Folding For You

Chapter 41: Killian

Dr. Ellington entered the office with quiet authority as she took her seat. Her gaze swept over the three of us: Dad was sitting to her left, calm and steady; Kaleb was to the right, looking younger and almost restless; and I was standing behind them, hands in my pockets, holding onto whatever control I could find.

She looked to each of us in turn, her expression direct and no-nonsense, a quality somehow underscored by the gold-rimmed glasses and matching chain that gave her an air of authority. She looked like she was somewhere in her early fifties, though a focus in her eyes suggested experience beyond her years.

"So, I assume you gentlemen are family to Karlton?" she asked, her gaze sharp but professional.

"Yes," I replied, clearing my throat. "Karlton's our eldest brother. This is my father, Arthur, and my younger brother, Kaleb. I'm Killian."

Dr. Ellington nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she looked over us again. "Alright, Mr Kincaid times three," she said, a touch of humour breaking through her otherwise formal demeanour. Then, her expression settled into something more serious as she explained.

"We've thoroughly assessed Mr Karlton's condition following the accident. He sustained significant trauma to his head and chest. Most notably, he has a moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to the impact, which has led to his current comatose state. This type of injury is a concussion with a deeper effect, causing his brain to temporarily shut down to heal."

She paused, her gaze steady, reading our reactions before continuing. "The coma is likely a result of diffuse axonal injury—a kind of microscopic damage to the brain's white matter that can disrupt normal brain function. The good news is that his brain scans show no severe swelling or bleeding, and his vital signs are stable. We're closely monitoring his brain activity, but as his body begins to recover, we expect him to gradually regain consciousness."

Dad leaned forward slightly, nodding, absorbing each word with that quiet intensity he always had. Kaleb's fingers tapped on his knee, tension pooling between his brows as he listened.

Dr Ellington continued, "In addition to the TBI, Mr Karlton has several fractured ribs and a pulmonary contusion—a bruise on his lung from the impact. These will require rest and healing time but shouldn't have long-term effects."

She glanced at each of us, measuring the impact of her words, before concluding. "At this point, we're cautiously optimistic. With rest, close monitoring, and rehabilitation, there's a strong chance for a full recovery, though he may experience temporary issues with memory and coordination when he wakes. He'll remain in the ICU, where we can provide the necessary care and respond immediately to any changes."

Her voice was calm, practised as if she'd given news like this a hundred times before. And yet, despite the reassurance, a heavy silence lingered between us, each of us processing what her words really meant.

Dad leaned forward, his steady gaze locked on Dr. Ellington, his voice low and controlled. "So, Dr. Ellington, when you say 'a strong chance for a full recovery,' what exactly are we looking at? Are there risks we should be prepared for?"

Dr. Ellington met his gaze directly, her tone calm and reassuring. "Mr. Kincaid, the recovery process can vary with Karlton's injuries. While his brain scans and vitals are stable, brain injuries are complex. He may experience temporary issues with memory, coordination, or even mood as he begins to wake. It's common with diffuse axonal injuries, but these symptoms often improve with rehabilitation."

Dad nodded slowly, absorbing the information, his jaw set with a determined look. "And what kind of timeline are we talking about? Days, weeks...?"

Dr Ellington gave a measured nod. "It's difficult to predict exactly, but with Karlton's current condition, we're looking at a gradual process. The first signs of improvement could come in a few days or take longer. We'll continue monitoring him closely and adjust his care as needed."