[In Chapter 4, Mike fell in his bathroom and couldn't get up. But, he did call 911. Fortunately, Dan arrived at the same time the medics drove into Mike's driveway. Dan rode with Mike in the ambulance to the hospital.]
The medics opened the ambulance's rear door and slid the stretcher out that held Mike. Dan stepped out of the way as the men wheeled Mike into the hospital.
Nurses placed Mike into a curtained area where he waited for a doctor. When the doctor arrived, Dan walked to the cafeteria to get a cup of coffee.
"This has been quite a day," he thought. "It started with a blind-date lunch at Cafe 115 and I was suppose to have dinner with Mike. Here I am in the hospital waiting for word on Mike's condition. I suspect he isn't seriously hurt. And, I've never been happier in my life. I have someone to care for. Well, maybe. I'd like to have Mike to care for...maybe he has someone else. No, don't think crazy thoughts. Just enjoy the moment. Just enjoy being with him -- even if we're in the hospital. Who knows what might hap ---
At that moment Dan heard his name called over the hospital's paging system. He hurried back to the emergency area.
The doctor smiled at Dan, "Hear you and my buddy here are friends?"
"Yes. Yes, we're friends," Dan said.
"Well, if you'll promise to take good care of him, I'll release him into your safekeeping," the doctor winked at Dan.
"Sure. I'll take care of him...good care."
"You guys came here in the ambulance. If you'll wait half an hour until I get off, I'll take you home."
"Wait, doctor, what is your name?"
"Jim... just call me Jim."
"Jim, what's wrong with Mike?
"He fell and somehow got his knee out of alignment. He's okay now. I've given him something for the pain and the soreness. Keep him in bed a day and then get in bed with him. That's what he needs to get that knee back in walking condition."
Dan looked over at Mike who was sitting in a wheelchair. "The doctor...Jim...said he'd take us home."
"Yes, he's a good friend. Jim and his lover, Mark, live near me. I think you'll enjoy getting to know them," said Mike. "Dan, I'm sorry this evening has turned out so bad. I'd planned to show you my flower garden, serve you some wine and take you to the Akron City Club for dinner. This isn't a good first date."
"Don't worry," Dan said. "This could be the best first date I've had. Give me a rain check on the City Club. Tonight, I'll order carry out from Jackie McConnell's. Let's enjoy the fact you're not seriously hurt. We can plan a spectacular second date?"
"Sounds great to me," Mike laughed.
In a few minutes Jim walked down the hall toward the two men. He had changed from his hospital togs to tight fitting jeans and a knit shirt. "Your drive awaits you," he laughed. "Wait here and I'll drive to the door."
Mike, let Dan push the wheelchair to the door. You don't need to walk for a few hours. Just take it easy."
Jim delivered the men to Mike's house and helped Dan role the wheelchair into the house. "Do you guys need anything?" Jim asked.
"No, I've got everything I need," Mike said with a big grin.
"Take care...no unusual or strenuous activity...at least until tomorrow. Call me if I can help," Jim said as he walked out the door.
Dan closed the door and walked to the wheelchair. He knelt in front of Mike and wrapped his arms around his new friend and kissed him.
"That's what I've been waiting for all day," Mike said.
[If it seems too good to be true -- it probably is. What can keep these men from strenuous activity? For the answer to these and other important questions, read the next chapter of Tales of Akron.]
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