Truth - Lashton

Chapter 21

Ashton's POV

"It's indigestion.."

Dr. Frank spoke as I was anxiously bouncing my leg. I was in his office, discussing it with him while other doctors and nurses took care of Luke.

"So it wasn't..?"

"Nope. He's okay but I do wanna discuss that he is at risk for Refeeding Syndrome. This could be a warning of some sort. I think we should consider giving him a Nasogastric Tube."

I felt my heart break at that. I knew he would hate it right at the very thought.

"Are you sure? Is it necessary?"

"I see it as a safety precaution just to make sure he'll be okay."

I sighed and ultimately agreed.

"Are we doing it now?"

"Yes, I just have to set it up. You should tell him so it isn't as scary for him."

I nodded and got up. It seemed like every step towards Luke's room made me more scared of his reaction.

I knocked on his door to be met with,

"Come in!"

Luke seemed better as I let myself in. He wasn't hurling in pain anymore.

"Feeling better, I see?"

"Yeah.. I think I just got really bloated.."

He looked down and played with his thumbs.

"I wanted to discuss something with you that me and Dr. Frank have already spoke about."

He looked up and watched me as I sat down next to him.

"You're scaring me, Mr. Irwin.."

"It is quite serious.. Dr. Frank said that you are at risk for Refeeding Syndrome."

"I heard about that.."

He whispered, probably to himself.

"And to prevent that, we want to give you a Nasogastric Tube."

His eyes blew wide as he stared at me.

"Is that.. a feeding tube?"

I nodded, resting my chin on my hands.

"Is that needed? I was just bloated! Please, don't do this to me!"

He began frantically thrashing around and crying.

"Luke! Luke! It's okay!"

I finally got him stabilized as he was just breathing really heavy.

"You can't do that, kiddo.. Your heart can't take it."

"Please no.. I don't need it.. I'm fine.. Don't do this to me, Ashton, please.."

He begged through a small whisper, his eyes tightly shut. The way he said my name struck a cord in my heart.

"It's not painful, Luke.. It is a bit uncomfy but it doesn't hurt.."

"No.. No.. It's hard enough to eat let alone without control.. Please.."

"I know it is, Luke. It's temporary, I promise."

He shook his head and looked down, crying harder.

"Do I need too right now?"

"They are setting it up currently. Dr. Frank is worried about your risks at the moment."

"It's that bad..?"

He finally looked up and opened his eyes just to look at me.

"Unfortunately yes but we are doing what we can to make you better.."

"I'm fine though.."

"You aren't at all, Luke. You thrashing around like that could easily put your heart in distress which is the last thing we want."

He stayed quiet and looked away from me.

"Please leave.."

He softly asked. I respected his wishes and left the room with a heavy heart.