ADOPTED BY PHAN

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Iris hears from Skye again on Monday. By now she's back in the hospital, but Iris is happy with the news she was given. Apparently she went to see Vic on Sunday; had a nice, long, and uninterrupted conversation with him. It's safe to say that their friendship is back and now stronger than ever.

What Iris wasn't expecting though, was for Vic to seem so happy and energetic today. He's much more talkative and open, just overall producing a nice vibe. Iris isn't sure what put him in this mood, but she's definitely happy seeing him like this. And hopeful that he'll stay in this state.

Come lunch time, Vic sits with Iris and Floyd. He immediately strikes up a conversation, "How was your day so far, Floyd?"

The younger lad looks shocked. "It- it was good," He stutters out, "How was yours?"

"Lovely, thanks for asking!" Vic replies with a smile.

Floyd laughs, shaking his head. He's about to speak up, but is cut off by the group of assholes approaching their table.

"Aye! Would you look at that; this table is faggot-squared!" One of the guys shouts.

Another boy chuckles, "How was the butt sex last night?"

Floyd sits back in silence, having no idea what to say back. However, Vic speaks right up, flirtatiously saying to the boy, "It was wonderful, thanks for such a great night!"

Iris and Floyd can't contain their laughter from Vic's comment. They completely miss their friend getting a fist to his face as they're laughing at his words. When they finally calm down, the group is gone. And so is Vic.

"Where'd he go?" Iris asks in fear and shock.

"I'm okay," Vic weakly replies, getting up off the cafeteria floor and dusting himself off.

"Dude, what happened?" Floyd questions.

Vic laughs, "They pushed me out of my seat."

"That's it?"

"Well, then they kicked me," Vic frowns, "But I'm okay."

"Are you sure?" Iris asks.

"Positive."

The bell rings, ending their lunch hour.

* * *

When Iris gets home, Phil is gone out. Dan didn't specify where, but it's obviously not a big deal from his tone of voice.

The two are playing Mario Kart. Dan is in the lead with two wins, while Iris only has one. They're just about to play their fourth round, when something strange happens.

Iris sits patiently, waiting for Dan to press enter. But he doesn't. He just sits there, staring intently at the WiiU but not picking it up. He starts to mumble words, but Iris can't make out what he's saying.

"Dad, what're you doing?" Iris laughs without humor. "You're freaking me out."

Dan doesn't reply, he just keeps mumbling. He looks at Iris, but doesn't really see her. His vision is completely blurred, and he's unable to speak.

"Dad!" Iris tries again, "Stop fooling around, this really isn't funny!"

When Dan doesn't cut it out, Iris realizes this isn't a joke. This is serious, and she has to do something.

"Shit." She mumbles. Grabbing her phone, she dials 911. *I'm not really sure what the emergency telephone number is for the UK- or anywhere else for that matter - but that's the number for Canada so I just kind of went with it, okay?*

"911, what is your emergency?" The operator on the other line asks.

"My dad, he- he's acting strange. He won't talk to me- or move- or look at me right and- and it's really freaking me out. He just keeps mumbling, and he looks like he's going to pass out." Iris explains.

"It sounds like he's having a stroke," The operator replies, "Tell us your address, please. We'll send an ambulance immediately."

Iris gives the operator her information before hanging up. She slides down the wall, taking a seat on the floor with her knees pulled up to her chest. She throws her head back against the wall, full of fear and stress.

Dan is having a stroke.