Ethan was taken by ambulance to the hospital. The paramedics allowed Sawyer to ride with them. When they rolled Ethan in, nurses stopped Sawyer from going any farther and directed him to a finely dressed waiting room. He was told to sit tight until notified. Complying, Sawyer sat down, put his hands together, and prayed for Ethan to be ok. It didn't look much like it, but Sawyer was scared and afraid for his friend. The knot on Ethan's head was huge, and the look on his face showed true anguish. Sawyer tried not to shed any tears, but they were trying to come out.
"Why is it God that you don't realize how important people are to you until they're hurt?" Sawyer said out loud, then laid back and closed his eyes.
He thought about the past year with Ethan. It had been a rocky road. It had been a week since their talk by the lake. There had been no problems or fights. Sawyer was truly happy for the first time.
The hand on the clock was ticking by slowly. Sawyer decided to curl up and get some sleep. He was out in minutes.
Sawyer was tapped on his head. Mrs. Fester was standing to the side, worry etched on her face. Sawyer opened his eyes and looked up.
"I just spoke with the doctor Sawyer. Ethan has a mild concussion. He's going to be fine. Why don't you go on home and we'll talk to you later. He's gonna be in the hospital for three days to make sure he heals properly."
"Ok." Sawyer replied. He pulled himself up off the sofa and stretched. He looked at Mrs. Fester and gave her a hug.
Afterwards Sawyer called his mom and asked if she'd pick him up. He explained Ethan was in the hospital and went through the story as best he could. As a nurse, Mrs Lancelot knew all too well the things Sawyer had been through and was more than accommodating.
"I'll be there soon Sawyer."
Sawyer went outside and sat on the bench in front of the entrance and waited for his mom.
When Mrs. Lancelot dropped Sawyer off at Ethan's house to get his jeep, Sawyer kissed his mom goodbye.
Sawyer drove his jeep out of Ethan's driveway and made his way to their lake. It was misty out and Sawyer felt a little uncomfortable. He hated murky, wet weather. Truthfully, he never came out here. But tonight, with Ethan in the hospital, Sawyer felt the need to be there.
He thought back on their journey together. He remembered Ethan picking him up off the side of the road near the varsity. He remembered their tutoring sessions and watching Ethan win every race he ran. Ethan's smile appeared in Sawyer's memory and tears began to roll down his cheeks.
I can't believe how much Ethan has changed my life, he thought to himself. Literally, Sawyer went from having no social life to having it all over night. He even went out on a date a few nights ago, yet hadn't told Ethan yet.
I owe everything to that boy.
Sawyer leaned against the railing and looked out over the lake. Once again he prayed for Ethan to make it through ok. When he was finished, Sawyer left the place he was standing and walked back toward his car, still dejected inside.
Word spread throughout Sawyer's school about what happened to Ethan. Sawyer was known for hanging out with Ethan. People at his school didn't like it, but no one had yet to challenge it. A few students went from idol worship over Ethan to downright despising him. His reputation didn't take a dive, but it wasn't perfect anymore. Ethan didn't really care though. He only had four more months before he graduated.
One of the students that despised Ethan was Harold Jepp. He made his way to Sawyer's locker the second day after Ethan entered the hospital and made the mistake of running his mouth.
"I heard your faggot friend is in the hospital."
Sawyer turned around and knocked Harold all the way across the hallway. Harold went careening into the wall and saw stars. He kept his balance, turned around, and saw Sawyer's fist hit him again. He hit the floor that time. Sawyer then kicked him in the stomach for good measure, slowly backed away, and retreated before he got in trouble by a teacher. Sawyer was livid for the rest of the day.
Ethan couldn't believe a small hit to the head could be so painful. He explained to his doctor what had happened and described the anguish he'd been in. Dr. Alexander told him it wasn't uncommon to feel what he had, especially if he'd never been injured before. He called it temporary shock. He told Ethan he was free to go. Ethan was relieved.
"You can leave as early as this afternoon. Just let me finish up with a few tests to make sure everything is fine, then you can be on your way. Also, be sure to follow up with your primary care physician in three weeks. Stay in bed the first two days you're out and get plenty of rest. Eat healthily and drink plenty of water."
Ethan nodded.
"I will swing by here around two and see you off."
"Ok," Ethan replied.
Dr. Alexander exited Ethan's room and Ethan's medication began to take effect again. Laying his head back on the pillow, Ethan closed his eyes and went to sleep.
Sawyer's cell phone rang in the middle of dinner Thursday evening and Mr. and Mrs. Lancelot told their son to take it out in the hall and to be brief. Sawyer looked at the caller I.D. and saw it was Mrs. Fester.
Sawyer rushed into the hallway with his phone and answered immediately.
"Hello," Sawyer said.
"Hey buddy. It's Ethan." Sawyer heard a sweet voice ring out.
"Oh my God. Hey Ethan! You sound so different."
"Yeah I'm heavily medicated. My mom and dad just helped me to my room. I'm out of the hospital."
"I am so glad to hear from you. I was so worried about you man."
"I missed you Sawyer. Why didn't you come see me?"
"I didn't have time Ethan. I had to return to school and the hospital wouldn't let non-family members visit you."
"Yeah, mom put up strict regulations on my behalf. Her and dad don't play."
"I know they don't buddy."
"Ok. Well I'm home so come and see me this weekend. I've missed you man. Don't be a stranger, ok?"
"Ok Ethan I won't. Get some rest!"
"Bye man."
"Bye Ethan."
Sawyer hung the phone up then returned to the dining room. Sawyer smiled from ear to ear, happy Ethan was out of the hospital and on his way to a full recovery. God had answered his prayer.
