Here we are

 Mercer felt so out of it. Possibly dazed and confused. Really, he hadn't seen either of his parents this serious, especially about him. But there they were, by his side, even if he wished he could see all his friends that had dropped by the hospital. It was as if his parents were afraid he might break.

"It might have been that..that I forgot to eat." He'd eaten plenty now. He got his fill on pudding cups and bananas. "I think I'm OK."

His mother didn't like the sound of that. It was as if he knew what was on her mind. What were they going to do with him? Would he still be living with them when he was thirty?

"I just  have to.." Well, he didn't really know, but whatever they told him. He was beginning to think the doctors didn't really know much. The nurse he'd spoken with was much more informative. There was also a support group she'd told him about that met at the hospital. He guessed going to one meeting wouldn't hurt. "You know, take my meds, eat better." He sighed. "But I'm not quitting my job." 

"Son, you need to rest," his dad said so concernedly.

"Don't you think I do that already?" Mercer winced. He just needed to be more in tune with his body rhythms, he guessed. He knew it would take some time, but he wouldn't be laying around, either.  "I don't want to worry you."

"When did this start happening?" His mother wanted to know more.

"I dunno." He didn't want to get into it with her. 

"Maybe, you're doing too much," she then said.

"I'm not." He felt as if he wailed back with a wince. Why did she make him feel so incapable? Everyone had some sort of problem, didn't they?

Mercer watched his dad touch his mom's shoulder and he whispered that she was over-reacting. Finally, he took her away from the room and he let Cade, Lily, and Rafe in. They all stood around, happy that he was OK. Then Link and Izzy came by with pie and everyone had coconut cream pie with him, his favorite.

Mercer smiled. It was good to have so many friends.