Hide Your Heart

Test # 2

When Tommy woke up hours later, he saw Paul sitting by his bed. Eyes widening, he immediately tried speaking but was cut short by a terrible coughing fit. He turned red from the effort.  

Paul leaned him forward and held him close. "It's okay. Don't talk or anything. I'm here."

Finally the coughing stopped and Tommy was able to catch a breath. Tears filled his eyes as he looked up. He managed to sign that he was terrified and wanted to go home.

"Baby, no. You're still not able to breathe without choking. You're not strong enough."

A flurry of angry signs into Paul's palm. He was told the same thing.

Tommy rolled his eyes as he let out a sigh. That was soon followed by pouting. 

At seven the doctor came in and told Tommy he was scheduled for another brething test in thirty minutes. 

A shake of the head. Paul told him that he would be there with him and he was going. "Let's get you cleaned up a bit." In Tommy's ear, Paul whispered something that caused red cheeks. "Now, let's go get cleaned up."

Thirty minutes later Tommy managed to get 40% of air into the tube. "Much better than the 20% last week." "Keep improving and you can go home soon. When you're able to reach 85% or higher, you can probably be weaned off the tube and medications." said the R.T.

Back in the room, Tommy asked to go for a walk around the garden on the 5th floor. He wanted outside for awhile. He hoped the doctor would say yes.

Paul helped him to his feet a bit later and led him to the elevator. "I'm going to keep my arm around your waist so I can support you."

Tommy let Paul care for him even though he didn't think he deserved it. He knew if Paul found out a few things, he'd be mad.

Paul, knowing his boyfriend wasn't going to be able to go home for awhile, let him wander around for awhile. He could tell by Tommy's actions that he was hiding a lot of guilt.