Paralyzed

Chapter 3 : Can't sleep

Chapter 3

Later...    

Riker POV

I hate asking for help. I just feel like I'm bothering people and causing a problem. I literally need help with everything.

Dad picked up my prescriptions and I was feeling a bit better from the pain. But he decided he wanted me to sleep downstairs. He said it would be less dangerous. He doesn't want my siblings to fall up or down the stairs while carrying me.

So I was stuck on the couch. Ross was being really sweet. He brought me a bunch of pillows and blankets. And then he got me my pjs from upstairs and helped me get changed. 

He made his own bed on the floor with blankets and pillows too so he could sleep down here. 

"Do you need anything else?" Ross asked.

"Could I have some water? I think it's time for me to take another pain pill."

"Sure."

Ross got me a glass of water and I took my medicine. I had to take something else for swelling too. 

I laid down on the couch, but to be honest, I wasn't very comfortable. I just felt like there was no way I was going to be able to find a comfortable position while my back was bothering me.

"Rik, you ok?" Ross asked, looking up at me.

"I can't get comfortable. The couch feels too hard."

"Do you want to try the floor? I could put a bunch of blankets down so it's soft."

"Yeah. Thanks."

Ross spread out a bunch of blankets and then gently lifted me up and put me on top of them. I turned on my side towards Ross. I honestly just felt like crying again.

"Riker, come on. Stop thinking about it. You're just making yourself upset over and over again. Just try to get some sleep."

Ross pulled the blankets over me. I was glad he was right next to me in case I needed him. But I wish I could just do stuff for myself. 

"Ross, I don't think I'm going to be able to sleep tonight."

"I think Rydel has melatonin you could take. That might help."

"Ok..."

Ross got up and went upstairs. He came back with a bottle of melatonin.

"Here, take this," he said, handing me one.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome. Are you doing ok?"

"I just want to sleep and forget about everything but I think I'm just too upset," I said, covering my face with my hand.

"I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do."

"No, you're doing enough. I just wish I could do stuff myself. I feel like I'm making everyone else do all the work."

"Riker, that's not how it is at all. None of us mind helping you. Especially me, ok? So I don't want you to worry that I'm annoyed by having to help you."

"I'm just really upset," I said, softly.

"I know. How about I put something on tv that you can listen to. That way you won't just be laying there in silence, thinking about everything."

Ross put a show on and then laid down beside me again. He put his arm around me and I buried my face in his side, silently crying. I don't know if it was the melatonin or the medication, but I started feeling really tired. And I fell asleep.

Later...

Ross POV

Riker woke me up in the middle of the night because he had to go to the bathroom. I was hoping he would be able to fall back asleep, but he didn't.

"Riker, you need to try to fall back asleep. You're going to be so tired in the morning."

"I can't. I'm too upset."

"I know you're upset. But that's because you're thinking of the worst case scenario. Look, the worst it's going to get is how it is now. But there's still a chance you'll be able to regain feeling in your legs and be able to walk again. It might take a while to relearn how to walk, but if you're able to, I know you'll do amazing. Injuries take time to heal. Just because you haven't improved yet, doesn't mean you won't improve ever."

"Do you really think I'll get better?"

"I don't know. But if you can, I know you will. You're usually so optimistic, Riker. I just want you to try to have a positive outlook."

"I'm trying, but it's just so upsetting."

"I know. Please just try. Having a good mindset is important."

Riker laid down beside me again.

"You're going to be ok. Just try to stay calm and just get some rest. You need rest if you want to get better."

"Ok..."