Jake healed well over the next two days. With the pain subsiding, he was progressively able to do things for himself more. I loved assisting him, although I think he became more annoyed over time at my zealousness. It was pride for him to be able to do things for himself. I could see at times when he was annoyed, and understood.
I've never taken so much care for someone before. I surprised myself at how much I enjoyed it. I enjoyed trimming his beard, helping him change and even washing him in the restroom. All of it embarrassed him, but truly I really enjoyed it. It felt so fulfilling.
The time came when the doctor advised that Jake was ready to go back to our usual cell. "Well Jake, you've recovered really well. I'm surprised at how fast those shoulders healed. Lucky your buddy was here to keep the pressure off of those arms," said the doctor as he turned to look at me. I smiled to myself.
"Thanks doc. Look I know I'm overstepping a bit but would you mind if we go back tomorrow morning? I think one more night on this bed would really do me good. I'll be completely 100% well," explained Jake.
With all the frustrations Jake had been through, I thought he'd be more than happy to get out as soon as possible. And he seemed 100% fine to me already. I was perplexed as to his request.
"Hmm, well I did plan for you to be here for 5 days. So, I'll allow you this one night, but not a moment longer hey. Tomorrow, your breakfast will be taken at the food hall with everyone else," said the doctor. He was being a bit accommodating but also didn't want to be taken advantage of either. Many prisoners loved to stay long at medical solitary.
"I'll stay with him, in case he needs me," I mentioned, before he could think of sending me back to the cell. He agreed.
And so we were to spend one last night there. I thought that maybe Jake looked fine but was still in some pain underneath. Another dreaded night on the floor for me, I thought.
Jake did everything for himself in the evening, and our dinner was served. He could feed himself so I decided to eat at my chair.
"Daniel, get over here!" Jake commanded, "Let's eat together." I sat on his bed, he moved over to make it comfortable for me. I was about to put the first morsel into my mouth, when he gently blocked it down. "I said, let's eat together," and Jake then fed me with his hand. Gosh I felt like a kid. "I don't have many good memories. I want to make better ones." He said.