I would like to thank all my friends who kept telling me that I should write DM Fan fictions besides coming up with ideas for others to write. This is a Steve hurt/comfort and/or a Steve/Mark Relationship Story.

This is a Steve based story.

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Blind Mirage

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Beach House Morning After “Deadly Mirage” (On The Beach)

“Steve you are going to wear this Superman costume all day rather you like it or not.”

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“Dad I’ll look ridiculous.”

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“Exactly I told you I’d get back at you.”

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“But Dad a Superman costume in February at my age! I’ll be a laughing stock. At least let me stay home it is my day off.”

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“No you’re going to wear it at Bob’s and don’t think about changing before you get there. Jesse is going to be checking up on you and if you don’t have the costume on including the cape I’ll hear about it. And if that happens well..”

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“Well what Dad?”

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“If you don’t you can find yourself a cardboard box over in the park to live.”

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“You can’t be serious!”

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“Try me.”

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Doctors’ Lounge

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“You’re not really making Steve where a Superman costume are you?”

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“Yes I am Amanda.”

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“If Steve takes it off today are you really going to kick him out?”

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“Of course not Jesse I love my son.”

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BBQ Bob’s

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Steve is all dressed in the Superman costume his dad made him wear including cape. He has been teased frequently and has smiled through it all. Once the word had gotten out his fellow officers had enjoyed taking turns to just casually show up at Bob’s to take a look at Steve in his Superman’s costume and crack Superman jokes at Steve’s expense.

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After six hours and no sign of Jesse Steve was wondering if his father had been bluffing. Then Jesse came in. “Hi Steve I see you’re still wearing the costume.”

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“Yea Jess some friend you are checking up on me.”

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“Hey I had no choice.”

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“What do you mean you had no choice? Did my dad threaten you into wearing a Jimmy Olsen costume?”

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“No he said if I didn’t help out he wouldn’t let me take any pictures.” Jesse then took out a pocket camera and started taking pictures.

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“I hope Dad’s satisfied. I’ve had a humiliating day thanks to him.”

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“Cheer up Steve it’s just for one day.”

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“One day to you. For me it’s felt like an eternity.”

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Just then two masked men came through the door.

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“Ok everybody this is a hold up everybody against the wall. Steve and Jesse and the two customers they had at the time did as they were told.

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“Who’s in charge here?”

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“We are” Steve said as he pointed to Jesse not wanting one of the customers injured.

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“You there” he pointed to Jesse “take the money out of the till and if there’s any trouble we’ll see if Superman really can’t be hurt by a bullet.”

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Jesse took the money out of the cash register and carefully handed it to one of the armed men.

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“Very good.” One of the masked men said. “Now that’s just see if Superman can’t be hurt. Superman come here.”

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“You’ve got the money there’s no need to hurt anyone said Steve as he obeyed the masked man’s request.” Steve was not worried for himself but for his best friend and their customers.

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Steve was shot and the force of the impact sent Steve flying a few feet. Steve hit the edge of the counter with the back of his head and slithered to the floor.

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One of the masked men laughed “I guess Superman can be hurt by a bullet.”

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“Come on we better get out of here.” His partner said.

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“Call an ambulance” Jesse shouted to one of the customers. “You come here and help me” he said to the other one.

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Jesse examined Steve the bullet looked like it hit Steve in his right shoulder. It was Steve’s head injury when he hit the counter that Jesse was worried about. Jesse had the customer cover Steve’s shoulder and put pressure on the wound. Then Jesse went to get his medical bag.

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Steve woke up a few minutes later. “Steve you had me worried there buddy.”

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“What happened?” Steve asked drowsily.

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“You were shot now just relax Steve while I tend to you while we wait for the ambulance.”

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“Wait what about Bob’s?”

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“Steve this is no time to worry about the restaurant.”

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“Don’t worry Lt. Sloan” the customer said who was helping Jesse “I’ll make sure the restaurant is closed.”

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“And I’ll help” said the other one who had finished calling for help.

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“Thanks you two. Dinner is on the house next time you two come here to eat.”

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“There you go again” Steve said as he drifted off to sleep again, “giving out free meals.”

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The paramedics arrived and were getting ready to transport Steve to Community General when Jesse said “Just a minute guys I want to check his pupils.” Jesse checked Steve’s pupils and noticed one pupil was beginning to grow larger then the other. “Ok guys lets get him to the hospital.”

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The ambulance rushed Steve and Jesse to the hospital. Mark heard that Jesse and his son were coming in and that once again Steve would be a patient at Community General. Jesse took Steve to an examination room with Mark closely following. Jesse checked his pupils again and Steve woke up.

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“Ouch my head hurts!”

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“Take it easy son Jesse will give you something as soon as he’s finished the examination.”

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“I can’t see! I can’t see!”

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“Steve, son you need to relax so Jesse can help you. Please calm down.”

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“Calm down! Steve shouted it’s your fault this happened. I hate you Dad! Get out! I never want to see you again!” Steve yelled.

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“Mark we’d better step outside for a few minutes. Nurse I’ll be right back.” “Yes Dr. Travis” the nurse replied.

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Mark and Jesse step outside. “Mark you know Steve didn’t mean what he said. There must be something seriously wrong I’m doing a CT scan. Maybe that will help us know what we’re dealing with.”

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“Jesse I know Steve didn’t mean it. But I think he was right. I shouldn’t have taken revenge on him the way I did for inviting Sudie over. He was just trying to save the hospital from being sued.”

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“Mark I’m going back inside and taking Steve down for testing. I’ll come up to see you when I can.”

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“Thanks Jess. I’ll be in the doctors’ lounge.”

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While Mark was waiting for Jesse to return Captain Newman and Amanda came. “Sorry to have taken so long Mark. We were gathering up as much evidence as we could which isn’t much. These two guys who did the robbery didn’t leave a great deal of evidence. They used gloves and never said their names. And there were only four witnesses. We talked to the two customers already and they couldn’t remember anything that would help us in any way. When can we talk to your son and Dr. Travis?”

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“I’m afraid not for some time Captain. Steve wasn’t acting normal so Jesse took him down for testing.”

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“Captain Newman” Amanda spoke what’s going to happen if you can’t get these two?”

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“Dr. Bentley we’ll do our best believe me. Take care of your son Doctor. Let me know when the Lieutenant or Dr. Travis are ready to give their statements.”

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“I will Captain and thanks.”

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“Don’t mention it Mark. Your son is the best detective I have.”

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Several hours later Jesse walked into the doctors’ lounge.

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“Jesse how’s my son?”

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“Mark we did a CT scan and noticed Steve was suffering from subacute subdural? hemorrhage.”

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“That would explain Steve’s blindness and his outburst.”

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“Yes Mark it does. We’ve managed to remove the clot. Steve’s in the ICU to monitor for any signs of complications.”

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“Can I see him Jesse?”

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“Yes I’ll take you there.”

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“I’ll go with you too Mark.”

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“Amanda thanks for staying with me.”

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“Mark any time. You know that.”

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Mark and Amanda follow Jesse to the ICU room where Steve was at. Mark saw all the equipment hooked up on his son. He didn’t like seeing his son this way but he knew they were important.

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“Mark the neurologist gave Steve Phenytoin before the operation to decrease the risk of early posttraumatic seizures. He is only going to give Steve Phenytoin for 7 days after the injury because it is not effective in preventing late posttraumatic seizures.

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“That’s good to know Jesse as you know patients have an estimated risk of greater than 20% for developing posttraumatic epilepsy after an subacute SDH.”

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“Mark the neurologist wanted me to remind you that people who develop a subdural hemorrhage are at risk of developing seizures, even after the hematoma has been treated. He wants to prescribe anticonvulsant medications for a year.”

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“Ok Jesse that sounds reasonable. I don’t want my son to develop epilepsy.”

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“Mark hopefully the medications will prevent it from happening.” Amanda said.

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“Mark the neurologist is going to give Steve a follow-up CT scan within 24-hours to make sure the clot has been completely removed.”

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“That sounds like a great idea to me Jesse. But what about Steve’s eyes will he be able to see again?”

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“Mark” Amanda said you know that with any brain injury symptoms can be slow to go away after a subdural hematoma is treated, and some symptoms may be permanent. It’s just too early to tell.”

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“But Mark Steve has a good chance I mean he’s healthy, he got medical help immediately and he’s only had a few symptoms but I don’t think Steve’s eyesight will improve for several days.”

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“Or….never.” Mark was afraid to say.

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“Yes Mark… or never.” Jesse was afraid to agree even though they all three knew that Steve could be permanently blind.

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“Dr. Travis to ICU.. Dr. Travis to ICU.” The intercom blared.

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“Mark I better go it’s probably about Steve.”

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“Ok Jesse.”

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Jesse goes into Steve’s ICU room and noticed a couple of nurses were restraining his hands. “Dr. Travis” one of the nurses said Lt. Sloan seemed to be confused and was trying to pull out his breathing tube.”

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“Ok nurse thank you.”

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Jesse helped the nurses finish putting Steve’s arms in restraint and Jesse talked to Steve. “Steve it’s alright the breathing tube is in there to help you. We’ll have it out when you are a little stronger. Just try to relax buddy.”

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Steve calmed down and went back to sleep. While he was asleep Mark came to visit him. Mark was afraid to see his son while he was awake until he knew for sure how he would react. He knew that patients who have had an acute subdural hemorrhage are often combative and he didn’t want to cause his son to get upset.

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Jesse gave his statement to Captain Newman. Unfortunately he couldn’t add anymore then the two customers did. He also told the captain that Steve wouldn’t be able to be questioned for some time.

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Mark sat with his son for hours just watching his son sleep and hoping that things worked out. And once again blaming himself for forcing Steve to wear the Superman’s costume. Mark noticed that Steve was beginning to stir and quietly left the room before Steve could hear that someone was in the room with him.

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Mark let Jesse know that Steve was waking up and Jesse went into check him. Jesse noticed that Steve was improving so he removed the breathing tube so Steve would be more comfortable. “How do you feel buddy?” Jesse asked Steve hoping that Steve would ask about his father so Jesse could know if Steve still felt the same way.

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“What…happened?”

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“Steve you had a subdurral hematoma but we managed to get to it on time and you should be fine in a couple of days.”

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“Jess would you please stop talking in medical terms and tell me why I can’t see?”

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“Steve you had a collection of blood on the surface of your brain. It formed a blood clot that had to be removed with surgery and that’s what caused your blindness.”

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“But I should be able to see in a few days?”

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“Yes Steve you should be able to see in a few days but if it takes a week or so don’t let it bother you.” Jesse was very hopeful that he hadn’t lied to his best friend in telling him he would see again.

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“..Jess where’s my father?”

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“He’s outside Steve do you want him to come in?”

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“Yes please Jess. I remembered my outburst and I need to apologize to him.”

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“Steve don’t worry Mark understands but I’ll get him.” Jesse opens the door and signals Mark to come in.

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“Hi son.”

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“Dad I’m so sorry for the things I said can you ever forgive me?”

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“Steve don’t worry I wasn’t upset and I’m glad you said those things.”

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“Glad? Dad how can you be grateful I said those things to you?”

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“Because son it let Jess and I know right away there was something seriously wrong with you. Jesse and the neurologist operated on you as soon as possible and because they did the chances of you gaining your eyesight are excellent.”

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“I know Jesse told me. But somehow I think he was only telling me what you, Jess, Amanda, and I want to hear.”

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“Why do you say that son?”

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“Because Dad you just told me my ‘chances’ of gaining my eyesight were excellent. You didn’t say it was 100% for sure you said ‘chances’.”

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“You’re right Steve. I’m sorry I wasn’t totally honest with you buddy.” Jesse said admitting he had wanted to avoid telling his best friend that although the operation appeared to have been a complete success they wouldn’t know for sure if Steve would recover his eyesight.

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Several days had gone by. Steve still hadn’t regained his eyesight. Steve was worried that he would never see again. He was not alone Mark, Jesse, and Amanda were worried also.

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“I want to go home!” Steve said for the millionth time it seemed.

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“Steve buddy I know you want to go home but you still need to be here for observation.”

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“Jess my dad’s a doctor remember? He can observe me at home. Please Dad, Jess I can’t take it in here any longer!”

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“Jess, you’re Steve’s doctor it’s up to you but I can watch him at home.”

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Jesse considers for a few minutes and then relents ok Steve but I’m giving you strict orders about what to do and not to do.”

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“And I’ll be with you all the time Steve to make sure they’re followed son.”

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Steve shrugs. “Deal now tell me so I can get out of here!”

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“Ok Steve,” Jesse says # 1 take your medications exactly as prescribed.”

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“I’ll be sure he does that Jess.”

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“I know you will Mark. # 2 rest in bed, stay warm, and limit your normal activities as much as possible for a few days. You have to stick to your liquid diet for a couple more days Steve.”

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“Oh Jess. Please not that!”

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“Sorry buddy if you want to go home you have to follow doctor’s orders.”

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“And son that’s whether you like it or not.”

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“I’ll make sure he stays on his liquid diet for the next couple of days Jess.”

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“Ok Mark knows he has to wake you every few hours and watch for any symptoms of headaches, confusion, seizures, difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing, enlargement of a single pupil, vision changes, eye pain.”

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“Wouldn’t changes to my vision be a good thing?”

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“Yes Steve. Sorry I got carried away listing all the normal things to watch out for. But you are right. Changes to your vision would be a good thing.”

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“And finally Mark make sure that area around the scalp incision stays dry and change the dressing regularly.”

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“Don’t worry Jess I will.”

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Steve was having trouble adjusting to being blind. “Dad I’m tired of this. Tired of bumping into things.”

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“Steve I know that son.”

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“Dad how can you know what I’m going through?” Steve snapped.

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“Steve you’re my son when you hurt I hurt. When you’re a father some day you’ll understand.”

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“Dad I’m sorry I got cross with you but what am I going to do?”

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“Steve I could ask for a referral for you. Get someone trained in helping the blind.”

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“Dad it’s permanent isn’t it?”

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“Steve we don’t know this. I know you sometimes get headaches, occasional dizziness and sometimes you fall asleep right after dinner. This is called post concussion syndrome and it usually improves within three months.

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There was a knock on the front door of the beach house. Mark got up to answer it. A pretty woman in her 30’s was there. “Hello I was sent here to help Lieutenant Steve Sloan my name is Tammy Olsen and I do part time work helping the blind.”

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“Come in..Miss..”

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“Just call me Tammy.”

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“Excuse me” said Steve speaking from the couch where he was relaxing. “You said part time. What do you do the rest of the time?”

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“I care for my family. I presume you’re Steve. My husband was born blind and together we have three children. Our youngest inherited my husband’s blindness.”

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“I’m sorry.

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“Don’t be I love my husband and all my children very much. Now lets get started.”

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“Excuse me” said Mark I’ll leave so you two can work.”

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“Nonsense” said Tammy “this is for you as well as for Steve.”

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Tammy taught Steve and Mark how the table setting for the blind worked. All the food was placed in a clock formation. She also taught Steve how to take steps and count in between the different furniture and the stairs and to memorize them all so he wouldn’t bump into things.

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By the end of the session both Steve and Mark were more at ease about Steve’s blindness. They knew that Steve had skills to help him cope. Although they knew they had more to learn. They also hoped it wouldn’t be necessary.

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One month had gone by and Steve still couldn’t see. Steve and Mark were trying the best they could to cope. When Mark needed some time away Jesse came to help out. Mark and Jesse both made sure Steve was able to get out and not spend his time as a hermit cooped up in the house.

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The police had been to see Steve numerous times about what happened at Bob’s that day and to keep him updated.

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Steve woke up one morning two months after the surgery and at first Steve thought he was dreaming. He carefully went up the stairs to find his dad. His dad was cooking breakfast.

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“Dad!”

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“Steve what’s wrong?”

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“Dad my eyesight’s coming back!”

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“Steve that’s wonderful! How well can you see Steve?”

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“Right now everything I see is fuzzy. I’m hoping my vision will get clearer.”

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“Yes Steve your vision will get better. You should be able to notice an improvement in your vision every day although it will be slight. But I have every reason to believe your eyesight will be back to normal… Steve lets plan a celebratory dinner tonight with Jesse and Amanda.”

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“That sounds great Dad.”

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Steve, Mark, Jesse and Amanda rejoiced that Steve’s eyesight was returning.

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Captain Newman came to the beach house to personally break the news to Steve and his dad about the case. The police had worked as hard as they could but they just couldn’t find the two men responsible for the robbery and the attempted murder of one of their own. Steve and Mark were upset that they were going to get away with it but they knew the police had tried their hardest, and then some.

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Mark and Steve invited Jesse and Amanda over to talk about the case. Amanda wasn’t available as she was doing an autopsy.

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“I really hate that those two goons are going to get away because there isn’t enough evidence! Jesse says disgusted at learning that there wasn’t enough evidence to find the two men.

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“Jess I don’t like it anymore than you do. But sometimes there just isn’t enough evidence no matter how much hard work the police put into it.”

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“But Steve perhaps if they kept trying? Start over from the beginning anything but turning this into a cold case file!”

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“Jess I understand believe me. It tears me inside every time I have to visit the relatives of a homicide victim and tell them that there isn’t enough evidence and their loved one won’t get the justice that he or she deserves. I can still remember the first time it happened. I was still in uniform and this 10-year-old boy was found murdered. I was in charge of the investigation and as much as I tried I just couldn’t find his killer. But Dad was there to see me through the heartache. My Dad has always been there for me.”

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“But Steve how do you go on knowing that there is a killer who has gotten away with murder?”

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“Jess how do you go on when after you’ve done all you can a patient still dies?”

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“If I know that I’ve done the best I can then that’s all I can expect from myself. I know I can’t do miracles all the time.”

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“Jess that’s it. If I truly believe that there isn’t anything else I could have done differently then I too know that I can’t perform miracles either.

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“Steve you do realize I had to buy the Superman costume.” Said Mark.? “But I know you don’t want any reminders of what happened that night so… how about we bury the costume?”

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“Dad that sounds like a great father/son activity I’ll go get the shovel.”

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The End

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