AFTERMATH

Chapter 25

TRIGGER WARNINGS

- Mentions of bad physical health (Duh)

Also, things in italic means it's blurry or from a distance, or even slurred and/or not very clear. Anything in bold will be in sign language. Anything underlined will be texts.

Anyways, on with the story!

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Carol flinched away and put her hands up, where the snapper could see.

Raph's eyes widened for a moment as he snapped out of his trance, shocked at his own actions. He quickly panicked, tears in his eyes.

"I AM SO SORRY- Raph didn't mean-"

"It's okay!" Carol smiled softly "I startled you.."

Raph looked away and sniffled. "You're so nice to us.."

"Of course I am! We're family, aren't we?" She questioned, pulling over a chair and taking a seat.

Raph nodded, looking over at Leo. "Yeah... Yeah, we are..."

Carol smiled softly. "You've been in here a lot this week. You should probably get some rest."

The turtle sighed softly and looked down at the ground, clasping his hands together on his chest. "Nah... It's at least part of my fault he's in here.."

Carol frowned. "Now that's just not true." When she didn't get a response, she sighed. "Raph... Can I touch you?"

When she got a silent nod, she moved over and hugged the teen.

"You four saved the entire world... That's beyond incredible. But you're still all just kids.. It's okay that it was scary... I know you did your best. Everyone does. Leo doesn't blame you. No one does."

Raph trembled slightly as he broke down, hiding his face into Carol's chest, crying softly.

"Shhhh..." Carol smiled softly. "It's okay... I've got you.. Mama's got you."

Raph sniffled, clearly exhausted. "I-I gotta.. Take care of 'em..."

"You do take care of them" The woman leaned forward and placed a kiss of Raph's head.

"So let me take care of you, okay?"

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Raphael tensed up as the bandage was taken off of his eye, revealing a now white, cloudy eye, as well as three, large cuts.

Carol hummed softly. "Your eyelid is looking much better already. How's your vision on that side?" She questioned softly.

"It's... Kinda fuzzy, actually.. Feels weird."

The doctor nodded and stood. "That could be from it being covered for so long. Give it some time." She explained as she tossed the eye patch away, washing her hands in a sink.

"Okay!" Raph smiled brightly, before chuckling. "Too bad I can't be a pirate anymore, huh?"

"Aye" Carol nodded from where she stood. "You were working it, Matey."

Raph laughed.

"Mmn... Home..?"

Raph's eyes widened when he heard the slider speak. "MOM- Carol! Carol-!"

"Hey- Hey Leo. Can ya hear me?"

"Don't move- We pulled the pain killers so you'd wake up."

"..Raphie..."

"Easy honey... Can you rate your pain?"

Leonardo groaned softly. "Hhnnn... S'not bad.."

Raph sighed and sat back in his seat. "He's lyin'..."

Carol nodded. "I know. Sit tight, hun. I'll get the meds.

Leo shifted and whined. "D-Don't... Want to.."

"I know it makes you feel weird, sweetie. We'll take care of you. It will help.."

Leo turned his head, tears falling down his face.

"Raph.." He hicced.

"I'm here... We've got you, Leo.. You're not alone."