You leave Randall to rest

With a heavy heart you retreated back to your room. Feeling woozy from the **** - and the shock of seeing your best friend turned into a pregnant woman - you crawled back into your hospital bed. With the room seeming to spend around you, you relapsed into unconsciousness

You lost track of time as you drifted in and out of sleep. You were vaguely aware of doctors and nurses coming in to examine you and administer more ****. And you have flashes of memory of your parents sitting by your hospital bed.

You don't know how much time passed but you finally awaken to see Dr. Saunders standing over you. You blinked your eyes at him as you roused yourself. For the first time in - you're not sure how long - your head felt clear.

You cleared your throat and said "Doctor?"

"Ah, Mr. Connors ... Tim ... it's good of you to rejoin us," he said with a **** cheerfulness.

Your parents rushed up from behind him. "Tim!" gasped your mom as she wrapped you in her arms. "We've been so worried!"

"Hey champ," your dad added simultaneously, trying his best to look unconcerned to reassure your mother.

"Huh?" you responded uncertainly.

Dr. Saunders looked red-faced. "I'm afraid we pushed you too hard, Tim," he said.

At your confused look, he added "We should have waited to tell you about your friend. The shock caused a relapse."

"Wait!" you interjected. "Then it wasn't a dream? Randall really is...."

"Yes, dear," your mom said, hugging you. "Randall is...changed."

"And he's been asking about you," your dad added.

"He's awake!? How long?" you gasped in a mixture of worry and excitement.

Saunders spoke up again. "It's a few days since we last spoke, Tim. We decided not to take any chances this time. We waited until we were certain your body had fully recovered before bringing you around."

"I've got to see him!". You tried to push your mom back so you could get up. She relaxed her hug but didn't completely let go.

"Tim, no need to rush," your dad said, extending his hand to help you.

"That's right," the doctor hurried to add. "He's absolutely fine. Why don't you let your parents help you clean up and then you can go see him. He's waited days - 10 more minutes won't make any difference."

With some effort they managed to convince you to take your time. The doctor checked you over as your dad helped you wash off and dress.

"Everything looks good, Tim. But one thing before you see Randall - well, 'Natalie' now. I think she would benefit from your companionship and help as she gets accustomed to these changes..."