PHOTOGRAPH

Chapter 23

"What the heck!!??" Avi says with his eyes wide in shock.

"When did you become able to talk?" Austin asks.

"I've always been able to talk. I just didn't because I was afraid they would release me if they heard me talk." Tim says with a shrug of his shoulders. Plus, I was always beat by my dad whenever I talked."

"We talk and they don't release us. Aren't you afraid they'll hear you? I don't want you to leave, Timmy. You're one of the only friends I have and it will break my heart if you leave. What would we do without our Photograph? I don't even ...." Adam was hushed by Tim placing a hand over his mouth.

"I appreciate the concern, Adam. But I'm not going anywhere. Tina and the others know that I can talk." Tim says with a smile. "They're okay with it. They also know that Chance and I are seeing each other and they're okay with that too."

"Wow! This is great news." Avi says with a huge grin.

"So you won't be leaving us?" Adam asks.

"No." Tim answers quickly before he started to ramble. "I'm still crazy." He adds with a smile.

"You're not crazy." Chance says, kissing him on the temple. "But you do need rest. Doctor's orders."

"Will his eye get better?" Austin asks.

"Yeah, the swelling will eventually go down and the bruising will fade." Chance answers. "But as I said, he needs rest. He'll be able to join up with you guys later."

"Okay, we are supposed to decorate the recreation room for Christmas later. Will he be able to help?" Avi asks.

"I'm sure he will. If he feels up to it." Chance nods.

"I'll be there." Tim smiles.

"We're also going to draw names." Austin adds.

"Oh, Y'all draw names with the other patients?" Chance asks as he helps Tim get comfortable.

"No, just the four of us." Avi answers.

"Actually there's five but Virgil never participates." Austin says.

"And why is that?" Chance asks, just curious of the reason.

"He doesn't like Christmas. He's sort of a Scrooge when it comes to Christmas." Austin answers.

"We usually make our gifts. They don't look too great but, hey, it's the thought that counts, right?" Adam asks.

"Absolutely. And just being able to spend time with the ones you care about." Chance nods.

"Are you gonna get us anything for Christmas?" Adam asks.

"Adam, you're not to suppose to ask anyone that." Avi scolds.

"Why not? If he was, I was gonna tell him that I need a new pillow. Mine is too flat. I don't like flat pillows." Adam says.

"Adam, I can get you another pillow from the supply room." Chance smiles.

"What fun is that? I'd rather get one for Christmas so I can unwrap it." Adam says.

"Well, I'll see what I can do." Chance chuckles. He glances down at Tim, who had been quiet all this time to see that he had fallen asleep. "But right now, we need to leave so Tim can sleep."

"I'm so excited. I'm getting a new pillow for Christmas." Adam giggles as he leaves the room with the others.

Chance chuckles softly and shakes his head. He glances down at Tim sleeping peacefully.