Maine started visiting Rj on a regular basis. The first few visits were introductions for Maine to learn more about his conditions and treatments.
Like her, he had suffered a major concussion during the accident because his head bounced on the pavement despite him wearing his helmet. His brain was shaken and traumatized that rendered him immobile. The doctors' prognosis was hopeful but the extent of his injuries made recovery quite slow.
When Maine arrived, she sat on a chair beside him and took his hand. Maine introduced herself and just sat with him for an hour. She would visit him almost everyday for about an hour for a couple of weeks. She would sit beside him and chat with him about different things – her day at work, funny stories she'd heard or read, random ideas that would pop into her head.
After about 3 months, Geb, his caregiver noticed a "change" in Rj. "Dati, tulala lang yan or di umiimik....maingay lang sya pag nagrereklamo.....pero now, mas maingay na sya....tapos lumuha sya the other day...."
"...lumuha?..." Maine asked.
"Oo...paghiga ko sa kanya sa bed nya, lumuha sya...."
"...parang umiiyak?"
"Siguro...akala ko nung una, baka reaction lang dahil kumurap sya....pero di tumigil yung pagluha nya e...."
On the next visit, Maine noticed that Rj seemed to be looking at her with more focus. He had been doing some therapies already. Maine thought that this was the progress that they were looking for.
After months of therapy, Rj drooled less and was able to hold his head up properly. He seemed to be more conscious of his surroundings and looked at things with focus. He still did not show much expression, though. He mostly grunted and growled when he was uncomfortable.
On afternoon, while Maine was visiting. Rj turned his head toward hear and seemed to study her face. He stared at her for a while. Geb took notice and called his name. "Jay....Rj....."
He turned his head slowly towards Geb who was standing infront of him but turned his head again toward Maine who was seated beside him.
Rj grunted and growled.
He pooped.
"Grabe ka oy! Ganyan ka talaga mag-hello sa bisita mo?"Geb chuckled as she went behind Rj's wheelchair to push him back into the house.
