Page 47 of The Road Home

Orson handed the small notebook to him. "Can we untie him?"

"Maybe. Let's see if he stays calm." Jared started to write on the paper. After a minute, he handed it back to Orson.

Orson read over the list of injuries Harry had suffered, noticing that Jared hadn't mentioned the rape or injuries from it. He swallowed hard, hating keeping that information from him, but considering what was going on, maybe now wasn't the time to bring it up. He held the note out to Harry, waiting for him to finish reading it.

Once he finished reading, Harry nodded at Jared. "Who are you?"

Orson quickly wrote that Jared was a doctor, not Harry's main physician, but one who was involved in taking care of him. He almost felt bad for not explaining more about who Jared was, but it didn't seem like the right time. Besides, he wasn't sure how to explain Jared to Harry. The guy who was helping him didn't seem enough.

"Doctor Gains, can you untie me?"

Jared reached again for the notebook.

No more throwing things or trying to get out of bed?

"I promise." Harry actually looked ashamed. "I was scared when I couldn't hear myself talk."

Let me talk to the other doctors and nurses and make sure they are okay with it. I'll be right back.

Harry nodded at Jared, then looked at Orson. "Everyone else okay?"

Orson nodded.

"New clothes?" Harry eyed the pants and shirt Orson was wearing.

Dr. Gains… Jared, he bought them for me. I'm going to live with him for a while. Found a job too.

Harry's eyes went wide. "He's not using you, is he?"

Orson blushed as he shook his head. "No." He started to write on the notebook again.

He is just a friend. Helping me.

"How long was I out?"

Not long, a week or so. A lot happened fast. Others at storage units are okay. I made sure they knew you were in the hospital. I came up here when cops told me they'd brought someone here from the park and Jared helped me find out if it was you. He let me stay here with you, then insisted I go home with him to get sleep. He's been so great.

"You like him." Harry smiled.

Orson blushed and shrugged. He wouldn't lie, but he wasn't ready to have a full conversation about the feelings that Jared stirred.

"I'm scared." Harry's voice softened as he took a deep breath.

"I know." Orson again started to write.

I know, but the doctors will help you. I'm scared for you too, but you're awake, and after days of wondering if you would wake up, I'm glad it's just your hearing gone. I was scared you would die or never wake up. You are the strongest person I know. You can get through this. We just have to find out what is wrong with your ears.

"What if they can't fix it?"

I don't know.

He couldn't imagine surviving on the streets without being able to hear. You had to be able to listen for people coming up behind you. Survival without being able to hear would be nearly impossible.

As Jared walked into the room with another doctor, Orson tightened his grip on Harry's hand. "Can we take the restraints off?"

"Let me talk to Harry." The other doctor stepped to the bed.

Orson handed him the notebook before stepping back. He was surprised as Jared came to him and wrapped his arm around his waist.