The Morning Was harshly bright as Jared made his way into the hospital from his car. (I don’t know why I let him talk me into drinking that cream liquor whatever it is. Uh. My head wants to shatter into pieces.) The door stopped at the second floor and two orderlies steps on. They started yapping on and on about last nights games. (Oh god! Somebody tape these guys mouths please.) The door opens to the third floor and he quickly steps off. (I made it. I thought I was going to die from hemorrhage to the brain.) He made his way to the nurses station.

Zack the Head Nurse hands. The folder for room 301 over to him. “You look like hell. Do you need me to get a Doc for the Doc?”

Jared grimace at the comment. “No. I’m fine. Thanks. I need a minute to pull myself together and I will be fine.” He looks over the folder. “Looks like everything is good. His vitals are a little better. We may have a better chance than before.”

“Sound great. Do you want me to keep a special eye on him.” The Head Nurse offers.

“Yeah, that would be great. Thanks again.” He walks off to make his rounds. Saving his favorite for last. “Hey, Kile. NIce to see you today. I hope you slept well.”

Kile wakes up under the blanket. “I’m still sleepy. Can’t we have the check up later?”

(His face looks oddly peaceful. Maybe his mind is resting.) “You go ahead and sleep more. I will do my check and let you rest.” He went over everything then pause and looked back before leaving.

Later that afternoon Strata brings in the friend she mentioned the day before. “Here we are.”She calls as they enter Dr. Hearth’s office. “This is Daina. Her and Kile got to know each other, about two or three months ago.” She shoves the young woman forward. “Well introduce yourself already. I don’t have all day. My time cost honey.”

“Alright already, stop pushing me. It’s not like I ask you to talk for me. You run your mouth on your own.” She looks at the doctor up and down as he stood and came around his desk.

“My name’s Daina, Daina Smith. No, Smith is not a fake name, so don’t even make the lame joke.”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

“Good. Your kinda cute in bookish nerdy way, still you’re likeable.” She smiles holding out her hand. “I’m sixteen but wait two more years and I will be yours.” She says with a wink as they shake hands.

“Uh. I think I’m a bit too old for you. But I think there are some younger doctors that will fit you better. I can introduce you to some of you like.” He offers.

“Sure, why not, but it’s your lost.” She walked over and sits in the guest chair. ”So, what can I do for you?I don’t like being in hospitals, so make it good.”

“I need you to tell to spend time with Kile so he can feel and remember his connection to this world. It will better his chances of waking up. Will you lend us a hand?”

“Sure. I don’t know how much help I will be though. What do you need me to do. I just have to talk? That’s it?”

“Yeah, sometimes being with friends is all someone needs to feel balance again. I’ll take you over to him now. Just spend and hour with him whenever you have time. Like he was still awake.”

“Okay. No problem.”

Strata and Jared stood in the doorway as Daina had her chat with Kile. “Do you think this is really helpful or are you playing a desperate card in a bad hand.”

“Are you always this cynical?”

“Is there a reason not to be? In my line of work you learn to expect the worst so you are not hit with a curve ball.” She moves a little closer bring her voice down. “Why, are you the type of guy who believes in unicorns and Santa Clause?”

He looks into the depths of her eyes. “I am the type of guy...” He pauses to remove as small stand of fur from her brow. “Who believes in people. Do you believe in people Strata?”

“I can’t say that I am. I have to admit though for a split second, I wished I was.”

Kile was walking along the water wishing for a fish. (I can really go for a fish sandwich right now.) He sighs. (How long am I stuck here? It’s too lonely.)

“Hi Kile?” Calls a familiar voice.

He turns around to see a woman standing before him. “Daina?”