Paralyzed

Chapter 8 : First day

Chapter 8

Later...    

Avery POV

I was really worried at first when I got to Riker's house that he was just going to want to isolate himself and be upset. It seemed like he didn't really want to talk to me or get to know me. But once I got him talking, it seemed like he warmed up to me. I was really glad because I didn't know what I was going to do if he didn't.

I brought down a ton of blankets and spread them out on the floor next to the couch. When I was done, Riker was able to slide himself off the couch, onto all the blankets. I gave him a pillow, which he put behind his back, leaning against the couch.

I brought down one of his basses from his bedroom. And I brought down a lot of clothing for him.

"So what do you want to do for the rest of the day?" I asked.

"Um... Dinner?"

"Sure. What do you want for dinner?"

"I don't really care."

"Ok, I'll see what's in the kitchen."

I went to the kitchen. Mark basically told me that I'm welcome to any of the food in the house and left me money to go grocery shopping. I was trying to get a good sense of what food they had and what I would need to get at some point.

I made Riker some mac and cheese because it was fast. And I went back into the living room and sat down on the floor beside him.

I handed him a bowl and we ate dinner together.

"So now that we've had dinner, what else do you want to do tonight?"

"Honestly, I'm kind of exhausted. I haven't really been sleeping so well the past few days."

"Are you in pain?"

"Yeah. But it was more from being anxious about my family leaving. I really didn't want them to go."

"You're feeling a little better about that now though, right?"

"Yeah. It's not that I thought you were going to be mean or anything. But I just didn't know how you would be. But you're really nice, so I feel a lot better."

"Good. So does that mean you want to go to bed or you just want to do something that doesn't require a lot of energy?"

"Maybe a movie night? But I might fall asleep during it."

"Ok."

I got the remote for Riker and he picked a movie. 

"Before the movie, could I ask you for 2 things?" He asked.

"Of course."

"Could I have some water, and can you help me get to the bathroom?"

"Yeah."

I helped Riker up on the office chair and pushed him down the hall to the bathroom. I got a glass of water for him in the kitchen, and then went back to the bathroom to get him and bring him back to the living room again.

"I want to apologize in advance for all of the stupid things you're going to have to help me with that I can't do myself," Riker said.

"Don't apologize. That's literally why I'm here."

"I know. But even I'm annoyed at the amount of effort it takes just to go to the bathroom, or get dressed, or literally move anywhere at all."

"Well that's why we're going to work on it. As your body heals, we'll see if you can regain some feeling and maybe even walk."

"Everything is just so hard."

"I know. But with practice, it'll get easier. You'll get better at doing things without being able to walk. Your pain will get better. The swelling will go down. It's just going to take some time."

Riker sighed.

"I know it's hard. So to make it easier, please don't feel bad asking me for help. That's what I'm here for. To help you."

"Ok. Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Riker got himself underneath some of the blankets and laid down a little, but he could still see the tv. He started the movie and then pulled the blankets up to his chin.

I got under the blankets too. I think Riker's idea of having us both sleep on the floor is a good one. I'll be less than 2 feet away if he needs something.

I looked over at him again. He looks so tired. I can't imagine what these past few days have been like for him. I hope he can get some sleep tonight so he's not so exhausted tomorrow. And then maybe we can start some different therapies for him.