"I'm afraid so."
There goes my chance at a scholarship. College. A future. What the hell am I going to do? Work at a gas station for the rest of my life?
It's just what my dad wanted. He always said I'd be a failure, and just as I'm about to prove him wrong, he shows up to make sure it doesn't happen. The bastard wants me to fail. I fucking hate him.
"Where is he?" I ask, trying to sit up again and failing miserably.
"Who?"
"My dad. Where is he?"
"I don't know. I'm sorry, but you'll have to ask someone else about that. Do you have any other questions for me? Medical questions?"
"When can I get out of here?"
"Your condition has improved faster than expected. If it continues, you could be out in a day or two."
"I'll be home in two days?" I ask, unable to believe they'd send me home when I can barely move.
She smiles. "Not home, but moved to a regular room."
"How long will I be in the hospital?"
"It'll depend on how you're doing." She turns to the nurse as she returns. "I'm going to lower his pain meds. If he needs more, we'll up the level again."
The nurse nods as the doctor leaves.
I feel my eyes getting heavy and this overwhelming tiredness coming over me.
"What happened?" I ask the nurse. "Why am I so tired?"
"I gave you something to relax so you wouldn't try to get up again."
"I don't want it. I don't want relaxers or pain meds or any of that. I don't like how it makes me feel."
"It's meant to help you. You need to rest for your body to heal."
"I said I don't want it." I try to use a tone that says I'm not messing around but all my voice is capable of is a weak sound that's more like a whisper.
The nurse pulls the sheet over me. "Get some rest."
My eyes struggle to stay open before I finally give in and fall asleep.
"Dean?" I hear her voice but can't open my eyes. Maybe I'm dreaming.
"How long has he been asleep?" I hear her ask.
"Only about twenty minutes. I gave him something to relax. He'll be out for a few hours."
"I really need to talk to him. Will he be awake later today?"
"It depends on his pain level. If we need to increase his meds he'll likely be asleep."
"Can I just sit here with him?"
"Yes, go ahead."
I know she's there. I hear her talking, but I can't make my eyes open to see her.
