David stepped out from behind Kate and bent down beside Alan, “Are you okay Alan?”

Alan pushed David away as he said, “I’m fine.” Alan then tried to get up, but his leg wouldn’t let him. When he was almost to his feet his leg buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor with cry of frustration.

“Alan its okay, it happens no need to get all worked up,” David said as he tried to help Alan up, but Alan pushed him away again.

“No, David please just leave me alone!”

“Alan I only want to help you,” David said confused. Why didn’t Alan want his help?

“I don’t need help! Not for you, not from her,” Alan pointed at Kate, “And definitely not from her!” Alan jabbed his finger at Grace who was now standing by Kate.

“But Alan you’re hurt,” David said softly trying to convince him.

“No, I don’t! I’m not weak David okay, I’m not!” Alan yelled.

David was shocked, what was wrong with Alan? He was never like this, he had never yelled at him before, what was wrong? “Alan, I just want you to get better. I just want you to be okay.” David said choking back tears.

Alan looked down, “I’m sorry David, I didn’t mean to…”

David wiped tears from his eyes. “Its fine, but why are you acting like this? You never act like this.”

Alan looked away as his own tears came. “Because…because I don’t like hospitals. I’m not weak, I can take care of myself and I want out of here.”

David looked to Kate, she nodded her head towards the door and then walked out of the room. David followed her.

“David, I know your busy, but Alan needs to stay with you.” She said.

“What? Why?” David asked.

“Because, well you saw how he was, he will never get better if he acts like that every time he wakes up. I will send someone to check on him daily, he just can’t stay here. There is something bothering him, something more than the fact that he’s in a hospital and he doesn’t like it, he’s hurting. I don’t know why or what it is but maybe he’ll tell in time. But David,” Kate looked him in the eye, “he can never truly get better till he heals both inside and out.”

David sighed and rubbed the back of his neck; he wasn’t quite sure what she meant but he would do anything for Alan. He nodded, “I’ll do anything if it will help Alan get better.”

Kate smiled as she said, “We have a long road ahead I’m afraid.” Then they walked back into the room.

Sorry its late, not my best work…but oh well…

Jaidie