Raegan stayed in the hotel for three weeks. He went over to the hospital everyday and watched as Justin was taught how to do things. Danny showed up and just sat with Raegan as his parents were talking with his brother. The two boys outside didn't speak, only using a silent language that they could understand. Finally, his parents came out and took Danny back to their hotel two blocks down. Raegan saw them leave and sprung to his feet. He raced into the room and snatched a chair Justin's mom had left in the corner. Swinging it around, he sat next to his boyfriend and smiled. Justin pointed at the alphabet letters on his side table and began to spell.
Justin: (spelling) Hi Rae- Bae!
Raegan: (laughs) who told you about that nickname? Cause honestly.
Justin tried to laugh out loud but was stopped. He could talk to Raegan. He could say something. He just had to try. He had to try and remember too. A tear fell down his cheek and Raegan tensed.
Raegan: Hey what's the matter? Are you ok? Does something hurt? Justin, babe.
He laid a hand under Justin's chin and tilted it up to get Justin to look at him. But, Justin pushed his hand away. He was going to do it.
Justin: (strangled) h...e...y
Raegan: OH MY GOD YOU DID IT! IM SO PROUD. Do you remember anything else?
Justin shook his head and expected Raegan to become sad again but instead he received a hug.
Raegan: I knew you could do it.
They spent all day like that, Raegan talking then Justin repeating it. They were so happy just to be together. Eventually, it began to rain again and by the time Raegan had to leave, it was a full out downpour.
Raegan: It's raining cats and dogs out there.
Justin: Yea-h it is
Raegan: Well I got to get going but I'all come back tomorrow ok?
Justin: Rae..ga..n?
Raegan: (getting his coat on) Yeah?
Justin: I...love....you
Raegan smiled then placed a kiss on Justin's forehead.
Raegan: Love you too.
Justin's parents returned as Raegan was on his way out. They grabbed his hand and smiled. His mom hugged Raegan and thanked him for staying with her son. His dad only offered a firm handshake and a thank you. Danny grabbed Raegan's arm.
Danny: I will call you if he remembers. You might have given him the kickstart he needed.
Raegan: Thanks Dan Dan. I hope so.
He walked out into the lobby where he waved at the nurses then stopped at the door. Danny was calling him. Since he was only on the other side of the highway, he had walked to the hospital. Now, in the pouring rain, he stood on the other side in front of the hotel.
Raegan: What is it Danny? I just saw you.
Danny: Yeah I know but you need to come here quick. It's Justin.
Raegan drew a deep breath and turned running across to the mid section, completely soaked. He looked both ways before starting across the second highway.
Raegan: I'm on my way.
The car came out of nowhere.
