Hide Your Heart

The Breathing Test

"Alright, Mr. Thayer, I need you to blow into this tube as hard as you can. " said the respiratory therapist. He held out a long clear tube to Tommy. "The meter needs to go to at least 50% or we'll have to start you on another round of antibiotics."

Tommy nodded and blew as hard as he could. He started gasping for air long before the % reached 30. His eyes watered as he started choking and trying to take in air. He felt an oxygen mask being placed over his face. 

He finally was able to take in a breath, face still red from exertion. Hoarsely , he said, "No more please."

The R.T. took him back to his room and the nurse hooked him up to a breathing tube. "I will come check on you in about an hour. Just let the tube breathe for you for that period of time. I'm going to give you a sedative to help. Just relax and let the oxygen fill your lungs."

Being barely able to respond, Tommy drifted off to sleep again.

The nurse recorded his vitals before she left, door cracked.

When Paul returned 3 hours later, Tommy was half awake. He signed for Paul to hug him and not let go. "What happened, baby?"

Signing rapidly, Tommy told Paul about the test. "I'm so sorry, baby. I know you were scared." "It will be okay. I promise."

Paul had shaved and showered before coming back. He had brought Tommy a duffle bag full of clothes and pajamas, his blanket and pillow, and a few new books. "If it's okay, I will get you some food to eat. Let me check, okay?"

Tommy nodded and blew a kiss to Paul as he left.