{"sf1_id":200883,"sf2_id":"P1EJBzDe","title":"Fallout - Life and Limb(s)","author":"SrA havenofimage","words":2144,"posted_at":"2010-12-07T13:43:00.000Z","tags":["Hospital","Husky","Leopard","M/F","Military","Siberian Husky","Snow Leopard","Story Series","surgery"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/200883-fallout-life-and-limb-s","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/P1EJBzDe","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/ae/4c/ae4cfc1e-fb34-4496-b121-620b432133de","description":"#3 of Fallout","content":"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;I passed the bus ride back to Fairchild in silent contemplation watching the familiar scenery pass by the window.\u0026nbsp; Out the corner of my eye I noticed a hare in black sunglasses who appeared to be watching me.\u0026nbsp; When I turned to look at him though, he had his nose buried in a news paper. \u0026nbsp;It must have been my befuddled brain playing tricks on me.\u0026nbsp; I had gone to Dr. Hall for reassurance and instead been given even more to think about and trouble my current mental quandary.\u0026nbsp; On the bright side, I would be with Jaimie again soon.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Dr. Hall and I had talked for over two hours.\u0026nbsp; It seemed that she had stumbled upon a possible way to return movement to my paralyzed legs.\u0026nbsp; It was all rather technical and confusing but I believed that I understood the gist.\u0026nbsp; While researching new concussion treatments for an injured snowboarder, she had come across an obscure paper on the treatment of patients who had been immobilized from Border Syndrome.\u0026nbsp; Apparently the disease caused a protean compound to form over parts of the brain, blocking signals from reaching areas of the body.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The article had caught Dr. Hall's eye because, during scans taken of me to look for possible brain damage, a similar compound had been located.\u0026nbsp; She hadn't known what to make of it at the time, Border Syndrome being extremely rare, and it didn't seem to be harming anything, so it was simply overlooked.\u0026nbsp; Now however, it appeared that this may be the cause of my paralysis.\u0026nbsp; The only difference being, the substance on my brain had formed due to a reaction with an anomalous chemical presence rather than from a non-synergy of human and primary genes.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The operation would involve physically cutting open a portion of my skull, inserting an arthroscopic probe, and manually removing the foreign substance.\u0026nbsp; Sounded good in all, but in Border Syndrome patients it only had a forty percent success rate and fifteen percent of the subject's condition worsened afterward.\u0026nbsp; On top of that, with my conditioning developing differently, there was no knowing whether or not the protein would reform later, or if this would even fix the problem at all.\u0026nbsp; There were a lot of risks involved, and a lot of money.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;I didn't know if it was worth it.\u0026nbsp; I was in fine condition right now, minus my legs of course.\u0026nbsp; I could cope, adapt, and live happily, just as I had been doing for the last two months.\u0026nbsp; Being in a wheel chair wasn't that bad, and it was only my legs.\u0026nbsp; According to Dr. Hall there was a chance the procedure could backfire and I'd end up with even more of me being paralyzed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Then again, being able to walk, run, climb, etcetera...\u0026nbsp; It was very appealing.\u0026nbsp; I had no idea what to think.\u0026nbsp; My mind had been in swing mode ever since Dr. Hall had first suggested that I might be able to someday use my legs.\u0026nbsp; I did know one thing though, Jaimie would have something to say that would make me feel better about all this, and I'd be seeing her at home very soon.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; At the condo, I ate dinner in similar silence, consenting to simply listening to Jaimie rather than contribute to the conversation.\u0026nbsp; When the meal was finished I backed away from the table and turned to begin cleaning up.\u0026nbsp; Something stopped the motion however.\u0026nbsp; I turned to see Jaimie standing behind me, holding the wheel chair in place.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Where do you think you're going?\" she asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I motioned to the dishwasher, \"Put my dishes away?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I think we need to talk first.\u0026nbsp; You haven't said a word all evening.\u0026nbsp; What's wrong?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I leaned my head back until it rested against her stomach, closed my eyes and let out a huge sigh.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't know what to do.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"About what?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"This could take a while, we'd better head to the living room.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Jaimie and I talked long into the night about everything Dr. Hall had told me today.\u0026nbsp; Surprisingly, she took it pretty well.\u0026nbsp; Unlike me it seemed, Jaimie looked at the situation with a level head and reason, of course, it wasn't here body we were talking about.\u0026nbsp; I knew that see was only thinking of what was best for me though.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Look,\" she said as the discussion was coming to an end, \"in the time I've known you, I don't see Xavier Snow as the type of person who would back down from any challenge or risk if he felt there was a worthwhile reward at the end.\u0026nbsp; You need to follow what your heart tells you.\u0026nbsp; I know, if you do that, you'll make the right decision.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"How can you know that?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Because I know you and your heart is true, and your body is strong, and your mind is determined to do good.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Jaimie stood up, walked over, kissed me on the forehead and nuzzled my ear.\u0026nbsp; I remained in the living room for a long time after she left and it was well after midnight before I finally went to bed, careful not to wake her.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Good morning Mr. Snow.\u0026nbsp; I'm going to be your anesthesiologist for this operation.\u0026nbsp; How are you today?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; A female ground squirrel was talking to me while I lay in a special operating bed being prepped for the surgery.\u0026nbsp; Jaimie was on my right, holding my paw.\u0026nbsp; I had requested that she be with me for this and it was permitted.\u0026nbsp; During the actual procedure though, she would have to stand back along the wall, in a space usually reserved for interns.\u0026nbsp; Dr. Hall herself was going to be operating on me.\u0026nbsp; I had been surprised to learn that, among countless other things, she was certified in both neuro and brain surgery.\u0026nbsp; In my opinion, I couldn't be in better paws.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I'm fine, I guess,\" I replied with a nervous laugh, and a glance to Jaimie who squeezed my arm gently.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I'm sure everything will go perfectly.\u0026nbsp; Now, just so you know how this is going to work, let me go over the procedure with you.\u0026nbsp; The initial sedative will be an inhalant, you may know it as laughing gas, and then I will keep you sedated using the I.V.\u0026nbsp; Once the operation is complete and we are sure that you are stable, I cut off the formula, and, if necessary, give you a very mild stimulant.\u0026nbsp; To you, it will seem as if no time passed what so ever.\u0026nbsp; What are your questions?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I don't think I have any.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Alright then, let's get started.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Jaimie gave me a quick kiss on the nose before a mask was placed over my face.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Please breathe normally.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; After three breaths or so the mask was removed, and I was feeling very light headed.\u0026nbsp; For some reason, I couldn't make anything out beyond the two females by my bed.\u0026nbsp; I was talking to Jaimie about, something, and didn't even notice when a syringe was stuck in my arm, or when the I.V. was inserted.\u0026nbsp; And then...\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Alright, who wants to go first?\" Dr. Hall's voice echoed in my head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I glanced to my right and left where four other individuals sat.\u0026nbsp; I immediately stood, volunteering myself before any of them could put themselves to the risk.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Ma'am!\" I replied confidently.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I thought you might Kirian.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; With the unknown factors, I would go first, for the safety of my squad.\u0026nbsp; Besides, Dr. Hall said it would be fine.\u0026nbsp; She was always right\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ...I was awake.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Xavier.\u0026nbsp; Xavier!\u0026nbsp; Xavier?\u0026nbsp; Xavier can you hear me?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I blinked several times, clearing my blurry vision to see Dr. Hall sitting to my right.\u0026nbsp; The technician had been right; the whole thing had seemed instantaneous.\u0026nbsp; That wasn't correct though, hadn't there been a dream or something.\u0026nbsp; I thought on this, but, if there had been, it was long past the point where I could ever remember it.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Welcome back, how do you feel?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Fine, a bit disoriented, but fine.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"That should wear off shortly.\u0026nbsp; You're probably getting tired of waking up in hospital beds with me next to you by now.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I looked around my surroundings to find that I was no longer in the operating room, but in a standard hospital room.\u0026nbsp; This time I had a window though, a great improvement over my last time spent here.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"How'd everything go?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"The operation went smoothly.\u0026nbsp; Still waiting on a few test results to ensure there was no brain damage, but I predict no negative side effects at this point.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I looked down at my legs, which were covered in a sheet.\u0026nbsp; I tried to wiggle by toes and was dismayed to find that they still didn't move.\u0026nbsp; I then realized, I didn't know how to move my toes.\u0026nbsp; I closed my eyes and focused on that one motion.\u0026nbsp; A sensation rushed through my feet.\u0026nbsp; The feeling of fabric moving across fur.\u0026nbsp; Upon opening my eyes, I saw and felt my toes and feet moving from beneath the sheets.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Wooooo Hooooo!\" I shouted as loud as I could, elated with the small motion.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Dr. Hall laughed, \"Very good, but let's take it slow for now.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; A nurse looked in from the door, \"Is everything alright Doctor?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"We're fine.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I continued to explore this new part of my body, rolling my legs from side to side and rubbing my feet together.\u0026nbsp; Extending and retracting my claws.\u0026nbsp; Then Dr. Hall got my attention then.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Xavier, let's take it slow.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Okay,\" I replied, slightly embarrassed at my childish delight and ceased the movement.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You're going to need a lot of physical therapy before you're walking again.\u0026nbsp; For now, take it easy, focus on recovering, and get some rest.\u0026nbsp; I know it all seems simple right now, but your body and mind are going to need time to get used to the new muscles and movements.\u0026nbsp; I do know, from the muscle development in your legs, and from the tissue regeneration behind the scars on your thigh, that at some point before your accident you could walk.\u0026nbsp; That will help the recovery, but not make it instantaneous.\u0026nbsp; The knowledge may still be locked up with the rest of your memory.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I listened to all this and took in what it meant.\u0026nbsp; None of the information Dr. Hall was telling me was shocking.\u0026nbsp; I had expected a lot of physical therapy and had not planned on jumping out of bed on day one.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well, unless you have any more questions for me, I'm sure there's someone who will want to see you, then you need to get some sleep.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I nodded and Dr. Hall left the room.\u0026nbsp; Moments later, Jaimie was rushing in.\u0026nbsp; I had just enough time to notice she had brought a package with her before she threw her arms around me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Akk!\" I choked out.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What was that Xander?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You're suffocating me.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Oh sorry,\" she said, straitening herself and looking slightly embarrassed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; She covered the awkward moment by turning and pulling a chair up to my bed.\u0026nbsp; When she turned back, a smile lit her face.\u0026nbsp; I grinned back, happy to see her.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Have fun watching the procedure?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It was... different.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Check out what I can do now though,\" I said excitedly and wiggled my toes again.\u0026nbsp; It was such a unusual and wonderful feeling.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Jaimie giggled and kissed my nose.\u0026nbsp; I gestured to the package she had brought.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What's in the box?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Jaimie grinned and handed it to me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Just a little something I got for you, when you recover that is.\u0026nbsp; I promise if you will.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I began unwrapping whatever it was, a small feeling of trepidation as I did.\u0026nbsp; Jaimie continued to speak however.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I promise to take you up in my helicopter if you promise,\" she pause until I was about to lift the lid off the box, \"to take me dancing!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I looked inside the box to see a pair of black shoes.\u0026nbsp; Laughing, I gave her big hug.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I promise, as soon as I get done with my therapy.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; We talked for a while, mostly about nothing important.\u0026nbsp; I was just happy to be done with surgery.\u0026nbsp; I had Jaimie at my side, and soon I'd be able to walk again.\u0026nbsp; A whole world of possibilities seemed to open before my eyes.\u0026nbsp; Life was really starting to look up for me now.\n\n  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"Fallout","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/191125-fallout-life-goes-on.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/201370-fallout-cyclics-and-surprises.json"}}