Setting: Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, Carl Gallagher's room. The lights are dimmed to a soft glow. Carl is now awake and resting comfortably after the seizure. Allison Cameron is sitting beside his bed, gently stroking his hair. Carl looks weary but more stable. The room is quiet, with only the faint hum of medical equipment in the background.
Cameron: (softly, with a gentle smile) Hey, Carl. How are you feeling?
Carl: (his voice hoarse) Tired. Everything hurts.
Cameron: (nodding sympathetically) I know. You've been through a lot today. But you're safe now. We're doing everything we can to help you.
Carl: (looking away, voice breaking) I didn't want this. I didn't want to be like this...
Cameron: (gently) It's okay to feel scared. It's okay to be upset. You don't have to go through this alone. I'm here with you.
Carl: (tears welling up in his eyes) I don't know what's wrong with me. Why can't I just be normal?
Cameron: (taking his hand, squeezing it gently) You're not alone in this. Sometimes, things happen that we don't understand. It doesn't make you any less of a person. You're strong, Carl. And you're fighting hard, and that's what matters.
Carl: (tears rolling down his cheeks) I'm just so tired. I feel like I'm always messing up.
Cameron: (tears in her own eyes) I know it feels that way right now. But it's not your fault. You're dealing with so much, and it's okay to be tired and to feel like it's too much. But you're not alone. We're going to get through this together.
Carl: (sobbing softly) I don't want to be a burden. I know I've made things hard for everyone.
Cameron: (gently wiping his tears) You're not a burden, Carl. You're my son, and I love you. We're a family, and families help each other through tough times. You've got people who care about you and want to see you get better.
Carl: (looking at Cameron, his voice barely above a whisper) I don't know what I'd do without you, Mom.
Cameron: (voice trembling with emotion) You don't have to worry about that. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here every step of the way, no matter what happens. You're not alone in this fight.
Carl: (nodding, his sobs slowing) Thanks, Mom. I... I feel better knowing you're here.
Cameron: (smiling through her tears) Anytime, Carl. We'll face this together, and we'll find a way through it. I believe in you.
Carl: (taking a deep breath) I'll try. I'll do my best.
Cameron: (holding his hand tighter) That's all anyone can ask for. Just keep fighting, and we'll get through this. I promise.
Carl: (closing his eyes, feeling comforted) Okay. I'll try.
As Carl drifts back into a more peaceful sleep, Cameron remains by his side, her heart aching but full of determination. The bond between mother and son has been strengthened by their shared struggle, and Cameron's unwavering support is a beacon of hope in Carl's turbulent world.
