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[ringleadering]

[ With how in tune he tended to be, Rick had already turned towards Carl before he even exclaimed anything else and Shane stormed over. The anger he felt for his former best friend simmered in the background in favor of focusing on Carl and making sure he didn't hurt himself in his agitation. The last thing they needed was for him to have a relapse, especially so soon after waking up in the first place.

Letting out a calming breath, he approached closer to Carl's bed on the opposite side from Lori. ]

Carl, look at me. Remember what the doctor said - steady breaths. In and out. Tell me what is upsettin' ya. We'll figure it out.

[ The frustration he felt towards Lori and Shane only heightened because neither knew how to deal with this. HE had been the one to sit with the doctors in all the meetings and HE had been the one to attend the support groups. Had it been difficult? Of course, but he wanted to make sure to be there for Carl and make up for all the days he missed in the past because of work. Never again. He wouldn't miss one single day ever again. ]

We can work out anythin' together. You know that.

[ Lori looked angry but she took a step forward to murmur similar things to Carl. ]

[postocular]

[ It's hard to catch a breath, to even think past the red flags going off in his head. None of them know, they don’t—

Carl, look at me. His dad’s voice cuts through and he does manage to look at him, though he still struggles to breathe normally. He glances around the room; his mom is hovering anxiously, and Shane looks angry. His focus goes back to his dad with a feeble nod as he tries to keep his breathing level. Once it’s back under control, he feels exhausted, mentally and physically. Why are none of them talking about Judith? It’s like she doesn’t exist, and Carl knows in his heart that she does. He watched her grow up.. ]

I’m just tired.. When can I go home? [ He looks between his mom and dad. ]

[ Shane watched everything with his arms crossed and a contemplative expression. What research he did said that someone waking up from a coma would be confused, might mix up some details- but this seems more complicated than that. Carl is seriously convinced that this Judith is real, and upset by it. Rick’s not handling this too well, and it’s clear to him that Carl should go home with them to be with his mom. Everything has been so hard on Lori, having Carl back is overwhelming in the best of ways. How many birthdays did she spend in agony because he was growing up in the hospital unable to return the hugs from his parents? ]