Discharge

Chapter 36

The food, though delicious, was rich enough to pull us into the depths of a sleep coma. The feeling of a delicate stomach wakes me up from my slumber in the wee hours of the morning. I wake up to my parents peacefully asleep, and begin to think about what life might look like upon returning home. Excitement overtakes me as I inch off of the bed in attempt to pick out comfortable clothes. 

It's been a while since I've worn my regular clothes, and I sort through the stayover bag with confusion as I try my best to put an outfit together.

"The long sleeve hun." I hear my mom utter as she stretches and attempts to force one eye open. 

"Morning mom." I whisper so not to wake my dad.

"Morning sweetheart." She relaxes back into a cozy position, watching gently as I pick out my clothes. 

"Go back to sleep mom, I've got it."

"Okay, but wake me up in an hour."

"I got it."

She lets out a smirk before dozing off again. 

I pick out a long sleeve and yoga pants, though they fit a bit loosely compared to when I had them on last. I begin to brush my teeth and fix my hair when I notice a notification comes to my phone. I assumer it's Damon and chuckle. I finish brushing my teeth and proceed to check my phone when I decide to check the notification. 

The notification is from Pauly.

"Do you need a secret service escort on your way home today?" I chuckle. 

"Only if we do it Men in Black style."

"What does that even mean?"

"I call shotgun!"

"As if you'd ever drive us anyway!"

I chuckle. It warms my heart to see that Pauly is awaiting my return. I look in the mirror in attempt to study all the ways my face may have changed. I begin to grow anxious, wondering if people will still treat me the same way. I proceed to put on light make up in attempt to distract myself and allow Spotify to play on shuffle in the background. 

"Tear You Apart" by She Wants Revenge comes on. I proceed to lip sync as I apply eye liner. After finishing my right eye, I hear a light knock on the door. In attempt to allow my parents some sleep, I run out with one done eye to see who it is. Dr. Leolios and Nurse Debbie stand by the door. I close the door behind me in attempt to speak with them in the hallway.

"Sorry, my parents are sleeping in this morning. Bid dinner." I chuckle.

"Hi Diana" The Doctor whispers. I'm glad to see you up and dressed to impress. 

I rub my arm out of embarrassment. 

"Debbie and I just wanted to follow up to see if you have any questions before PT?"

I pause before responding. At first, it seemed like time was going by too slow. Like I had all the time in the world to think of a question. But suddenly, I'm at a loss for words. Time has sped up, and I never saw it coming. I finally think of the words. 

"This all just happened so fast. I never thought the day would come. But, what if this happens again?" I whisper in an even lower tone, so that my parents don't hear.

Nurse Debbie looks at me sympathetically. The Doctor nods in acknowledgement of my concerns before responding. 

"Well. this is something we have considered. And this is why Nurse Debbie and I have managed to come up with a bit of a safety plan."

The Doctor hands me over a package with the diagnosis of my condition, common symptoms, a treatment plan, and a managed care plan attached. He proceeds to flip the pages and walk me through his thought process. But my mind remains fixated on the front page, the diagnosis portion. 

"Locked-In Syndrome." My mind revisits the encounter with the old man, how he already knew what the Doctor had diagnosed me with. I begin to go over the encounter of the garden in attempt to remember what he said. 

"Diana?" The Doctor checks in.

"Uh, yes?"

"I wanted to know if you happened to have any questions at this point?"

I shake my head in attempt to pull myself out of the daze.

"Umm, no. This packet, this packet is good enough." Neither The Doctor nor The Nurse buy my bluff. I attempt to take the packet from the Doctor's hand. He looks uncertain. I smile before backing into the door and quietly turning the nob. 

"Thank you." I whisper before sliding back into the room and quickly closing the door behind me. I place my back against the door in hopes of preventing them from coming into the room when I notice my parents wide awake, looking rather concerned. 

I let out a nervous smile before engaging. 

"Hey guys, I tried to be quiet."

My mother clears her throat as if it were her way of biting her tongue. I can hear the Doctor and the Nurse whispering behind the door for a moment before it grows silent again. I lean my head against the door in defeat. Luckily, my mother is in the type of mood where she doesn't feel like being investigative today.

"You look so comfortable hun. Are you ready for PT?"

I nod, thankful that she let the situation go. 

"Good." She gets up and begins to look for her clothes. My father turns around reluctantly before turning the TV back on. I continue to stand near the door, too uncomfortable to be seen. My phone vibrates. I quickly check the notification to find that Damon has texted me. 

"Hope your day goes well superstar!" I smile. Something about his raw enthusiasm is charming. It's almost the complete opposite of my personality in a way that breeds comfort. I respond immediately.

"Talk about saved by the bell."

"Did I do a thing?"

"A big thing."

"Now I'm even more excited for that phone call!"

"Tell you about it soon x"

By the time I tuck my phone away, my mother has made her way into the bathroom. I sit in her empty seat and begin to gauge what it must've felt like to sleep in that chair the past week. My father turns slightly towards me in attempt to have a brief one on one. 

"How are you baby?" He whispers.

"I'm fine dad." I whisper in return.

He seems hesitant, as if he doesn't believe me. "You sure?"

"Yes daddy."

"Okay then, let me know if there's anything you need."

"I will. I promise." 

He rests his hand on his knee before turning back to the TV. In the same instance, my mother opens the bathroom door to reveal her outfit choice. This is the first time I've seen her dress up since my stay. Her long hair covers her shoulders like a mop. A knee length sun dress is complimented by some light jewelry. She has even applied lipgloss.

"Woah, beautiful." I reassure her. She smiles before walking to her bag for more essentials.

My father keeps his eyes on her in approval. She tucks her hair behind her air before letting out a devilish grin.

"You guys hungry? Why not get some breakfast?"

I look to my dad, who is still in lounger wear.

"Maybe after dad gets dressed." I tease. 

He responds defensively. 

"Are you trying to get me in trouble with your mother?!" He proceeds to look over to my mother before providing rebuttal.

"Plus, I always get ready after you since you take forever and I'm quick!" He scolds. My mother is taken over by agitation as she barks back. 

"Don't start with me!" My father quickly quiets down before getting up in surrender and changing his clothes. I look around awkwardly. I've never been a fan of when they bicker. My father proceeds to go into the bathroom to get ready and I can feel my mother's gaze on me. I try my best to ignore it, but she doesn't let up.

"One day, you'll understand." She imposes.

"You are still so young. But one day, you'll fall in love, and you'll understand."

She walks over to me and attempts to slick some of my fly away's down with her hands before brushing my cheek with her pointer finger knuckle. I hold her hand in attempt to reassure her that I believe her. Even though the love she speaks of feels so foreign. 

My father is true to his word. He gets ready quickly. And just like that, we are out the door. We walk around to what feels like a new world to me. I begin to see a hospital from a new angle. From the view of a healthy, capable person who can now walk on her own. I look around with bewilderment. Walking ahead of my parents as excitement takes over me. They observe in awe. We come across a cafeteria where my parents walk up to the counter and study the menu. I stand back and allow them to do the ordering when I notice a young man, around a similar age, sitting off in a corner alone. He looks slightly intimidating. I try to stare without getting caught. He doesn't notice me at first. I begin to study his features a bit longer. Warm brown hair, a black hoody that sits on his head, black converse, and grey pants with wallet chains attached. Everyone looks his way upon passing him by, but he doesn't notice. He is completely disconnected from the world.

I continue to stare, almost without realizing it, when he unexpectedly meets my guys. Embarrassed, I quickly move closer towards my parents direction in attempt to see what they've ordered. 

A couple fruit trays and muffins are added to a bag. My mom looks behind as she embraces my face with her hand. 

"Did you want anything else hun?"

"No, I'm still full from last night."

"Okay."

The cashier proceeds to ring us out. We decide to save the breakfast for the ride home being that we are much too excited to think about food. As we walk towards the PT department, we pass by the boy again. This time, he is sitting beside a little girl. She is much darker than him, from her skin to her hair color. She kicks her feet as she takes little bites of a corn dog. I can hear him talking to her in a gentle demeanor. 

"Really, a corn dog for breakfast?"

The little girl laughs as she continues to munch. He watches over he protectively. I continue to glance when he looks up again. This time, defensively. I quickly look away and continue to follow my parents towards the office. 

Upon arriving to the room door, my parents attempt to knock. 

"Come on in!" A snarky, mature voice answers.

A middle aged woman is seen typing away at her desk as we enter the lobby. 

"How can I help you?" She questions without once looking up from her screen.

"Uh, we have an appointment?" My dad responds. 

"And the name of the patient?" She responds sarcastically. 

"Diana Keruvim." 

The receptionist types away in silence as we await further instruction.

"You guys are all set. Have a seat. He'll be with you shortly."

Cautiously, we proceed to take our seats. We sit down and my parents immediately begin to whisper among themselves.

"I bet that's how you view me in your head babe." My mom teases.

"Yeah right!" My dad responds in a joking manner. 

I look around and notice a fish tank. The fish are beautiful and exotic. I watch them swim, almost mesmerized. The tank is perhaps the most peaceful asset within the intimidating setting. 

Before my parents can settle in, a man comes out behind a door near the front desk. 

"Keruvim?" He reads.

"Uh. that's me." I stand up and fix my pants.

"Right this way." He motions me to follow after him.

"Did you want us to come?" My parents quickly intervene. 

"Uh, I should be good." I give them an awkward thumbs up. They don't seem sold and sit back down hesitantly. 

As I follow the Doctor into the back, I pass by a series of rooms where various Doctors are meeting with patients. It feels a bit intimating. The walk to the room is silent, but quick.

"Here we are." The Doctor opens the door before motioning for me to enter.

"Sit where ever you'd like."

Tired of the concepts of beds, I choose to sit in a seat instead.

"Smart choice." The Doctor observes.

"So I'm Doctor Stanferson and I'm here to do your PT exam. Do you have any questions before we get started?"

"Um, no. I don't think so."

"Okay." He proceeds to scan over my file really quickly.

"Hmm, I see." I study him with anticipation. Uncertain what he might say next.

"Yes, you've had quite the journey from what I can see. Well, I could imagine you're about ready to return back to your regular life. So I will make this as quick and painless as possible."

I exhale in relief.

"Okay, I'm gonna need you to stand up for me. Where ever you feel comfortable."

I stand up and work my way towards an open space in the middle of the room.

"Ready?" He asks. I nod in return.

"Okay, can you stretch your arms up for me. All the way towards the ceiling. As high as you can." He coaches as I attempt to stretch my arms. 

"Good." He responds before jotting notes into a folder. 

"Now stretch your arms all the way back, as far back as they can go." The stretch feels awkward, but I do my best to carry out the task.

"Good." He adds, before jotting down more notes.

"Now, can you bend down and place your arms on your knees? Like you're really out of breath!" He describes. 

I assume the position with ease. 

"Excellent." He continues to jot down more notes.

"Now, try and stretch as far down as you can. Touch the floor if possible." 

I attempt to stretch down when I lose balance and stumble on to all fours. I let down a light groan in frustration.

"That's alright." The Doctor reassures me. You have been on bed rest for nearly two months after all. Would you like to try again?"

I nod before standing myself back up and taking a moment to collect myself. As I reach down to the ground, it comes easier this time around.

"Nailed it." The Doctor praises me.

"Okay, now what about a squat? Can you get into a squat for me? Go as low as you possibly can."

As I attempt to bend into the squat, a sharp pain emerges from my thigh.

"Ow." I utter before falling flat on to my butt.

"Hmm." The Doctor speculates before helping me up.

"Did you feel pain while squatting?"

I hesitate to responds.

"Diana, it's okay. This won't hinder your discharge. But I need you to be honest with me if we're to help you in anyway."

"It was just a pinch." I respond in a quick, monotone fashion. 

He looks at me sympathetically before asking me to return to the seat. 

"Alright, very good. Would you mind just showing me where exactly you felt the pain?"

I point to a spot in the center of my thigh as the Doctor begins to jot down notes. It is silent for a moment before he starts back up on the questions.

"Did it feel like it was coming from the bone, a muscle, or a nerve?"

I take a moment to reflect as I feel around again. I don't feel any pain upon applying pressure.

"I don't know, I don't really feel any pain as I'm applying pressure right now. I think it might've been a nerve."

"Got it." The Doctor responds. He seems serious for a moment before proceeding to finish the exam.

"Okay Diana. So I may need to refer you to a neurologist. But don't worry. This will be part of your outpatient treatment plan. Dr. Leolios is actually a wonderful neurologist who managed your treatment throughout your stay. I think it would make most sense for you to continue along that course of treatment. How does that sound to you?"

"Uh, sure? It's fine. So outpatient would mean I would be seeing them at somewhere other than here?"

"Yes, we have a sister clinic that isn't too far from your address if I'm not mistaken. Before you leave the office, I want you to stop by the receptionist's desk and have her set up an appointment with you before you leave."

I tilt my head back in frustration thinking about having to interact with the receptionist again.

"Do you have any questions for me?" 

The cursed question makes an appearance yet again. I shake my head in attempt to indicate that I have no questions.

"Alright." The Doctor proceeds to wrap up the session.

"I'm gonna finish up some paper work. I believe Dr. Leolios has already started on the discharge papers. So you guys should be good to go. After you set up the appointment with receptions, you and your family are free to pack your bags."

My eyes light up with excitement. I quickly stand as I proceed to inch towards the door. The Doctor continues to jot down notes. 

"Thank you Dr. Stanferson." I utter before closing the door quietly behind me. As I walk towards Reception, my parents stand to hastily greet me.

"How'd it go?" My mom inquires.

I smile before turning to the Receptionist. My parents rush to stand beside me. She is seen typing away as she disregards my parents and I for a moment. I look off to them shyly for a moment before proceeding to interrupt.

"Um-"

"Yes?"

"Dr. Stanferson asked me to set up a follow up appointment with you?"

She pauses and continues to type before responding.

"For here or with one of our sister clinics?"

"Did he give you a referral slip?"

"Um, no. He just said it's by home."

"And where's home?" My mom arches an eyebrow in agitation before my father rests his hand on her lower back in reassurance."

"2334 Catapult Lane."

She grows silent as she begins to scroll on the mouse.

"I see it. And what kind of appointment?"

"For neurology." I explain.

My parents look to me with concern. 

"Any time or date preference?"

My mom intervenes. "Do you have any weekend slots?"

The Receptionist looks over at her antagonistically before checking.

"Not for the next month, it seems."

My mother begins to look worried again. 

"Would we be able to call and schedule then?"

"Yes, but make sure you do it sooner than later. These appointments fill up fast and there's a long waitlist."

"Thank you so much." My mother ends the conversation and immediately begins to scroll on her phone. My dad walks behind her with concerns. I proceed to tag along.

"What's wrong Babe?"

"I'm texting Margarette. She knows of a good neurologist. I'm sure one with much better hospitality too." As my mom begins to text my aunt, I share the news with my parents.

"So, the Doctor pretty much says we're in the clear. We can back up and head to discharge whenever we're ready."

Suddenly my parents seems ecstatic.

"Really? I'm proud of you baby. You've been so strong." My father proceeds to give me a one arm hug as my mother continues to text my aunt viciously.

We make our way back to the room and begin packing without hesitation. As my parents start to fold clothes and pack the bags, I look around the room one last time. Taking in all I've encountered since in the hospital. I think of the Mael family. The bird. The creature I saw in the shower. And even the humanoid I saw in my sleep. There's a knock at the door and I decide to be the one to answer with my parents packing. It's Nurse Debbie. She smiles before asking to come in. I step aside and my mother immediately stops to greet her.

"Debbie!"

"You know I couldn't let you go without saying bye!"

Debbie hands my mother a stack of papers.

"Thought I'd save you the trouble and bring the discharge paper work over instead. We have the Doctors notes included for both of your employers. Even added one for Diana's school."

"You are Heaven Sent Debbie! We really couldn't have done this without you." She pauses to flash a smile for a moment before responding.

"Hey, you have my number. Call me if you need anything at all! I mean it!"

My father stops packing in order to acknowledge her. "You're the best Debs. We owe you dinner to say the least!"

Nurse Debbie flashes a kind smile before turning my direction.

"I'm so happy you're feeling better sweetheart. You have beautiful things coming your way." I stare at her unsure of how to respond. Before I can muster a sentence together, she walks out of the room.

"Well, those are the last of the bags. Your brother is waiting out front for us. You ready to go hun?" My father checks in one last time.

I look around once more, a bird lands just before the window sill and c***s its head at me. I smile at it for a moment before turning back to my father.

"Yeah, I'm ready."