I Can Do This

Is Hutch trying to do too much too soon? Set after The Plague parts 1 and 2.

“I can do this.”

The words were softly spoken but held a determination that couldn’t be argued with. Not that there was anyone there to object or dissuade or interfere. He was alone for the first time in days and was glad of it.

Hutch swung his legs off the edge of the hospital bed and waited for the room to stop its slight spin. Then he carefully eased off the bed and onto the floor.

“I can do this.”

Slowly and carefully he made his way across the small room towards the toilet. It was a few yards but felt like a mile. Three days ago he’d been in a comatose state as his body had gradually shut down under the assault of the plague. He was lucky to still be alive. He knew that but he was also anxious and wondered just how long it would take to recover fully. Right now, full strength seemed a long way out of reach.

He made it to the toilet and grabbed hold of the door jamb to steady himself.

He’d made it. He’d proved to himself that he wasn’t a total invalid and that he could push himself a little. Of course, now he wasn’t sure he had the strength to walk all the way back again.

Beads of sweat broke out on his brow as he held onto the rail on the wall while he relieved himself.

A wave of dizziness rolled over him as he tried to decide whether to sit on the toilet or sit on the floor until he felt strong enough to move again. He heard the door of the hospital room opening and then there was a knock on the door.

“Hutch?”

“Yeah, you can come in.”

Starsky opened the door, took one look at his partner’s pale face and quickly rushed to his side, slipped an arm around him and took his weight.

“Ready to head back to bed?”

“Yeah.”

Wearily, Hutch leaned on his partner as he took slow steps back towards the bed. When they reached it, Starsky helped him climb back in and settle then he sat down on the chair beside the bed.

“You okay?”

“Yeah. Thanks…Your timing was excellent. Not sure I would have made it back.”

“But you made it one way,” Starsky said, with a tone of encouragement and pride. “I knew you’d be back on your feet soon.”

“Thanks. I wasn’t sure I would be,” Hutch admitted. “It seems to be taking forever to get better.”

Starsky shrugged. “Today, one walk, tomorrow two, the day after you’ll be running a marathon. You can do this, pal. And I’ll be right here backing you up whenever you need it.”

Hutch smiled. “Thanks. Maybe I won’t attempt a marathon this week.”

“Well, maybe a few days more,” Starsky conceded. “But it won’t be long, pal.”

Hutch nodded sleepily. He was grateful for the encouragement and he knew deep down, with Starsky in his corner, he could do anything.