Kevin, Mira, and Mick returned to the hospital when they'd finished eating. The same nurse as before told Kevin he still had to wait half an hour before he could see Will again.
"He's awake still, and seems to be doing well," she said. "He'll probably be moved out of the ICU within the next twelve hours, barring any complications. However, until then"—she looked seriously at Kevin—"you're to do nothing to upset him. I meant it when I told you he needs peace and quiet."
Kevin was tempted to say he had planned on going into the room beating a drum and screaming, but thought better of it. He doubted she'd see the humor in that. So he just nodded then started pacing the waiting room, looking at the clock every five minutes.
"Step two three, step two three, glide," Mick said, watching him.
"Shush. I'm nervous and scared and…"
"I know," Mick replied, moving in front of him. Ignoring the other people in the waiting room—and there were several—he wrapped his arms around Kevin. "Just take deep breaths and… breathe."
"I'm trying to." Kevin sighed then smiled at him. "Thank you."
"Just doing my duty. Keeping someone I really like from blowing up or…or melting down. Take your pick."
"Both?"
"Yeah, probably." Mick released his hold on Kevin, taking his hand instead. "Better?"
"Yes. No. I liked being held but…" He looked around.
"Too public, I get that, but I don't think anyone's really paying attention. They're all in the same boat we are, worried about someone in there." When Kevin sobered, Mick said, "I shouldn't have pointed that out, I guess."
"It's okay. It's true." Kevin looked at the clock again.
"Three minutes," Mick told him, squeezing his hand.
As if she'd overheard him, the nurse appeared, telling Kevin he could go in to see Will.
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