I'll Fight Hell to Hold You

First Visit

Three days after Tommy was taken to the 10th floor, Paul was allowed a thirty minute visit. He was horrified at Tommy's appearance. His waist length hair was matted and dirty, he was unshaven and he needed a bath. Paul gently stroked his face as he held him close. "I love you so much. I have a surprise when you get home. The girls miss you too." Paul held him the whole thirty minutes, just talking to him in a low soothing voice. "I'll be back soon, okay?"

After signing back out, Paul went in search of the doctor in charge. "I would like permission to clean my husband up. He deserves to keep his dignity. I realize he's in a rough spot, but this is not the best way to help him get better."

"I'll allow it but only if he is supervised the whole time. You are not to leave him alone."

Paul agreed and told the doctor he'd be back the next day.

Around ten the next morning, Paul came back and was allowed to use the private bathroom at the end of the hall. He started the bath water before undressing Tommy. "I'm going to bath you now. You'll feel so much better afterwards." 

Paul thoroughly bathed Tommy and washed his hair. He decided to leave the stubble for the next visit. After dressing Tommy in clean pajamas, he set out to comb his hair. That took awhile but Paul got out every last mat and tangle. He then pulled it into a ponytail and took him into the plant filled lobby. "Let's just watch the lizards and enjoy the sunshine."

Tommy spoke softly after a few minutes. "Home."

"You want to go home?"

"Home. Miss it. Miss you. Miss babies. Home. Please." begged Tommy. "Home."

"You can go home when you feel better. I miss you too." "Please get better." 

"Home." repeated Tommy. He pleaded with Paul to take him home as his eyes filled with tears. "Please."

"In time, baby. I promise you'll come home soon." "I love you."

"Home." 

Paul to fight back tears as he left. He could hardly see to drive home.