Princess of the universe // Hardzzellee

Chapter 36

It was finally Thursday. Gwil had his first physical assessment today. Ben and Joe would get a call from the hospital as soon as all the tests were done. Joe's mom was ready to stand by to come and look after Addison as soon as Ben and Joe had to go to the hospital. Currently, Joe was playing a board game with Addison. He didn't care much for the game, but Addison got so happy whenever he'd let her win. The broad smile on her face was enough for him to spend hours playing the game.
"I am almost at the finish line," Addison said after she was done moving her character.
"You are. Are you going to win?" Joe asked. Addison nodded fast. 

Just when Addison placed her character on the finish line, Joe heard Ben's phone ring in their office. When Ben walked out of the office, he gave Joe a nod. 
"Addison, I am going to take you over to grandma. Benny and I have to go to the hospital," Joe said while he picked up Addison's bag from the floor.
"I want to go to Gwilly too," Addison said. Joe smiled at her.
"I know, honey. But we have to talk to a lot of doctors. It's really boring," Joe said. Ben walked in with Addison's coat. He already put his own on.

When they arrived at the hospital someone led them to an office. Gwil was sitting in a wheelchair in front of the desk. 
"Hey, how are you doing?" Ben asked while looking at Gwil. Before Gwil can answer, a doctor walked in. 
"Hi, I am doctor Evans," He said while shaking all of their hands.
"Let's start with the good news. All the bones that were broken have healed nicely. The bone in your arms seems a little fragile still. We are going to give you a pull-on cast to wear for a few hours every day. A doctor at the revalidation center looked at the results of your tests. We are going to transfer you there today. You'll get physical therapy, and psychological help and you are getting the help you need for all other activities," The doctor said.
"How long does he need to be at the revalidation center?" Ben asked. 
"I don't know. That is really up to the nurses and doctors at the center. It really depends on the progress that is being made," The doctor said. Ben nodded slowly.

"Can we visit Gwil at the center?" Joe asked. 
"The doctors always ask not to let any visitors in the first 24 to 48 hours. Just to let the patient get used to the new space. Tomorrow there will be a meeting with Gwil and all the doctors and nurses that are going to help him. That is where those kinds of decisions are made," The doctor said. They got to ask a few more questions. The doctor answered all of those patiently.
"Someone from the counseling center will be here at noon to take you over to the center. It's just across the street. So, they'll most likely pick you up in the wheelchair. A nurse already packed all of your stuff. So, for now, you are welcome to sit in the restaurant while you wait for the person from the center to come and pick you up," The doctor said. 

That is why they were now and their way to the restaurant. Ben was pushing Gwil's wheelchair. Gwil had barely said anything while they were in the doctor's office. Ben put Gwil in front of a table before sitting down opposite him. Joe sat down next to Gwil.
"Talk to us, love," Ben said. 
"We did a physical movement test. I couldn't even stand up. My legs just gave out on me," Gwil said. 
"Gwil, I understand that it must feel really scary. But it is very common. Your legs have been in casts for over six weeks. They haven't had movement at all. They just need to learn how it feels to move again. That might take some time. But the people at the center are going to help you with that."

When the person of the center arrived, Ben and Joe gave Gwil a big hug.
"See you soon," Ben said while briefly connecting their lips. Joe gave Gwil a quick kiss as well.
"I love you," Joe said. Gwil smiled at him.
"I love you too."

The following day Ben got a phone call. He picked up immediately.
"Hi, Ben. I am Claire, Gwilym's psychologist. We met earlier," The person on the other side of the line said.
"Can you wait just a second? I'm walking over to Joe so he can participate in this conversation," Ben immediately said.
"Of course. I can call later if that is easier?" 
"No, that will be okay. I am already sitting next to Joe," Ben said. He quickly put his phone on speaker.
"Hi," Joe said to confirm his presence.
"Hi, Joe. I'm Gwilym's psychologist, Claire."

"We had a meeting about and with Gwilym today. We talked about a few strategies and routes we are going to take in his recovery. One of the nurses specializing in mental health suggested shutting Gwilym off from society for three weeks. We often see patients that are worrying too much about everything they hear from the outside world to focus on their own recovery. We think Gwilym has a long journey to go. Both physically and mentally," Claire said. She paused for a second but quickly continued when neither Ben nor Joe said anything.
"Gwilym agreed to do this. Only because he is really determined to make a good and quick recovery. It does mean that you will not be able to visit him or send him any text messages. I'll give you the phone number of one of the nurses in the center. She will call you next weekend and the weekend after for updates on your lives to give to Gwilym. You can call her in case of an emergency," Claire said. Both Ben and Joe looked at each other with big eyes.

"We will not be able to have any contact with Gwil?" Joe asked.
"Unfortunately not. After those three weeks, we are planning a day when you can come to the center. We will have a meeting that day to see which route we are going to take from there. Gwilym wanted me to make it very clear that this has nothing to do with you. He only decided to do this because it was advised. He wanted me to tell you that he loves you very much."
"Are you going to see Gwil anytime today?" Joe asked. 
"I'll be going to the center later today."
"Can you please tell him that we love him too and that we wish him all the best in his recovery? I just want him to know that we are not mad at him and that we fully support his decision," Joe said.
"I'll tell him that."

***********

Hey guys,

For the ones wondering, dr. Evans is in fact a reference to Chris Evans. I'm just forcing other celebrities into this story. 

Happy holidays!

Take good care of yourself and others. Stay safe, stay healthy.

Goodbye,

Xx Itsametaphorjoe