I'll Fight Hell to Hold You

Going Home

The doctor came in later to do his rounds. He told Tommy he could go home but he had to follow a few rules. "You need to drink water every two hours. You should try to eat at least six small meals a day. You can engage in physical activity as long as it doesn't wear you out. Rest as much as possible and try to not stress."

Tommy indicated he understood and signed the release papers. After calling Paul to pick him up, he waited in the lobby. Catching a glimpse of his reflection, he realized he looked awful. He was pale with huge circles under his eyes, his hair was tangled and hanging in limp strings and his whole appearance was messy. 

When Paul wheeled him to the car, he asked to sit in the back. "I need to rest."

At the house, Tommy asked if he could get help brushing his hair. "It looks awful."

"Tell you what, baby. I'll put conditioner in it first to help untangle it. Then I'll feed you and help you shower. You really deserve to be treated like a king."

Paul patiently rubbed conditioner through Tommy's hair before gently trying to comb it. Tommy's hair was longer than he usually kept it but Paul loved it so he just tied it back. He had never worn it much past his shoulders but now it was mid-back. "I swear our girls are going to either love or hate curls."

After about an hour of working the conditioner through, Paul led Tommy to the kitchen. "Let's eat."

Paul had made a variety of sandwiches and sides along with pasta and salad. He put a bit of everything on Tommy's plate. 

Tommy managed one whole helping of pasta and a half of salad. He took a bite of a sugar cookie but pushed it aside.