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Trauma

TRAUMA

"And who are you?"

The question echoed inside Jason's head as he stared at the injured teen in the bed. He was aware that Denise was saying something but he couldn't hear her. His thoughts were so muddled that any noise sounded like he was underwater. Carl Grimes, the brave teen he had been in love with for months had just woken up after surviving a fatal injury. His first words to Jason hadn't been exclamations of relief or romantic teasing for having been so worried. No, his first words had been a simple question.

"Who are you?"

The question, for all its simplicity, was the hardest question he had ever been asked in his life. Jason didn't know how to answer the question, how to explain who he was or why he was so upset now. Contrary to all of Jason's doubts and worst fears, Carl had woken up. Unfortunately, Carl had woken up without his recent memory which meant that Carl Grimes, Jason's boyfriend and reason for living, didn't know who he was. How could he possibly begin to explain who he was to the teen lying in the bed without freaking him out? Jason couldn't find the strength to answer such a soul shattering question.

"Is mum here?" Carl's weary voice brought him out of his reverie. "What happened?"

Jason looked over to Rick and found the man staring at him. Rick knew exactly why Jason had fallen so silent and why there were tears brimming on his eyes. He couldn't imagine how it felt to be completely forgotten, at least Carl remembered his father. Rick turned back to face Carl and hesitated. He didn't know what to say or how to begin to explain things.

"Who are you?" Carl asked, turning his head to Denise.

"I'm Denise, I'm a doctor." Denise explained, far more composed than Rick or Jason. "I've been trying to make you better. You were shot."

"Shot? I was..." Carl's voice was practically a whisper as he held his head. "Oh God..."

Rick suddenly shot forward and wrapped his arms around his son's naked torso, pulling him in for a tight hug. Carl was confused and a little stunned by the sudden display of affection, especially when he felt the warm tears dripping onto his back. He slowly wrapped his arms around his father as best he could.

"It's okay. Things are a little fuzzy right now but I'll explain everything. I'll..." Rick trailed off, holding his son tighter. "You're okay, that's all that matters now."

"Dad, can I eat?" Carl asked as they pulled apart. "I'm hungry."

Rick wiped the tears from his eyes and nodded, looking back to Denise for confirmation. "Yeah, of course. I'll go make you something."

"I can get it." Jason offered, standing up quickly.

Rick shook his head. "Sit, you've already helped him today. It's my turn."

Jason sighed as he couldn't find the energy to argue. He nodded and slumped back down in his chair, rubbing his forehead as he tried to make sense of everything. So many thoughts, doubts, concerns and fears were rushing through his mind at a hundred miles an hour. What if Carl never got his memory back? What if Carl didn't love him anymore? What if they ended up drifting apart after this? What if Carl blamed him or resented him? What if there were complications that Denise couldn't do anything to fix?

"...help me?" Carl's voice interrupted his thoughts.

Jason looked up, opening his eyes and realising he was alone with Carl. "What, sorry? I was miles away there."

"How did you help me?" Carl repeated softly. "My Dad said you helped me today."

"Oh, that." Jason responded, sitting up. "I went out on a supply run to get you medicine. We had no idea when you'd wake up."