Hide Your Heart

The Final Breathing Test

Tommy had been scheduled for a final breathing test on Tuesday night. He spent most of the day resting so he could pass. As happy as he was to hopefully be going home, he realized he'd still be under medical care. 

Dozing, he heard the door open. "Tommy?" came Paul's voice. "I came to go with you to your test." "Do you want me to help you change?"

"Um, no, I'm good." "It's not a therapy session so it doesn't matter."

Paul raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I see. I guess you have a crush on the therapist. " "Eric's ex? "

"Yes, she's really helping me. I enjoy talking to her." "I'm not fighting with you."

"I'm not trying to pick one." sighed Paul. "I've seen her. I agree." "As long as you're making progress, it's fine."

Tommy sat up so he could look Paul in the eye. "I just want to go home. I'm tired of being here."

Paul bit back a comment and helped Tommy sit up. "Look, baby, I'm sorry. I miss you a lot." "The house is lonely without you."

"Paul, is there a wedding chapel here? I wanna get married." said Tommy suddenly.

"I don't know. You mean now?" "Don't you want to plan one?"

"No, I'm not good at those things." "If you want to plan a big one, I guess I'll wait."

Paul sighed. "Tell you what. Let's concentrate on passing the breathing test and then we'll talk more about the wedding."

Tommy agreed as he slid out of bed. "Help me up." "I need a shower."

Paul helped him get ready and wheeled him to the door. "I'm going with you so we'll wait here."

Tommy reached out to hold Paul's hand. "I want to pass this thing."

In the testing room, Tommy blew until he was told to stop. 

"Well, you managed 85%." "Very good." "After your  therapy session tomorrow, the doctor will be in to talk to you about release. "

Tommy broke out into a wide smile and hugged Paul.

"That's great baby!"

Paul wheeled Tommy to the cafeteria for dinner. They talked over chicken and mashed potatoes.

"So, can we get married now?"

"I'll go hunt the chapel up and see if I can find someone to talk to." laughed Paul. "This is probably the only time you've been pushy!"

Tommy rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue. "Take me with you."

The two of them finally found it.