Everyone in this story is 18 yrs old or older
*
Eric was the star quarterback of his high school's football team. A senior now, he had played that position for the last three years. He'd developed state wide recognition last year during their journey to the state championship. His efforts had rewarded him with praise from not only his school but the surrounding community.
He was surrounded by nothing but the best. The girls he chose to date were the most beautiful. The "friends" he hung out with were the most popular in school. He received many perks including, free meals at the best restaurants, free movie and theater tickets, etc. All this had given him a sense of entitlement and arrogance.
Any of the "average" students at school learned he had no use for them if they couldn't provide something he would benefit from. He had a very nasty way of dismissing them as if they were beneath him. This was especially true for any girls that didn't meet his absolutely gorgeous standard. He was loved by many and despised by as many or more fellow students.
Friday night's football game was nearly over when Eric was sacked by the opposing team. There were a few gasps from the crowd only because this wasn't a normal happening. But when Eric failed to get up the mumbling got loud.
"What's going on?" "Why isn't he getting up?" "Could he be knocked out?" "Is he injured?" All these questions could be heard coming from the hometown section.
Their questions were soon answered. An ambulance drove onto the field and several men loaded Eric into the vehicle and rushed off. The game continued with the number two quarterback.
At the hospital the coach and Eric's parents were anxiously waiting for anyone to give them any information on his condition. After what seemed like an eternity a gowned figure emerged from the ER.
"Hi, I'm Dr. Sherry Jones. I've been treating Eric's injuries," as she addressed his parents and coach. "The good news is there's nothing too serious. He is however very banged up and has multiple strains and deep contusions. He will be fine but will need some intensive on hands therapy for a week or so. I would recommend our expert staff here at the hospital for that."
Eric's mother suggested he'd be better off at home where she could take good care of him.
Dr. Jones smiled and continued to explain, "The kind of therapy he will need entails equipment and assistance of several trained staff members. He will heal a great deal faster in a proper environment like this one. But of course the decision is up to you."
The coach stepped in and asked, "Could this injury effect his future in sports?"
"Oh definitely, if he doesn't receive the correct type of therapy his injuries could heal incorrectly and be detrimental," the Dr. said.
After a brief sidebar both the parents and coach agreed with the Dr.s advice and Eric would stay in the hospital for treatment. After relaying their decision to Eric his parents said good night and they would see him the next day.
Eric was still somewhat groggy from the pain medication he'd been given in the ER but somewhat understood what his parents had explained to him. And for the rest of the night he was in and out of consciousness.
He was awakened early the next morning by busy medical staff running in and out of his room. Someone was taking his temperature while another was checking his blood pressure. After a bit of this he growled saying, "Hey I'm sick here, let me get some rest!"
The staff tried to explain that all they were doing was the regular routine, done with every patient.
Eric's comeback was, "Well if you're not aware, I'm hardly just ANY patient.!"
They looked at each other thinking, "Oh hell, not another one of these nasty patients and so young too." The word spread throughout the ward about their new arrogant patient.
Dr. Jones came into Eric's room smiling and greeting him with an uplifting, "Good morning Eric. How are we feeling this morning?"
Eric in turn replied, "How do you think I feel? I wasn't able to sleep at all. If I wasn't in pain, someone was waking me up, taking my temperature or something silly like that."
"I'm sorry you had a difficult night but with your injuries I'm not too surprised," the Dr. answered.
"So how long am i going to be stuck in this torcher chamber?" He asked as he cringed when he tried to adjust his position in bed. "Oh fuck, that hurt," he exclaimed.
"You're going to be extremely sore until we get your therapy started. Both your arms have strains and will need a lot of attention. In addition your left leg, specifically the upper thigh, will require intense therapy. So to answer your question, you'll be here at least a week." Dr. Jones replied.
"Wow, that's some shit. I can't wait," Eric mumbled.
"We'll get your therapy started right after breakfast. The sooner we start the sooner you'll be out of here," Dr. Jones said with a hint of sarcasm.
After the Dr. left a young girl brought Eric's breakfast in and put it on the tray. Without even acknowledging her. He started trying to eat but found his arms were so sore he couldn't lift them. The girl who had brought the food in moved in to help feed him. "This is slop, can't anybody do anything right around this dump?" Was all Eric said.
The young girl simply said, "Sorry" and continued feeding the arrogant patient.
When he had finished his food Eric noticed his appearance. Under his sheet he was only clad in a hospital gown. The kind that gapes open unless tied in the back. He thought this wouldn't do. He needed his silk pajamas.
Before he could call his mom to bring his silk pjs, a middle aged woman entered his room. She was followed by a group of three young girls.
"Hi Eric, I'm Janet Swift, your physical therapist. It's nice to meet you," she said.
"How fucking soon can I get out of this dump?" Was Eric's reply.
"Well Eric that depends on how much work you're willing to put into it. The more you help us, the more it helps you," she said.
"That's crap. Just do your job and fix me," Eric said.
"Ok Eric we'll do our very best to get you well as soon as possible," Janet replied.
"And while you're at it get me something decent to wear besides this garbage gown thing," he demanded.
"I'm sorry Eric but in order to do the kind of therapy you need we need access to areas of your body without having to change clothing every time. Besides, it's hospital policy that every patient wear these gowns, no exceptions," Janet stated.
"How fuckin' stupid. I knew this was a shit hole. I'm glad I won't be here any longer than I have to be," was his reply. And in her face you could see Janet's sentiments aligned. She too hoped his stay there would be short.
"Ok then let's get your examination started. Oh by the way this is a teaching hospital and I've brought three students to observe and learn different therapy techniques. You may know some of these girls. They are seniors at your school." Janet informed him.
Eric didn't know the girls but they looked somewhat familiar. After all they were not the girls he would hang out with. They were the ugos, the sausage fingered pimply faced bottom feeders. These are the girls he had shunned and made fun of all through high school. He'd laugh with his friends about these girls even considering being seen in public with him.
