Paralyzed

Chapter 4

Rin stared out the window, watching the thunder clouds roll in over the trees. He could hear the wind rustle the trees through his opened window. He had been silent the past couple hours as Doctors  and nurses alike came in and out of his room. Ever since the ball had been dropped that Rin couldn’t feel his legs, Doctors have been trying to confirm it. After a few tests, it was the news they dreaded. 

   Rin was indeed Paralyzed.

   He didn’t bother to listen to the Doctor’s sympathy, instead he kept his head hung low, avoiding any real conversations. Shura had gone home after the news, but Yukio stayed, trying to comfort his brother, but even his words meant little to Rin. 

   Doctor Shizoh walked in with a few things on a medical cart. Rin glanced up, his curiosity peaking. Shizoh stopped on the side of Rin’s hospital bed, sending a sympathetic look at Rin who easily ignored it. 

“I know this is still… News but since you are paralyzed we are going to need to get you set up for it properly.” He said, putting a comforting hand on Rin’s shoulder. 

   “What does that mean?” Rin snapped, shaking the hand off. 

   The Doctor just dropped his hand, knowing it was no use in trying to comfort the boy. He reached down and grabbed a tube that was attached to a bag. “This may be a touchy subject, but we are going to need to give you a catheter.” The Doctor said. “Since it is hard for Paraplegic patients to know when they have bowel movements or bladder control, we instruct that they have both a catheter and a colostomy. The colostomy will need to be installed surgically, but the catheter we can inserted right now.” He finished. 

   Those words seemed to hit Rin hard. He was embarrassed. Angry. He wanted to go back to being the Rin everyone knew not this… Pathetic Demon who needed bags and tubes to do simple things for him. Hearing just how pathetic he was through the doctors explanations made him almost wished he didn't survive the Demitsu. 

   “How long till he can come home?” Yukio asked. 

   The doctor thought for a moment, placing the tube back down on the cart. “Considering how fast Rin has healed his abdomen wounds, I’d say after the Colostomy is inserted he could go home the next day.” Doctor Shizoh explained.
 
   “How fast can we get him into surgery?” 

  “He is already scheduled for tomorrow morning. He should be well on his way by Saturday.” Doctor Shizoh explained before picking the tube back up and turning to Rin. “I need you both to listen carefully. Once this is placed it will need to be watched. The Catheter will need to be changed every month and the bag needs to be emptied daily. If you notice any discoloration, Infection, or any other signs, do not hesitate to take it out and instantly come to the hospital. Your care instructions for the Stoma bag will be given after his surgery.” 

    Rin didn’t hear much of it, but he could tell Yukio clung to every word being said. Rin’s eyes found their way to his sword that lied across the cushioned bed behind Yukio. Everything in this moment felt surreal and he was sure this was all just one big nightmare that he would wake up from and go back to being the hated Son of Satan. 

    He didn’t want to be hated and unable to walk. It just didn't fit his persona. But as he heard the Doctor talk and the tube in his hand, Rin knew he wasn't having a nightmare. This was happening and Rin felt helpless. 

   After a few moments passed the doctor continued on with the procedure. Rin didn't feel anything and once it was done, Rin felt absolutely embarrassed. Yukio had left while it happened, but when he came back, Rin’s blanket was back over him but the bag was handing off of the bed, as if to show off his shame.