Page 40 of In the Shadows

“Let’s stick with Ricky.” He smiled at my mom. “Joe signed a waiver allowing us to speak freely with you regarding Joey’s injuries. They are quite severe. He has six staples stemming down a four inch gash in the back of his skull. Had your body not covered his in the crash, he may not have survived.”

That left me breathless and I could feel the tears building again. My mother was instantly at my side, taking my hand in hers, stilling my nerves.

“But at that point, the gash on his head had already happened as the metal on the side of the bus where he laid had already been torn away. His head was dragged along the asphalt and the severity of the head trauma he received was extensive. We took him off the ventilator yesterday, which was a feat in itself. Had he not been able to breathe on his own, well...” he trailed off, but I knew what he was getting at.

“The fact that he’s still with us today is nothing short of a miracle, but this is only the beginning. Until we see the swelling in his brain decrease, even a fraction, we’ll need to keep him in a medically induced coma.”

My mother slid some tissues into my hand.

The doctor stood. “I’ll leave you to rest. I’ll ask the staff to station another recliner in Joey’s room for you tomorrow. His father has been beside him, diligently as I know you will be as well. You’ll need physical therapy after your bone heals, I know some great doctors in Seattle I’ll refer you to. Take care, Mr. Branson.”

“Mom.”

“I know, baby, I know.”

About an hour later, Easton came back in with a duffle bag in hand. “I went shopping and got you guys some new clothes, shoes, and toiletries. I tried my best to fit your so called non-grunge look,” he smiled, “but at least you won’t be running through the bowels of the hospital commando.”

“Thanks, man, in case we haven’t told you before or even not enough, we appreciate all you do for us.” Now more than ever I felt it was important for those who made up my family to know they were loved and appreciated. No one knew when their last day on this earth would be and I’d be damned if anyone I loved left without knowing what they meant to me.

“Dad wants to know if you, Diamond, and Mickey would be willing to do a press conference tomorrow. The hospital said we can use their media room for it.” As if on cue, in walked Mickey and Diamond.

“I’ll go check on Joe while you guys talk band business,” my mom said, excusing herself from the room.

“What’s up?” Mickey asked.

“I was just telling Stoli that Dad would like for you guys to do a press conference tomorrow. Not sure if any of you have watched television since the accident, but the bus crash is on every station.” He retrieved the remote from the bedside table, clicking the TV on and turning it to a local news station.

“Yeah, Mickey and I caught a couple segments. Can’t say it was easy to watch,” Diamond said.

“I’ll help Stoli get ready in the morning when they release him so meet us here at his room at nine a.m. Then we’ll head over to the hospital conference room together. Rob’s funeral is Monday, I’ll make the flight arrangements for you guys. Stoli, I know you don’t want to leave Joey, but...”

Before he could say anymore I cut him off, “No I don’t want to leave Joey, but Rob was my friend too and I’d be a shitty friend if I didn’t go and pay my last respects.”

“Understood.”

We finished hashing out the details before the guys called it a night and headed back to the hotel.

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