This Pressure Is Overwhelming

Chapter 9

Kyle POV:

Two hours later we could finally see Dan. The doc updated us on his condition as often as he could throughout the surgery. He said it was a simple procedure, they would pretty much just reach his brain through his nose with a tubey thingy and pull the clot out. The thing that took the longest would be the setup.

Dick called Dan's mum and she was freaking out, not surprisingly, she said she was going to get on a plane immediately and Dick didn't argue. She would be in the States at about three in the afternoon the next day.

Dr. Hampton also informed of the effects a stroke can have on Dan. Because it was on his left side, his right side would be affected. He could suffer from paralysis, speech problems, more cautious behavior, and memory loss. It was worrying.

They would only let a few people in at a time so we broke up with Dick, Will, and Woody going in first while Nora and I went in after.

Nora insisted I go in with the rest of the group, but I declined. Nora has given me so much support and comfort these past few hours that I feel like we've know each other for forever. Not in a romantic way, no, not at all, I have Janna (who've I've called and is heading over with Ms. Smith), but in like a sibling kind of way. I also felt like it was right for her to see him, given the fact she was the one helping when he passed out.

Dick, Will, and Woody came back after about fifteen minutes and it was our turn.

"How is he?" I stood up to meet them.

Dick sighed. "Considering he just had a stroke and went through surgery, not bad." He nodded his head towards the door.

I let out a shaky breath.

Nora noticed I was nervous and grabbed my hand. "Hey, he's still breathing." That's all that took me to start walking.

We were right outside his door. I was squeezing her hand so hard I'm surprised she hasn't pulled away.

I was exhausted. Having this hectic day and still being up at one in the morning, it was really catching up to me.

Nora opened the door when she noticed I wasn't going to anytime soon.

The first thing I noticed was the sound of all the machines hooked up to my best mate.

"Come on." She tugged on my hand.

I walked up to the bed. Dan's hair was matted down, he had a bandage over his nose. His skin was very white, but his cheeks were flushed. He had a nasal cannula on and a IV drip in his hand, but other then that, he looked like normal.

I took a seat in the chairs by the bed, Nora sitting next to me. I let go of her hand and grabbed Dan's left.

"Dude, what's the matter with you?" That's the first thing I say.

Nora stifled a laugh. "What the heck Kyle?" One thing I've noticed about Nora is that she doesn't swear.

"Yeah....wh't the heck K'le...?" I almost jumped out of my skin.

"Dan! You're awake!" I quickly press the call button above the bed.

He opened his eyes slightly with a small grin on his face.
"Y-yeah, I...a-a-am..."

I guess that was the speech Dr. Hampton was talking about.

"W-What hap-p-pened?"

I rested my hand on his shoulder, "You had a stroke man."

His eyes got bigger, yet still had that sleepy look. "W-what?"

At that moment Dr. Hampton came in with two other nurses.