Hide Your Heart

You Will Stay Here

After the doctor left, Paul turned to Tommy. "Now, while you eat this sandwich, I have a few things to talk to you about. First of all, did you think you would get better on tour? We don't get much rest, you know this." "Second of all, you wanted to get better so that's why we came." "Third of all, you are weak. Tomcat, I love you but I will not let you come home until you are 100% better."

"Is that the truth? You just want me here so you can go out and find someone to be with. I don't want you touring!" spat Tommy. "I want you here! I don't want to be here by myself!"

"I will not go find someone else. Why you continuously think that, I don't know." "I want you to get better, that's all. I miss sharing hotel rooms with you, seeing you wake up in my arms with your hair all tangled and everything, watching you make faces behind Gene's back, drawing ears on Eric's drums."

"Oh, you saw that?" blushed Tommy. "How'd you know?"

"Gene and I can draw and Eric's not going to do that to his drums."

"Well, I still want to go home."

"The answer is no. At least not until you're better." "Please don't argue with me on this." 

"What if I just leave the hospital?"

" If you choose that and something happens, what then? Where would you go?"

Tommy stayed quiet and just closed his eyes. Paul could see tears leaking out and starting to fall. "Oh no, tears are falling now. You are emotional at this point. That's why I want you to get better."

Leaning over, he brushed the tears away. "Stop, please. Let's take this one day at a time."

Tommy nodded and reached out for Paul's hands. "Please stay." 

"I am. Please rest, okay?"

Tommy fought sleep for about thirty minutes. Paul laid beside him until he drifted off completely.