Ezra wasn't sure where he was exactly when he first started coming to again. His body was hurting all over and it was hard for him to breathe. He could hear people talking around him, but they didn't seem to notice his small movements until he let out a whimper from the pain. He felt hands rush to cradle his face and he could feel water sliding down his face and he wasn't sure if they were his tears or the person holding him. He heard small shush whenever he opened his mouth, trying to speak but failing. The hands fell and suddenly a bright light hit his eyes and he winced a little. 

"He's got another concussion. His ribs are broken. His nose is also broken. He's lucky his lungs weren't punctured and there wasn't internal bleeding. This is the second time in a month that he's had a concussion. His speech may be a little slow and he might get confused a lot easier. Try and keep him in a dark room for a couple days. No solid foods right now if possible. He's lucky to still be alive Mr and Mrs Baer," the doctor said patting them on the back, "we've got a full house, so he's ready to leave once the papers are signed. He can't be on his feet until he sees me again in another month. Those ribs need a chance to heal."

Ezra made a small gesture and his mother quickly went to his side. She had a smile planted on her round face and she kissed him on the cheek a few times before letting his father come to his sons side. Abe grunted a little, but the fear was planted in his eyes. Ezra knew right away they'd thought they would be coming here to collect his body. He was sure his mother had already been planning who to invite to the funeral.

"Pa..." Ezra said quietly clenching his teeth at the pain from talking.

"Now son, you save your strength. We'll take you home and you'll sleep in the bedroom until you're all better. Mama and myself will sleep in the living room. We'll make sure you have care the whole time, and I'll be sure to bathe you every night," Abe said keeping his hands to himself. He wanted to reach out for his son, but the fear of never seeing him again lingered inside his body and he refused.

His mother nodded, "Let's get you home. Marta...Marta can stay with us for a bit if she would like to help care for you, but I don't want you outside in public with her ever again. She's caused you nothing but trouble Ezra. I know in your heart you feel like you love her,but Atalia is a nice Jewish girl and you wouldn't be risking your life for her," she said as she started crying again.

Ezra tried to protest, but his father held up a hand, "Let's get you out of this bed and head home."

It took a bit before they resurfaced to where Marta had been waiting, Ezra was half using his crutches and half leaning on his father with every step he took. His body felt like one huge bruise and every step sent pain straight through his body. He scanned the room for her and once his eyes landed on her hunched over body, he smiled. 

"Marta," he said in a weak yell as he took a step towards her. The crutch slipped from his hand and he let out a small yelp as his father quickly hooked his arm around his waist to keep him steady.