PG - 13 to be safe
Nope, still don't own them - still playing with them.

Thanks Ritt for all your hard work and being my beta for this story.

A/N: I wanted to leave it in a happy place, I'm not sure how often I will be able to update. Going into the One Act Play Contest Season and I'm trying to do Shakespeare with Middle School students. I know it is a short chapter, but maybe the happy ending makes up for it?...Maybe?

Thanks for everyone who reads and takes the time to leave a review. I appreciate all who read my story. Please review, it makes my day!

"Charlie, run and get the doctor…Hurry Charlie."

Then major disappointment and setbacks. Charlie optimistic outlook kept getting dashed. One step forward, two steps back. Anticipation brought alive with the words," I feel encouraged…looks like a good sign." But so far nothing appeared to be happening. Movement. Little things like, Don's hands clenching open and closed. Charlie stared at the sterile white walls, empty of life and for the hundredth time he wondered why they couldn't get a break. Hope dashed once again as Don continued to remain unresponsive. Dr. Hinchman believed that it was just a matter of time, a really good sign – but Charlie couldn't do it anymore.

96 hours

Swish, Tick tock, Beep.

"Well, you're taking your sweet time." accused Charlie as his eyes flashed and anger engulfed him. "What's your problem…why won't you wake up…why are you punishing us? Dad…you should have seen his face…he was so excited, positive that you're finally waking up…coming back to us." He paced back and forth and ignored Don clenching his right hand into a fist. "Selfish…that's what you are. You only care about your pain. Well, are you happy?" Anger surged and he felt the need to punch something, to strike back and unable to stop his mouth. "You always run away…when the going really gets tough you run. What the hell did I do that was so awful, that you're always running away from me? Can you…" He stopped mid-sentence as he saw a pair of eyes staring at him. He rushed over as Don clutched at the tubing and major panic consumed his actions. Just before irreversible damage occurred, Charlie grasped Don hands and attempted to calm him down. "Don, I'm sorry…its okay…You're on a ventilator to help you breathe. "Don, look at me. That's it. I know it's excruciating and just plain awful. Just let it do its job, and I'll get the nurse in here…It won't take them long to get you off. You have to stop fighting it…okay…you with me?" Panic started to take over as he has to wrestle with his brother and then suddenly it was over. In that moment, he hit the button and prayed the nurse would come promptly. "Don…open your eyes…I need to see your eyes…please?"

"Sorry, we're really understaffed right now…"

Ignoring the nurse, Charlie's focused on his brother's still features. "He opened his eyes and then tried to take out the tube, I had to grab his hands to keep him from hurting himself. Damn it, Don! Wake up! Don't you dare slip back oblivion!"

Don eyes cracked open as if it took a force of nature to keep them that way.

Then he cast a look at the machine and Charlie realized that it was still forcing air into his brother's lungs. He'd been told it wasn't a very comfortable feeling. He realized that he still held his brother's hands and that he felt a slight pressure on his right hand. It wasn't a strong grip, but it was there. His brother was finally communicating again. He was on the road to recovery and this nightmare would soon be over. Looking over his shoulder he finally noticed the nurse. It was the witch from the ER. What on earth was she doing here?

"Look, I know that you don't want me here. But I think your brother would rather that I remove the tube. I promise I know what I'm doing and I won't harm him." Slightly nervous, she watched their reactions. The man that had almost gotten her fired. She was lucky to just get a demotion and put on the night shift…but one more mistake, one more confrontation with a patient and this time she would be fired. "Okay, I'll go and see if I can get another nurse or the doctor in here. I'm afraid it will take some time. I can assure you that I didn't intend on being here right now, but we've got an emergency's going on and they were short handed, so I was asked to see what you needed." She shook her head and walked toward the door.

"Wait…I don't want you here, but Don needs someone now." Seeing the tight features on his brother's face, he recognized that he must help his brother even if it meant letting her near him again. "You, promise you know what you're doing?"

"Yes, I do know how to do this and instructions were left on the chart to have this done as soon as your brother woke up. I'm following orders, and I've done this before." Once again she turned away, "Look… I understand your feelings. I'll try to find a doctor or someone else. Just try to keep him calm. Dr. Hinchman anticipated this possibility and left instructions…we were only waiting for him to wake up."

Charlie glanced at his brother and saw his eyes were damp. "Please, he needs help now…"

Carol swiftly crossed to the patient. "When I tell you to, cough." In a short order, the tube is removed and an air cannula is placed under his nose. "Just a precaution till the doctor can examine him. I'll go and page the attending doctor now, and later you can talk with Dr. Hinchman as well."

"Thanks," With a nod she walked out, and Charlie once again gave his brother his attention. Eyes watched him but his brother made no attempt to speak. He gently took Don's hand and gave it a light squeeze. "I expect, you have a few questions." Thoughts of calling his father fluttered into his awareness, but he couldn't let go yet. He soaked in the brief moment of eye contact until Don yawned and drifted back into slumber. "Please let him be okay. Please…I promise I'll take care of him, just let him be okay."

"His speech is improving, but recovery takes time…but he has that on his side. We still need to proceed cautiously, as Don doesn't remember anything of his last case," explained Dr. Hinchman. "Retrogradepost-traumatic amnesia isn't that unusual and he may still regain his memory of the events that transpired before his injury. We will need to do more tests and a psych evaluation. As you requested, he's been moved to a private room but I still think it would be wise for you both to go home and get some rest."

"I do understand all that you've said, but for tonight we need to be with him." Alan's response made it quite clear his true feelings on the matter. As far as he was concerned his boy needed him by his side and that was just where he would stay.

Finally, alone with Don in his room. Almost silent – as silent as a hospital ever gets. No beeps or monitors to drive him insane. Then Don's eyes opened and he smiled. A big grin that made you feel as though everything is safe and almost normal. Charlie grinned and finally laughter filled the room as all three shared in the joy of seeing Don alive and on the road to recovery. It might be rocky, but together they would handle it – as a family. For one blessed moment all was well in the world.