Here, you can wear these. Your clothes are pretty dirty and covered in paint. Do you need help?”
“Uh, thanks.... No, I can do it... I... I’m not that sick.”
Johnny slowly dressed himself. The small task required all his concentration, as his limbs were heavy and clumsy.
“Okay, Johnny. How about we take your Rover? You can lie down on the mattress in the back. Can you make it okay?”
“Yeah, yeah.... Let’s go,” muttered John.
Johnny managed to get to the car with only minimal assistance from Roy. He lay down on the bed in the back. Roy covered him with a blanket and handed him a pillow. Johnny curled up into a semi-fetal position and didn't move again until Roy parked at Rampart.
They were both disappointed to the find the ER unusually busy for that time of night. The waiting room was almost full. Johnny sank into one of the available seats on the end of a couch. He rested his head on the wall. While Roy spoke to the nurse at the admissions desk, Johnny tried to muster the strength to get up and join him, but it was all he could do to stay awake. He couldn’t even concentrate enough to make out what they were saying through the noise in the room. Johnny really wanted to lie down.
Roy sat down beside him.
“Well, Johnny. We’re going to have to wait for a bit. They’re swamped with critical cases right now. It shouldn’t be too long, though.”
“Can’t we wait in the doctor’s lounge?” asked Johnny quietly.
“No, sorry, I already asked. It’s being used by a grieving family.”
“Oh....”
They sat and waited. Roy read a magazine and Johnny stared at nothing, feeling like he was on display. He knew he looked terrible, and saw some of the other waiting room occupants cast wary glances his way. John wanted to disappear into the yellow wall behind him.
Ten minutes had passed when John’s nose started to once again drip blood. Johnny quietly caught Roy’s attention. Roy got a box of Kleenex from the nurse at the desk.
“Man, this is really dumb,” said Johnny in a nasal voice, as he grabbed a tissue and pressed it to his nose.
“I know, just take it easy. We shouldn’t have to wait much longer.”
Johnny let out a shaky sigh, and continued to tend to his nose. The bleed was small and stopped within a few minutes.
“I’m going to the men’s room,” Johnny announced. Besides the obvious purpose of the men’s room, and the chance to splash cold water on his hot, bloody face, Johnny was hoping he’d run into one of the doctors or nurses he knew well on his trek down the hall. Maybe they’d see him and find a place for him to lie down, if not get him seen by a doctor right away. Johnny didn't expect Roy to let him just wander around, but he assumed Roy wouldn’t deny his sick friend a bodily need.
Roy kept a steadying grasp on John’s arm as he slowly stood up out of his chair.
“I can go by myself, ya know,” muttered John
“You’re woozy, you might pass out and hit your head or something.”
Johnny grunted softy, and shrugged in reply.
Roy let go of Johnny once he was standing, but hovered very close as they shuffled down the hall to the restroom.
By pure dumb luck, Johnny’s wishful thinking was fulfilled. Joe Early was washing his hands at the sink as they entered.
“Hey guys, what a night! That’s what I get for agreeing to cover a night shift. It’s finally slowing down a bit though,” said the doctor, as he glimpsed the paramedics reflected in the mirror. He turned around, surprise evident on his face as he got a better look at Johnny. “Johnny, you look awful. What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know Doc, that’s why I’m here,” Johnny answered quietly.
“What’s his temperature?” Dr. Early directed his question at Roy.
“103.3 last time I checked,” supplied Roy.
“John, I want you in a treatment room right now,” stated the doctor. “Stay put. I’m going to be right back with a wheelchair.”
True to his word, Dr. Early left and returned a minute later with a wheelchair. Exhaustion and pain now completely overriding embarrassment, Johnny gratefully collapsed into the chair, and allowed himself to be wheeled down the hall to Treatment Room 3.
Lying down had never felt so good… even if it was on an exam table. Knowing he was in good hands, and no longer a burden to his partner, Johnny let himself relax. He drifted in and out of consciousness. He was periodically brought to full awareness when the doctor needed to ask him questions. He vaguely heard Roy supplying whatever information he could. Johnny felt someone take his vitals… pretty sure it was Roy. A thermometer was stuck in his mouth. Sharp pain and burning in his arms told him of blood samples.
He heard Roy and Dr. Early talking, but the voices were now a mostly incomprehensible buzz swirling around Johnny’s mind. Only snippets of clarity surfaced.
“...Most likely a bad flu....”
“...I want to cover all bases though....”
“...nose bleed could be significant....”
“...was in Mexico last week?”
“...I have a hunch....”
“...I’ve seen this before....”
“...wait and see....”
Johnny fell into a deep sleep.
* * * * * * * *
Awareness returned to Gage slowly. The first thing he noticed was that he felt a lot better than the last time he was awake. The pain in his head and the ache in his back and legs were much diminished. He suspected he was still running a fever, but the profuse sweating and chills were gone. An IV was attached to his right arm and he was wearing only a hospital gown. John looked at his surroundings. He had been moved to a regular room, and was alone. With a contented sigh, he closed his eyes and promptly fell back asleep.
* * * * * * * *
Roy sat in the now-empty waiting room. The frantic pace of the ER had slowed down considerably since he’d first arrived two hours ago.
Johnny was still sound asleep, as he had been for more than an hour. Roy had stayed with him until he was moved to a regular room. Despite a number of valiant attempts, sleep had remained elusive to Roy… the couch in the waiting room wasn't very comfortable. Unfortunately, the lounge was still occupied the last time he checked.
If his family were home, Roy probably would have gone back to his house to get some rest. As it was, he didn’t want to needlessly leave his friend alone and feeling so terrible… at least until they had some answers from the doctor.
A sudden commotion brought his attention to the hallway as 51’s two B-Shift paramedics brought in a cardiac patient. One paramedic was riding on the gurney performing chest compressions, while the other ran alongside, holding up IVs. The speeding gurney gathered an entourage of doctors and nurses and disappeared into a treatment room.
Roy sighed at the familiar scene.
He picked up a discarded newspaper and tried to occupy himself. Shortly after his eyes had settled on a suitable column, Roy sensed the stare of someone standing directly in front of him.
Roy put down the newspaper to reveal Chet Kelly clad in full turnout gear.
“Hey Roy, I thought that was you.”
“Hey Chet, what are you doing here?”
“I got called in to work. Bill on B-shift wrenched his knee. I just drove the squad in from the last run.” Chet paused as he sized up the appearance of his friend. “What are you doing here, Roy? You look like hell. Are you sick?”
“No, I’m not sick,” Roy replied wearily. “I just haven’t slept. I brought Johnny in.”
“Oh, man..., lemme guess. He fell off the ladder?”
“No, actually he didn’t hurt himself. Johnny stayed over after we finished for the day because he wasn’t feeling well and didn’t want to drive. Then he woke up feeling really bad in the middle of the night with a high fever, so I brought him in.”
“He looked fine when I left. Is he all right?” Chet asked with a note of concern.
“Yeah, it came on real suddenly. He’s sleeping right now. Early ordered a bunch of tests. He says it could just be a bad flu… but Dr. Early has a feeling it might be something Johnny picked up on vacation.” Roy paused and scratched his head. “Johnny doesn’t seem too bad right now, but some of the things they’re testing him for are really serious.”
“Man, Gage turns everything into a big production, doesn’t he? Why can’t he get just get normal everyday diseases like everyone else?”
“Well, he already gets his fair share of those too.” Roy remarked with a weak smile.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Roy..., um..., let me know if you hear any news, okay?”
“Sure, Chet.”
“Thanks Roy, I better get going.” Chet disappeared down the corridor.
Roy returned to the newspaper, but soon lost interest. His back was cramping and he got up to stretch. Not wanting to sit around any longer, Roy went in search of some news on John.
The middle- aged nurse at the nurse’s station smiled at Roy as he approached. She gave him an update on Johnny’s condition, which didn’t consist of much besides the fact that he was still sleeping. He thought he'd go see for himself.
As he entered the darkened hospital room, Roy saw that Johnny was indeed still sleeping. He didn’t look nearly as horrible as he did a few hours ago, but he still looked ill. At least he appeared to be resting comfortably.
Roy sank into an uncomfortable vinyl chair next to the bed. The nurse had told him the doctor would be in soon to check on Johnny. Roy decided he should go home after he spoke with Dr. Early. If Johnny was just going to sleep, Roy figured he might as well try to get some rest himself.
The rhythmic sound of Johnny’s breathing lulled Roy into the first real sleep he had had all night.
Roy didn’t know how long he'd been out when he felt Dr. Early gently shake him awake.
“Roy, sorry to wake you, but you didn’t look very comfortable.”
“I wasn’t,” groaned Roy as he rubbed the back of his neck. “How’s Johnny?”
“He’s doing much better right now.” Dr. Early spoke with a reassuring tone and accompanying smile. “So far everything looks good. I just checked him over. His fever’s been down to 101 for the last hour. We’ll probably release him tomorrow morning.”
“Doc, make him go home,” whispered Johnny. His eyes were closed and he gave no other indication he was awake.
“Well, I would, but you don't look like you’re in any condition to drive, Roy. You look exhausted,” Dr Early replied.
“Yeah, I am beat,” confessed Roy. “I hadn’t been able to sleep even before Johnny got sick. I had trouble sleeping at the station the night before too.”
“Okay, Roy. Why don’t you sleep here? There’s an empty bed right there. That is, as long as you don’t mind having a roommate, Johnny.”
“s’okay,” slurred John faintly. He was fading.
Dr. Early provided Roy with a set of scrubs so he wouldn't have to sleep in his jeans Roy put on the scrubs and settled in the bed after Dr. Early left the room. He whispered to Johnny, wondering if he were still awake, but got no response.
* * * * * * * *
The clock on his hospital room wall told him it was almost ten when Johnny woke up to an empty room. He thought he remembered Roy saying he was going to stay the night here, but the bed next to him was made and there was no sign of his partner.
However, Johnny currently had more pressing concerns than Roy’s whereabouts… namely a full bladder.
He carefully lowered the rail of his bed, mindful of the IV still attached to his arm. He got to his feet slowly to adjust for the dizziness that came with both illness and being horizontal for a prolonged period. John dragged his IV pole along with him to the bathroom.
The bathroom’s mirror revealed a face not baring the expected pallor, but one colored a pale pink. Johnny brushed his fingers across his cheek. He couldn’t decide if he was just flushed from fever, or had some sort of rash. With a shrug of his shoulders, he realized that it was up to the doctor to determine the cause of his current complexion.
Not long after Johnny had settled himself back in bed, Roy quietly entered the room. Roy smiled when he saw Johnny was awake.
“Hey, how are you feeling?”
“Been better.... Don’t feel quite as bad as I did when I first got here though.” Johnny frowned, looking slightly puzzled. “Have you been here all night?”
“Yeah, I slept in the spare bed here.” Roy gestured to the vacant bed. “You don’t remember?”
“Yeah, I kinda do.... Just wasn’t sure.”
“Dr. Brackett is going to come and talk to you soon. Dr. Early’s off today.” Roy hesitated and suddenly looked almost shy. “I'll..., uh..., go get some coffee when he gets here.”
“No, that’s all right. You can stay. It’ll save me the trouble of repeating what he says to you.” Johnny offered a small smile.
Johnny appreciated Roy’s offer of privacy; medical information was, after all, confidential. However, Johnny didn’t see the need to exclude Roy. The fact that he was sick wasn’t a secret. Johnny recognized that Roy was probably quite worried, and wanting to know what was wrong as much as he did.
Dr. Brackett didn’t keep them waiting long.
“Hey Johnny, how are you doing?”
“I don’t know Doc, you tell me.” John lacked the energy to participate in anything but completely necessary dialogue.
“Fair enough. Well Johnny, although you probably don’t feel it right now, you lucked out. The illness we’re pretty sure you’ve contracted may not be pleasant, but it doesn’t put you in any immediate danger.”
“’Pretty sure’ I’ve contracted?”
“Well, the lab is going to try to isolate and grow any virus or bacteria which is present in your blood. The results should be in tomorrow morning, if not later today. But even without the results, you show all the classic clinical symptoms.”
“Symptoms of what Doc? What’s wrong with me?”
