Not Just a Cold

Chapter 4: Flu

Sorry it's been so long. I forgot to check back because i honestly thought not a single person would read this. I hope everyone's holiday was alright!

The waiting room was quite uneventful. Everyone quietly sat in the plastic chairs which were actually more comfortable than they looked. But nerves were running high; some bit their nails, others rocked back and forth. Everyone wanted to know that their friend was okay. About an hour went by before the doctor came out.

"Company of Dallon Weekes," the doctor says as he approaches the crew. They all snap their necks to look at the doctor. "Hi, I'm Doctor Wolff and I am Dallon's doctor. He is awake and is going to be fine," everyone dropped their shoulders and released their breaths in relief.

"What's wrong with him?" Brendon asked. Kenny nervously bit his nails beside him and Zach stood with his arm crossed obviously still shaken from the day's events.

"He has a bad case of the flu and is very dehydrated. He is also lacking quite a bit of nutrients and was having trouble breathing. So, currently we are just trying to replenish him," Dr. Wolff informed.

"Can we see him?" Kenny asked.

"Yes but not for too long he needs to rest," the doctor said as he motioned for them to follow.

The room was down the hallway and to the right, it was room 206. The doctor gave way to let everyone enter the room and Zach went in first, knocking on the door.

"Hey, Dallon," He said quietly as he slowly entered. Dallon was wearing a hospital gown and had a cannula tube under his nose. His IV was moved to his hand and a pulse oximeter was clamped on his finger. He had dark circles under his eyes, his skin looked gray and pale, and his hair was disheveled. He had a smile on his face, but that could've been the drugs.

"Hey, guys," Dallon sounded how he looked, like shit. Everyone shuffles to one side of his bed.

"So, how are you feeling?" Kenny asks.

Dallon chuckles, "Like shit," he says.

"Yeah, you look like it too," Zach says. Everyone in the room laughed. But soon a solemn expression took over everyone's face because a thought crossed all their minds.

"For real, though, Dallon... You really scared us," Zach says. Dallon looks away for a moment.

"I know and I'm sorry I should've taken better care of myself. I should've told you how I was really feeling. This shouldn't be happening. I should've—" Dallon was obviously getting short of breath.

"--Hey, hey, don't beat yourself up too much. We get it, you care about your job but sometimes you just have to put yourself first," Brendon said putting his hand out in front of him almost to rest a hand on Dallon's shoulder but thinking maybe he shouldn't. Dallon looked so weak; he appeared as if a finger rested on him could break him.

"How long do you have to stay here?" Zach asks.

"I don't know, I'm hoping I can leave soon. Breezy can't get here and i'd rather be in a proper bed," Dallon replies. "Oh and what happened with the performance today?"

"Another band went on in our time slot and played for twice as long to make up for us," Kenny speaks up. He sees how Dallon slumps his shoulders in disappointment "But don't worry about it. Just get some rest."

A few knocks are heard on the door. It's Dr. Wolff. "I'm sorry everyone but Dallon needs his rest. It's time to go," the doctor said. The crew obeyed and said their goodbyes. Dallon fell asleep soon after they left.

Any kind of feedback is always greatly appreciated :)