Chapter Text
Dennis
𖤓
July 26th
Sunday 2:05 AM
Dennis was asleep in the car, his and Robby's hands laced together in his lap. They rounded a corner, tipping him over enough to wake him up. He looked out the window, seeing the familiar streets of his home but he couldn't quite pinpoint where they were.
“Where are we?” He grumbled.
“By the hospital, I’m gonna get everyone in Ubers then we’ll head home, ok?” Robby's said quietly beside him.
“M’kay.” He rolled his head, leaning against the window.
He was watching the street light pass, the sidewalks empty. He had never seen the city this quiet before; it reminded him of Broken Bow. Everyone in their homes by 10.
Robby slowed to a stop at a red light. Dennis could see the park now, remembering the plan to meet there. He could see a car heading up the street towards them. The only one besides Robby’s and the other doctors behind them. He looked like he was going fast, maybe too fast. It was getting close when he saw the light turn green. The car didn't slow down. He tried to say something to Robby, but the truck smashed into the side of them before he could.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
“Dennis?”
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
“Come on sweetheart open your eyes.”
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
“Den please!”
He felt a sudden weight slam into his shoulder. Was that Robby? He cracked his eyes open, one of them blurry. He turned his head slightly and it sent pain down his neck. He winced.
“Dennis, there you are.”
He could see Robby now. He was still sitting beside him in the driver's seat; the airbag was deflating across the steering wheel. Blood trickled down the side of his face. His hands were cradling Dennis face, holding it still.
“...Robby?...”
“Yea it’s me, Den.”
“Wha happe....”
“They hit us, but we’re ok, right? You're, ok?”
Dennis tried to tell him yes, tried to nod, tried to do anything to get that scared sound out of Robby’s voice, but he felt his mind slipping away, his eyes felt heavy. Robby must have seen it because he tapped his cheek until his eyes shot open again.
“You can’t fall asleep; you have to stay awake.”
“m’tired...”
“I know.”
“Sleep...”
“Soon, ok, just not yet.”
“Where is... everyone?”
“They went to get help, the hospitals right there, you're gonna be fine.”
Dennis just stayed there, waiting. It took everything in him to keep his eyes open, he tried looking at Robby, but he just looked so sad, so he tried to look around. He saw the broken glass on his lap, and the busted-up truck in front of them.
He heard the sirens and felt the door opening beside him. He was so tired. Robby let go of his face. Maybe just a few minutes. He was on a gurney. No one had to know. He was lifted up into the ambulance. What could a little sleep hurt?
“Den, you have to stay awake.”
Damn it.
“Dennis, look at me.”
He tried, but Robby just looked so sad. He felt Robby grab his hand, that was nice. Screw it, he was going to sleep, he was so tired.