It was more than a Dream

2

Dan left the room after that. I assumed he was getting the doctor. It felt like the room was spinning around me. Questioned rattled my skull. My head ached terribly. My stomach curled in hunger. My entire body trembled. I was freezing and felt incredibly weak.
I wanted Dan.
His comforting embrace.
His soft voice.
Why had he been in scrubs?
Why did he call me Phillip? He knows I hate it when he calls me that.
The door opened again. I perked up- hoping it was Dan. But the short man who entered definitely wasn't him. He had a short beard and no hair on his head. He smiled at me warmly.
He wore a white coat that reached his knees.

      "Hello Phillip. My name is Dr. Reef. Im so glad to see you improving- although I Imagine you have many questions. Don't worry, your breathing tube will be removed soon enough and you may ask away. I can however- inform you that you have been in a coma."

My eyes widened in disbelief. A coma? How had that happened? How long had I been under?
As if the doctor read my mind he gave a soft smile.
      "You woke up just before the three year mark. You are very lucky, Mr. Lester. Your odds weren't great."

I blinked slowly. Three years? I had been in a coma for three years? I couldn't remember what happened. What about Dan and Phil? Our radio show? Our fans? Our flat? What had happened? Were Dan and I in a crash?? Why had he acted so strangely when I woke? Why was he wearing scrubs?

I sighed shakily as the doctor finally left after checking the machines around me. I decided to hold my questions until my breathing tube was gone.

---

For having been asleep for nearly three years, I was shocked how exhausted I was. My eyelids drooped as I waited for someone - anyone to come in. I was sick of being left alone with my questions. I had glanced out the window a few times. The shades were drawn but I could tell it was night time. Some women had come in a while ago to take blood. I had hoped they would take my breathing tube out but they didn't. They also checked my eyes and told my I'll need glasses now.
But I knew that already.
Dan had helped me pick out my first glasses.

My heart leapt when I finally saw Dans familiar frame step into the room. He was wearing black now. I was relieved at his familiar color. I knew his smile in an instant.

He came closer, pushing a small white cart with various tools on it. I furrowed my eyebrows when I realized the black clothing wasn't his normal clothes- but a new pair of scrubs.
I pointed at his scrubs weakly. He read my confused expression and smiled sweetly.

      "Yes, new scrubs. A patient threw up on my mint pair. But I like these ones better anyways." He said simply.

I lay my arm back down, pushing my confusion to the side.

      "Anyways- are you ready to get that tube out of your face?" He asked.
I nodded eagerly.
I had so many questions- i was ready to explode.
Dan pulled the cart closer and put on some gloves.
It was a painful process. He adjusted the bed so I was sitting. My back felt weak so I relaxed against the mattress. There was medical tape on my cheeks keeping the tube in place. It pinched my skin as Dan gently pulled it away. The tube came out fairly quickly, and it didn't hurt as much as it slid out than my jaw when I could finally close my mouth. My entire mouth ached and was dry.
I didn't waste any time. I had questions.

       "D-an" I croaked out hoarsely. My throat screamed at me. It hurt like hell.
       "Careful. Here- have some water." Dan said- removing his gloves and picking up a small plastic cup.
The cold water felt amazing on my dry throat.
I drank it all and pushed the cup away.
     "D-Dan," I started again, my voice clearer, but still quiet. My mouth was almost too weak to form the words. I stuttered, "wh-at h-happened to-to me? Why a-are you w-wearing sc-scrubs? W-what ye-ar is it?"
Dan's expression turned soft and sad.
      "Slow down, Phillip, everything will be okay, you need rest-"
      "D-don't call m-me th-at! You n-never called me th-that bef-fore." I said, growing angry, "I don't n-need rest I-I've been asleep f-for ye-ars. I'm Phil, C-call me Phil like y-you did be-before."
      "Okay, okay- Phil. I'm sorry. I understand you are scared and confused. But don't push yourself. You've been through a lot. I will answer any questions I can. But slow down, take deep breaths."
I tried to calm my rapid breathing as my tired jaw screamed at me.
I reveled in the calming feeling of Dan's warm hand on my bicep. I longed to hug him.
I took a deep breath as he had told me to as I prioritized my many, many questions.

I stared at dan- not sure if I was ready for his answers.