[He lifts his head in the midst of chewing a ragged edge of a fingernail, attentive. By now he's so used to throwing pills at his pain and pushing through it, determined never to let it slow him to a stop, that he never considered - or hadn't wanted to - that his injuries could be worse than he suspects, with new complications to contend with. The possibility of bone splinters wakes a cold, ugly throbbing inside him. He wonders how Ed would be able to properly tell what's happening without x-rays -- but this is why Ed is the expert.]

I'll think about it. [He says at last, gripped by a sudden urge to pour himself a drink. Or several. Licking his lips, he changes the subject to something more comfortable.] But first, I think I'm gonna get dressed.

[Laying the tray beside him, he continues:]

I must thank you again for the gifts and the room service - couldn't have asked for a more pleasant surprise to wake up to after a notable dearth of them.

[He opens his arms but doesn't lean in.]

Care for a hug?