Page 48 of The Road Home

"You okay?" The slight brush of breath against his ear as Jared leaned closer caught him off guard. He wasn't used to the closeness or concern.

"Yeah, just worried about him. I want to know he's going to be okay."

"I know, but that's going to take time." Jared turned Orson to look at him. "They will test everything in the morning, but tonight they need to check his shoulder. They'll probably give him some stuff to help him sleep. We'll come back in the morning and see how he is."

"I can't stay?" Orson didn't want to leave him.

"You can, but it would be better for you to get some sleep while you can. Tomorrow will be a busy day. There's nothing you can do while he sleeps. I promise I'll have you back here early, but they'll just run tests. We won't know anything until later."

Orson nodded. "I'm sorry. I know the last place you want to be on your days off is here." He turned to watch the doctor hand the notebook to Harry.

"I don't mind. Don't you worry about me at all." Jared settled a hand on Orson's shoulder.

"I promise," Harry suddenly said after reading the note. He glanced at Orson. "Tell them I'm not violent. I was just scared."

Orson nodded. "He'll be okay. I promise. Imagine how freaked out he was when he woke up and couldn't hear. He won't do it again."

The doctor nodded, but started writing something to Harry again.

As he waited, Orson watched Harry, trying to figure out what he could do to help him. He had no clue what to say or do to try and make this easier. He hoped that it was just some temporary issue with his hearing, but if it wasn't, he was going to have to find a way to help Harry. He couldn't go back on the streets.

"He'll be okay," Jared again whispered against his ear.

The doctor started to remove the restraints from Harry's hands, then went to release the ones on his legs. Once he was done, he turned to face Orson and Jared. "I'm sending x-ray up to get a look at his shoulder, then we'll know how to repair any damage he's done. Other than that, tests will have to wait until the morning."

Orson nodded, moving away from Jared and back to Harry's side. He quickly wrote down what the doctor had said and showed it to Harry.

"Thank you." Harry moved his uninjured arm and stretched his legs.

Jared took the notebook and Orson watched over his shoulder as he wrote then handed it to Harry.

Do you hurt?

Harry nodded. "My shoulder hurts bad, and I have a headache." He shifted his weight on the bed as if he couldn't get comfortable.

We'll get you something for pain, but it will also help you sleep.

"Thanks." Harry looked up at Orson. "Will you tell the others I'm okay?"

Orson nodded.

"Did Megan show up?" Harry asked.

Orson shook his head.

"Shit." Harry sighed. "She wouldn't leave. She has to be in trouble."

Carson and the others are searching.

Harry nodded, but closed his eyes for a moment, when he opened them, he looked at Jared. "Thank you for bringing Orson here."

Jared smiled and nodded, his hand again pressing to Orson's spine.

They turned as a large machine was pushed into the room.

"X-ray," Jared told him.

Harry reached for Orson's hand. "Go home now. I'm okay. I'll stay calm. Get some sleep."