Dream On, chapter 5

"We've been here ages, Billie," Tre said, nudging his friend whose head rested on his shoulder gently. "Maybe we should go... " The smell of disinfectant in the crowded hospital was making Tre feel sick. Billie Joe's head jerked up to look at Tre. There were tears in his eyes. "He's been in there ages Tre it shouldn't take that long to operate he could be in danger what if he is what if he dies-" Billie Joe babbled fearfully, eyes wide. Tre cut him off. "The doctors said it would probably take a while. It's complicated. We should really go home. We could get the doctors to call if anything happens. OK?" Billie Joe stared at the ground. "But I don't wanna leave him... " He mumbled. Tre stroked his hair gently. "C'mon, he's in good hands. He'll be OK. He's a survivor. You know he is." Tre stood up, preparing to leave. Billie Joe reluctantly followed him over to the doctor. They talked for a while and then Billie Joe and Tre left. Billie Joe was silent the whole bus ride home. The bus pulled up at their stop and they got off. They walked home in silence. Billie Joe went into his room and fell asleep. He was exhausted. Tre stayed up for hours. Then the phone rang. Billie Joe woke up quickly and picked it up on the other line just after Tre did. What he heard terrified him even more.
Tre: How is he?
The doctor: I'm very sorry sir.
Tre: What happened?!?
The doctor: Your friend... *sighs* Your friend reacted badly to the anaesthetic. There was nothing we could do. He-
Tre: Is he alive?
The doctor: Yes. But he has gone into a coma. His chances of recovery are slim. I'm sorry.
Tre: I... Thank you for calling...
The doctor: Goodbye.
Billie Joe sat numb in shock. There was nothing but Tre's echoing sobs of fear and grief.