I pulled her into a tight hug and began to cry on her shoulder.
"It's gonna be okay." she said quietly.
"No it's not." I whispered.
"Shhh." she said.
After I pulled muself together, I introduced Tara to Walker, Diana, and Zac.
Tara and Zac started a small, short-lived conversation. I think they would've been more interested in each other, had it not been such a sad situation.
We sat and waited for 8 hours. Zac, Tara, and I all fell asleep. Finally, a doctor emerged from behind the closed doors. He had a sullen look on his face.
Diana stood up. "How is he?"
"Mr. and Mrs. Hanson." the doctor began. "I hate to have to tell you this..but, your son is paralyzed. We've done all we can for him." Diana burst into a fresh set of tears and I began shaking violently.
"Will he walk again?" Walker asked.
"I'm afraid not." the doctor said sadly.
Tears fell like rain out of my eyes. "Can we see him?" Diana asked.
"Only family." the doctor said. "We've moved him into ICU."
Tara stayed in the waiting room while the doctor led Walker, Diana, Zac, and I down a small hall. We stopped in front of a white door.
"I want you to be prepared for what you are about to see. Taylor will look normal to you." the doctor said, opening the door.
Everyone went in.
Taylor was laying on a bed, surrounded by machines. His eyes were shut tightly. He looked okay; he only had a few scratches on his neck. His cheeks were their natural rosy pink, as well as his lips. His long blond hair was strewn on the pillow. But under that sheet, I knew all was not well.
I began to cry again. I picked up his limp hand and held it to my cheek as I cried.
"Talk to him." the doctor said. "He can hear you."
"Tay." I began. "I'm here, baby." By this time, tears were flooding down my cheeks. "I'm so sorry about the fight." I said shakily. "I love you so much."
Diana and Walker talked to him, then Zac did. Zac tried to joke, but it was no use.
After a while, an erie silence fell over the room. We stayed until a doctor told us that visiting hours were over.
I decided to take Joey home and get some rest. Tara went with me.
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When we got home, Tara took Joey to get a bath, and I took a shower.
After Tara had showered as well, she came and sat on the bed next to me. No words were spoken. She began to stroke my hair. I smiled weakly. Soon we both fell into a restless sleep.
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