Imagine Us in Heaven

Damn Thoughts

Jake Wells is quite an unconventional character. Specializing in radiography, he explains that avian radiography, while different, is a crucial diagnostic tool for evaluating a range of disorders. Winter isn't a bird, but his wings closely resemble those of one, making it essential to use this specialized tool to assess the broken bones. At first, this presents a challenge because we need a larger device. Fortunately, Jake has an array of radiology equipment on hand, which seems unusual but has a perfectly reasonable explanation. When I comment on the oddity, he just laughs it off. Despite his brilliance, Jake is laidback, relaxed, and humble---a combination that makes him quite likable. It's no wonder Alison adores him.

Though we face some initial difficulties, Winter is cooperative, allowing us to perform the necessary procedures. His sudden obedience is surprising, but I think he understands the importance of what we're doing.

After obtaining the x-ray results, Jake and I examined the pectoral limbs of Winter's wings, pinpointing where the bones begin and end. It's incredible, truly beyond the realms of conventional science---something even Jake finds hard to fully comprehend.

"Should we administer anesthesia?" Jake asks as we prepare to drill a pin into the bone.

I glance at Winter, who is munching on a piece of bread Carlos provided. I feel a pang of sympathy. Not putting him to sleep might cause him pain, and after seeing the x-ray, I'm certain that these wings are not just a physical anomaly---they're a part of him.

"Give it to me," I say, extending my hand. Jake hands me the breathing mask we'll use to induce sleep.

Inhalation anesthesia is preferred here due to its low blood-gas solubility, which means rapid induction and recovery. Plus, we can easily adjust the concentration of the anesthetic gas.

I lower my voice soothingly, gently patting Winter's head. "Do you trust me?"

Though he can't speak, Winter's gray eyes lock onto mine, conveying a deep sense of trust. "Do you trust me?" I repeat, and he nods slightly. I smile, touched by the gesture.

I brush my finger across his soft, delicate skin, and he blushes. Slowly, I place the breathing mask over half of his face. Our eyes remain locked, his gaze reflecting mine. I hear Jake measuring Winter's heart rate, temperature, and breathing, and for a moment, I almost mistake the sounds for my own heartbeat.

Winter's eyelids begin to droop after a few seconds of struggle to keep them open. His shoulders sag, and his body relaxes completely. I catch him just before he falls backward, resting his head gently on my shoulder. Even his wings seem to surrender to the deep slumber. He looks even more innocent in sleep.

I carefully support his neck and lay him down on the bed, ensuring he doesn't experience any strain. As I gaze at the angelic figure before me, I exhale softly. Jake looks equally awestruck by the sight.

Not wanting Winter to remain under anesthesia for too long, we proceed with the surgery on his wings. After securing an acrylic bar to the ends of the K-wires and bandaging the wings, I know he'll need a few days to recover as the swelling subsides.

Exhausted after several hours, Jake and I collapse onto a nearby leather couch. We exchange smiles and laughter, high-fiving each other for a job well done. Now, all that's left is to wait for Winter to wake up.

✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺

"How is he?" Alison asks, her concern evident. Carlos stands nearby, also waiting for an update.

"Everything's fine, babe," Jake reassures her. "It really does look like a bird's wing, with a few twists."

I can't help but chuckle. "The wings are broken, but the rest of him seems fine."