Mercy s01e09 Episode Script
Some of Us Have Been to the Desert
I'm having trouble bringing my emotions Down to normal size.
Like, my my mother-in-law, she keeps nagging me to shave my beard.
And I want to kill her.
They say when you show up late for a meeting, it's like giving it the finger.
I couldn't find parking.
God.
You ticked off about something? Yeah, I'm ticked off abt the fact That I show up to your stupid meeting, and you decide to give me a lecture.
What is that about? I just need to be more of a man for him and for my wife.
Oh, jeez! Veronica would like to share.
No, I wouldn't.
- It's okay.
It's all right.
- No, I wouldn't.
- Don't - I wouldn't.
Okay.
Hi.
My name is Veronica.
I was a nurse in Iraq, and ever since I got back, my like you, my reactions to things tend to be A little out of proportion.
Um My marriage is ending.
It's my fault.
I I had an affair with this doctor guy While I was in Iraq, and he, um he then had the genius idea to move here when he got out Without any advance notice.
Anyway, my husband found out.
I mean, he's a really great guy, and I love him a lot.
But he was sort of expecting the girl he married To come back, and she kind of left the building My second week in the desert, you know.
And that doctor guy man, I really care about him.
But not that it matters, because, um He met somebody else.
So all the men are gone, and I'm still living with my parents, which is a little like its own hideous situation comedy.
Wow.
I'm talking a lot.
But I'm fine.
I've, um I've decided to take a break from drinking, which is very good.
And I'm also working a lot, which is totally saving my ass.
Um I guess it's just weird, because Ir Iraq was well, you guys know what Iraq was like, but every time I heard those choppers I knew exactly what to do.
Now I've got no freakin' clue.
So I hate you.
Continuing CPR.
Dr.
Harris, he's been down for 20 minutes.
Dr.
Harris! All right.
Uh, Dr.
Harris, I need your signature.
Oh! Are you all right? I can't move my legs.
You you can't move your legs? Oh, I need some help over here.
- Shh.
- I can't move my legs! You okay? Sure.
That was one of the highlights of having cystic fibrosis.
Really? The manual pounding? - Yeah.
- Okay.
You should open a dungeon.
There's dudes who would pay top dollar To have a girl like you beat them to a pulp.
You're a little pervy, Gabe.
Okay, so spirometer time.
Let's see how those lungs are doing.
Blow.
This is a family hospital, Veronica.
Blow.
Blow, blow, blow, blow, blow, blow, blow, blow, blow.
Gabe Your FVC is only two liters.
Six weeks ago you could do three.
What's going on? I went out of town for a gig, and, um, I passed out, and I had to go to the hospital.
And they gave me a blood transfusion.
Have you seen a doctor since then? No, I just got this new job, and everything's been a little crazy.
But I am now the resident piano man at Hutley's.
You should come down and see me sometime.
Sure.
But we really can't miss these treatments.
We got to stay on top of this.
I know.
Gabe Tyler.
How's it going, sir? Well, um, apparently I have a pseudomonas infection.
And this one's all frowners on me.
She's right to be concerned.
Your lung function has really declined lately.
I think a lung transplant is the next step.
And with numbers like these, your lung allocation score Should put you at the top of the list for a transplant.
- Seriously? - Yeah.
In fact, I want you to spend the night here at Mercy, get a serious tune-up.
Okay.
Oh, I got to get this.
All right, Gabe, uh, hang tight.
There's lungs out there.
We're gonna find them for you.
Great.
Can you feel this? No, but I can sense this one over here Tearing my clothes off like I'm some kind of a chocolate bar! You're getting close to the golden ticket.
Dear God.
- Dr.
Harris, I need to know - Can you feel this? Feel what? I can't feel anything.
Hey, Dan, heard you had quite a fall.
How you doing? Dr.
Harris has no sensation or movement from the waist down.
Okay, let's get a pelvis film, a full spine CT, and consult Dr.
Carlson from neuro.
Don't worry, we're gonna get to the bottom of this.
I want a full exam, and don't forget to check his rectal tone.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
My rectal tone's fine, thank you very much.
Dan, someone's got to stick their finger up your butt, and I think we would both prefer it be Gillian.
I'll be quick for everyone's sake.
Maybe you can get the stick out while you're at it.
How's Harris? - I don't know yet - Getting ready to do some scans.
Angel, can you take him down to radiology and Oh, I'm really backed up today.
- Can someone else take Harris? - Not me.
I'm on my way to my old stomping ground labor and delivery.
They're short-staffed with the flu.
Oh, I I I'd love to, but I've got A potential lung transplant on my hands.
Okay, I realize Dan Harris is not the most pleasant patient in the world, but he's our colleague.
And he's currently lying in a bed, paralyzed from the waist down.
- Chloe? - Huh? You can take Harris, right? No, I don't think so.
I don't Chloe.
Perfect.
Harris loves you.
- No, he doesn't.
- Oh, no, Chloe, you're, like you're his favorite one.
Chloe! Chloe! Chloe! Please don't chant.
Stop chanting.
Chloe! Chloe! Chloe! Chloe! Chloe! Chloe! - Oh, fine! - Atta girl.
You go get 'em.
Hannah Larsen, meet Sonia Jimenez one of my most favorite nurses.
Hannah's a primip 2, 80, minus 2.
Hasn't had any pain medication yet.
And her baby looks great on the monitor.
See you both in a bit.
Okay.
Bye.
Hey, Hannah.
I'm gonna be your nurse from now until the finish line.
If you need anything, just, um, press your buzzer right there.
Otherwise, I'll be in to check on you each hour.
How you feeling? Like crap.
I'm so ready to get this alien out of my body.
I bet you are.
Is anybody gonna be with you for the delivery? There's no husband or boyfriend or anything.
This is, like, a one-night-stand type Of situation.
Never mix tequila and pot a tip from me.
I'm giving the baby up for adoption, by the way, in case you were concerned for its well-being.
No, I wasn't.
But that's great.
But still, what about your family? - Where's your mom? - Oh She would die.
She'd be like, "knocked up at 19, surprised you made it that long.
" Yeah, I guess it's best she's not here, then.
Yeah.
Hannah, look, you're bringing a life into the world.
That's a beautiful thing.
Actually, the adoptive parents, Brett and Karen, are in the waiting room.
I told them they could come in when it gets to be time.
Would you go and get them? I think they're, like, freaking out.
Sure.
- So the baby looks okay? - Yeah, he's great.
Hannah's getting her epidural right now, and you guys can come on back.
We're so excited.
We have everything ready for the baby.
Seriously, everything.
It's like, uh, the stork threw up at our house.
I mean, we have baby nail clippers.
We have baby laundry soap.
We have a baby burping blanket.
I couldn't decide what to bring the baby home in, so I brought three different outfits.
I wanted him to be warm enough, but comfortable too.
Sweetie, sweetie, I'm not sure that she cares.
No, it's it's good.
You guys are excited.
Well, are you guys ready for your lives to change? Yeah.
Let's go.
Veronica, come in and have a drink, hon.
Tim picked up some nice scotch.
Oh.
What's the occasion? - You want ice? - No, I'm good.
Oh, so "neat," like your father.
- Uh, no, I meant- - I meant no scotch for me.
Well, there's wine in the fridge.
I'm actually not drinking right now.
I thought you weren't pregnant.
- I'm not.
- So you're going on the wagon? What for? It's not lent yet.
I'm just taking a break from alcohol.
You want a beer, then? I'm gonna go up to my room now.
I don't like secrets in this house.
What are you hiding, Ronnie? What? Nothing.
Oh, my God.
I got it.
Mike Mike, hi.
Just here to take your dad on his walk.
Your mom didn't tell you? I've been coming here every night, but you've been at work.
I am so glad there are no secrets In this house, mom.
Mikey, I'm gonna put on my sweats.
Okay, Jimbo.
- Oh, Ronnie - Yeah, yeah, yeah.
I made an appointment to get your oil changed tomorrow.
- So leave your keys for me.
- Oh, thank you.
Hey, while I wait, you got a minute? Yeah.
Still letting your dad take your car in for you? Yeah, it makes him happy.
Why? I don't think he should be getting behind the wheel anymore.
He's been acting real confused lately.
I think he might even be hallucinating or something.
He's only in the early stages.
He's probably just drunk.
Alcohol can conceal the disease.
I mean, none of you guys seem to be taking his alzheimer's All that seriously.
Mike, I'm a nurse.
Of course I take my dad's illness seriously.
The lights are going out, Ronnie.
This is bad.
Hey What'd I come out here for? We're going on our walk, Jim.
Oh, right.
You're doing so great, sweetie.
- He's coming.
- Oh Here he comes.
Here you go.
Is he okay? He's great.
He's great.
Look at him.
Can I see him? You want to hold him, Hannah? Yeah.
But remember you said you didn't want to.
Yeah, but now I want to.
You can hold him.
It's all right, sweetie.
Oh Oh, look at you.
Can we have a second? Sure.
I didn't know he'd be so beautiful.
Hey.
Shouldn't you be in bed? Shouldn't you? Well, I just stopped by to check on my favorite patient.
Well, did I ever, uh, tell you about Oh.
oh Shouldn't you be wearing your vest? Uh, no.
Uh, that thing sucks.
Come on.
You know, it really can't be that bad.
Some patients sleep in them.
Oh, really? Well, here - why don't you try it on - No.
- Veronica, here we go.
- No.
- Uh-uh.
- Mm-hmm.
- No.
- Yep.
I don't Oh, it looks perfect.
All right, if I do it, will you wear it as prescribed? Maybe if you throw in a field trip to that diner down the street so that I can have some real food.
Hmm? Yeah, Gabe whoa! Ahh The soothing vest.
Now go to sleep.
I don't think so.
Okay, I get it.
I get it.
You sound like T-pain.
Turn this thing off now, please.
Will you take me out for a burger? Hmm? Okay, if Klowden says yes, we'll go.
- Really? Awesome.
- Yeah.
Okay.
You don't you you don't have to wear that thing in here.
Why, am I embarrassing you? Oh, see? Thank you very much.
It's cool.
Everyone wants one.
Will you turn it off now, please? All right.
Mmm Wait! Don't eat that! We found a donor match.
- You're going in for surgery.
- Really? You, sir, are about to get a new set of lungs.
She's breastfeeding? She wants to keep him, doesn't she? Well, it's an emotional situation.
She could change her mind again, but for now I knew this would happen.
You know, we had an agreement.
This was all planned.
Can we talk to her? She doesn't want to see you right now.
She can't take care of him.
You know, she's got, like, five roommates.
We've been paying her rent for the last six months.
Guys, I know this is tough, but you got to ride it out.
Now, she's got three days to change her mind.
The law's on her side here.
And so are you.
I mean, she's your patient.
Yeah, she is.
So is the baby.
And in a way, so are you guys.
Wait, and try and handle yourselves with some grace.
Go home and relax, and we will call you if she changes her mind.
So An MRI is this absolutely necessary? Yes.
All the tests came back negative.
So we're looking for a slipped disk, stenosis, or something impinging on your spinal cord.
See you on the other side.
Ready to start, Dr.
Harris? Uh, no, uh, not yet.
You don't have any metal on, do you? Do I? No, no.
We're both clear.
- Ready to go? - Uh, hold on a second, please.
Um, Ms.
Payne, you don't happen to have Any xanax, do you? Dr.
Harris, are you claustrophobic? I don't enjoy small spaces, no.
Why didn't you say so? Do do you want me to sing you a song? Oh, God, no.
You know, I had this yoga instructor once Who used imagery to help relax.
So if you just close your eyes and picture yourself on a warm beach Please, stop talking.
I'm gonna get started, Dr.
Harris.
Oh, God, no.
I can't do this.
- Why don't you just - Just talk to me about something? - About what? - I don't know.
Um, um, chess.
You like chess.
Why don't you teach me how to play chess? All right.
Are you familiar with the sicilian defense? No.
Well when white initiates with c-5, black attacks.
So when you wake up, new lungs.
And I'm gonna be right here waiting.
What? Gabe, I'm sorry.
We have to cancel the surgery.
Gabe, did you get a blood transfusion recently? Um, like a month ago in upstate New York.
- What? - Okay, that explains it.
What, did they mess up my blood or something? Well, the transfusion caused you to become sensitized.
Your body would almost certainly reject a new set of lungs.
I'm so sorry, Gabe.
Oh, that's okay.
I I mean Well, it's a good thing that you caught it in time, right? I I guess it wasn't meant to be.
Isn't there anything that we can do? Well, possibly.
There's, uh, a process called a desensitization protocol.
It's still in its experimental stages, but it involves anything from a whole-body irradiation, plasmapheresis where a machine removes The antibodies from your blood or I.
V.
immunoglobulin.
It's an involved process, and it puts you at risk for further infection, but if you went through with it, your body might accept a new set of lungs.
Wait, wait, did you say "might" accept them? Well, there's no guarantee.
But I think it's the best chance that we've got.
Aren't there any other options? Gabe needs a transplant, and the only shot we have at getting one is this treatment.
But we should get it going right away.
- Start the plasmapheresis - Right, but, um Uh, do you guys mind if I just take a minute? I'm just a little overwhelmed.
Every test is negative.
I can't find any cause for his paralysis.
But Dr.
Harris is paralyzed, isn't he? His condition's real, but it might be more than just physical.
Could be conversion disorder.
- Like a hysterical paralysis? - Yeah.
Well, he did just lose his wife.
How do you test for that? - Push him out of the bed.
- What? That's very dangerous.
He could break bones.
In the absence of medical findings, this is how we test for conversion disorder Versus malingering.
The other test is scrotum clamp.
- You made that up.
- No.
Seriously, it's a thing.
Hey.
How's the baby? His name's Dylan.
Okay, Hannah, let's be practical here.
How is this gonna work? Well, I thought I could move back in with my mom.
You said you guys weren't getting along that well, though.
She'll want to meet her grandson.
Sonia, he's my son, my little boy.
Look at him.
Why don't you give her a call? Let her know the deal.
Call her right now.
Hello? Mom It's me, Hannah.
Hey, I have some news.
I just had a little baby a boy.
His name's Dylan.
And He's just perfect, mom.
You should see him.
Well, I thought I could come and live with you, just until I get back on my feet.
Mom, it'd only be for a little while.
You know what? Forget it.
I don't even know why I called you.
Thanks for nothing.
Well, I take it that didn't go so well.
She's the worst mom in the world.
I don't even know why she had kids.
It doesn't matter, though.
I'll figure something out.
Okay, Hannah, but what's plan "b"? Do you even have anybody to drive you home tomorrow? I'll figure it out, okay? We'll be fine.
It's none of your business anyway.
Okay I'll take you home me and my friend Angel.
That's one problem solved.
Thank you.
I know it's not your fault, and that's fine Hey, you guys.
What's going on? Veronica, uh, we were just talking about you.
You were? We were talking about your dad.
Am I missing something? Why were you two talking about Well, he had an appointment today.
But your mother decided to take Jim to Costco.
There's a sale on crab legs.
See what I was trying to say to you? Okay, so obviously my mother and I are due for a chat about priorities.
Don't be too hard on her.
I mean, she's just been told She's about to lose her best friend.
This is for your dad.
It's an ID bracelet, in case your father ever gets lost.
Most alzheimer's patients wear one.
Okay, thanks, Gillian.
But clearly you don't know my father.
He's a proud Irishman.
This is like putting a a a collar on a dog.
I'm just worried about him wandering off.
Well, I will leave you two.
Thanks.
Mike You know my dad's not gonna wear some dumb bracelet.
This is for his own good.
I'm worried about the guy, Ronnie.
Do you understand the risks and consequences of what you're undertaking? I understand.
- What's happening? - Let me be clear.
If you don't go through the desensitization protocol, there's absolutely no chance of a lung transplant.
I hear you, but I'm I'm done here.
You're leaving? Gabe, you can't leave now.
You're making a mistake.
This is no time to give up.
I'm not giving up.
I'm just getting started.
Thank you for everything, Dr.
Sands.
Gabe you know that if you don't get that transplant soon, you you're gonna die.
Yes.
Yep.
They've been telling me that my whole life.
But, um, I'm tired, and I'd rather spend the rest of my life actually living.
Don't you get it? Look, I appreciate that you care so much.
But you can't understand what it's like.
And I'm I'm just sick of fighting, and I just want to live for a second and be normal.
But I I think you're great, Veronica.
And I hope you come and see me play sometime.
If you go through with this, you will not be playing in that stupid piano bar for much longer.
I hope you don't mean that.
Well, if you can't find anything wrong, then run some more tests.
There are no more tests to run.
What about tick paralysis or ciguatera? You catch that in the caribbean.
You catch that from eating fish.
Who knows where this city gets its seafood from? What, I'm not important enough? We've been talking for an hour, all right? I have other patients.
I'm sorry.
The problem with being a superior physician is that you surpass others.
Hey, you know, it's a bit stuffy in here.
Why don't we go for a ride? I would prefer if we didn't.
Oh I think it'll be nice for you.
I don't want to go for a ride! I will not be infantilized simply because I'm presently handicapped! - Why are we going so fast? - Aah! Oh! Oh oh, my God! Are you insane? Oh, my God, I'm so sorry.
You just threw me out of my wheelchair! I did, but I can explain.
It's just that everyone is too scared to tell you That they think it's conversion disorder.
And I just think you're really, really sad.
You think I'm sad? What are you, some kind of a genius? My wife was murdered.
Of course I'm sad, you idiot! Take take me back to my room.
And get her away from me.
Right away, Dr.
Harris.
I'm sorry.
Oh! A split.
- That sucks! - Today sucks.
Yeah, where are those drinks? Let's take it out on the pins, people.
We can't lose to the docs again.
Hey, what happened with your adoption? - She's keeping it.
- Does she have anybody? It's just her and the baby against the world.
- She's just - Dumb? Clueless.
Maybe it'll be okay.
Maybe, you know, it'll turn her life around.
And a baby could be just what she needs.
'Cause that's how it always works.
But I volunteered us to give her a ride home.
Us? How'd I get involved in this? 'Cause I don't have a car.
Come on, put some karma in the bank.
Make up for all those terrible things you do.
- What terrible things? - The way you judge people, the trash talk, your lack of respect for authority.
Are we talking about me or you? Come on, she doesn't have anybody.
I mean, I am the only responsible person she knows.
That's tragic.
Hi.
Are you interested In a free night of glow-in-the-dark bowling? - Are you married? - No.
Yeah, right.
Hey, I thought you weren't drinking anymore.
I wasn't, but it was really hard, so I am.
Waiter, a round of tequila shots, please.
Oh, that'll help us win.
That's the great, great thing About bowling, Angel.
Nobody cares.
Ooh, team Sandslani in the house.
Are they dating? You okay with this, V? Totally.
All right, nurses, are you prepared to get your asses whooped? We got ourselves a ringer.
Oh I was in a league in med school.
So from here on in, you have to refer to us as the "bowling stones.
" And you can call yourselves the " bowl movement.
" Chris, that's gross.
Yeah, Chris, that's gross.
Seriously, though, enough with the butt-related humor.
I think I have ptsd from checking Harris' rectal tone.
Some of us have been to the desert, others have been to Harris' ass.
Let's wipe the floor with their pretty white coats.
Wow.
Bam.
- Yeah! - Yes! Four extra years of school, you still can't beat my girl from Lancaster! Take it down about eight notches.
Ooh.
Over the line.
Over the line.
- Over the line - What? No, I wasn't.
You were over the line.
What are you talking about? Seriously, what is this about? You could have tried a little harder to get Gabe to stay in the hospital today.
Gabe.
This is about Gabe.
Yes, it is.
- Whoo! Yes! - Oh! Besides, you were over the line.
And if you guys can cheat Then so can we.
- Oh - Veronica! - Flanagan down! - Ow! - Oh - Veronica.
Oh, my God.
Veronica, are you okay? Not a medical emergency, people.
Ow! Get some ice for her ankle.
- Listen, I'm taking you home.
- Chloe can take me home.
No, I'm taking you home.
Ow! Chloe can ow! - Chlo Chloe can - Come on.
Ready? Ow.
Ow.
- Whoa.
- Only not.
You trying to kill me? Sorry.
Not my fault the stairs were slippery.
My keys.
My keys are in my back pocket.
Okay.
Who whoa! Chris I got them.
- Don't do that.
- Shh.
Don't Careful.
Careful.
Shh.
Shh.
Shh.
Shh.
Hey.
Oh, hi.
Hi, Mr.
Flanagan.
Oh, God.
Hi, dad.
You remember Dr.
Sands, right? What happened to you? It was nothing.
Just a little bowling accident.
Please don't tell mom about this.
I've already forgotten it.
Okay, you can put me down now.
Ow.
Uhh! Ow.
Okay.
Apologize to Gillian again for me.
You two seem happy.
Yeah.
Actually, I am Happy.
Okay Just take care of your ankle, okay? I'll see you later.
Good night.
No, no.
No, no, no, no, no.
Caffeine is no good for a hangover.
I'm gonna make you my special cure.
Right.
I forgot about that.
I didn't forget about last night.
What's going on with you? That doctor guy? The one who brought you home last night? What's going on with that? Huh? I thought that you had alzheimer's, dad.
Oh yeah.
Uh-uh.
You're going through a rough time, Ronnie.
Losing Mikey, living at home with your mother and me.
Whew.
That'll drive anyone to drink, sure.
But you'll pull through.
You always have.
Dad I'm worried about you.
Hey Don't worry about me.
I'm not dead yet.
Right? I want to ask you something.
What, you need money? I well no.
But there's this, um It's, um it's just a precaution in case you, um you know, you get lost or anything like that.
You expect me to wear this? Yeah, sure.
It's no big deal.
Oh, papa.
It's like I'm a dog.
It's like you're putting a collar on a damn dog.
That's what I said.
Of course.
You're my girl.
You owe me.
I know.
Hey, Hannah.
You got to just pull it pull it tight like this.
What's she doing here? Oh, I don't know.
I'll go find out.
Hey.
Hey, Karen.
I just, um I brought some things for Hannah, for the baby.
It's just, um I had planned on being this boy's mother for a really long time.
And it's I haven't quite shaken it yet.
And I know that she doesn't really have anything, so, um, I thought this would help her Get off to a good start.
That's really nice.
So, um Just tell her I said, um I wish them luck.
I will.
Bye.
She just wanted to give you some things.
- It's nice.
- She's nice.
Why is he crying? Oh, he just woke up.
It's no big deal.
Just jiggle the seat a little.
Try the pacifier.
Hannah, it's okay.
It's okay if you can't do this.
It doesn't mean that you're not gonna be a good mom someday.
It doesn't mean anything about you Except that you're 19, and you haven't had a chance to grow up yet.
How can I give him up? How can I do that? I love him so much.
Look how lucky this boy is.
Only three days old, and so many people love him.
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
Hey! Hey, Karen.
Oh, no, not you.
Dr.
Harris, I'm sorry.
You have to let me explain.
Oh, there's more explanation.
What, were you rolling on acid? I just thought Chloe I'm Dr.
Daniel Harris.
I know there's no medical reason For my condition.
I know that I'm consumed with grief.
I know these two things are connected.
But it doesn't change the fact that I cannot move my legs.
Oh.
I'm frightened.
Of course you are.
Do you want me to stay with you? No.
I I just want to be alone.
Well, I'm here if you need me.
What does that mean? God help me.
Wow.
You surprised I'm still here? According to you, I should be dead by now.
I'm really sorry I said that.
I actually came down here to tell you That you should do Whatever you want.
I hope to God you'll keep up with those treatments, but I will support you no matter what.
Well, I, uh I appreciate that So much, in fact, that I'm going to, uh, dedicate this, uh, next song to you.
Oh, no.
Gabe - Gabe, stop.
- You stop.
- No.
- It's happening.
- No.
I can pronounce my own disease.
à Veronica Flanagan Callahan, the angriest nurse in the world.
What? You're doing great.
Just sit right there.
I'm allowed to do that.
Like, my my mother-in-law, she keeps nagging me to shave my beard.
And I want to kill her.
They say when you show up late for a meeting, it's like giving it the finger.
I couldn't find parking.
God.
You ticked off about something? Yeah, I'm ticked off abt the fact That I show up to your stupid meeting, and you decide to give me a lecture.
What is that about? I just need to be more of a man for him and for my wife.
Oh, jeez! Veronica would like to share.
No, I wouldn't.
- It's okay.
It's all right.
- No, I wouldn't.
- Don't - I wouldn't.
Okay.
Hi.
My name is Veronica.
I was a nurse in Iraq, and ever since I got back, my like you, my reactions to things tend to be A little out of proportion.
Um My marriage is ending.
It's my fault.
I I had an affair with this doctor guy While I was in Iraq, and he, um he then had the genius idea to move here when he got out Without any advance notice.
Anyway, my husband found out.
I mean, he's a really great guy, and I love him a lot.
But he was sort of expecting the girl he married To come back, and she kind of left the building My second week in the desert, you know.
And that doctor guy man, I really care about him.
But not that it matters, because, um He met somebody else.
So all the men are gone, and I'm still living with my parents, which is a little like its own hideous situation comedy.
Wow.
I'm talking a lot.
But I'm fine.
I've, um I've decided to take a break from drinking, which is very good.
And I'm also working a lot, which is totally saving my ass.
Um I guess it's just weird, because Ir Iraq was well, you guys know what Iraq was like, but every time I heard those choppers I knew exactly what to do.
Now I've got no freakin' clue.
So I hate you.
Continuing CPR.
Dr.
Harris, he's been down for 20 minutes.
Dr.
Harris! All right.
Uh, Dr.
Harris, I need your signature.
Oh! Are you all right? I can't move my legs.
You you can't move your legs? Oh, I need some help over here.
- Shh.
- I can't move my legs! You okay? Sure.
That was one of the highlights of having cystic fibrosis.
Really? The manual pounding? - Yeah.
- Okay.
You should open a dungeon.
There's dudes who would pay top dollar To have a girl like you beat them to a pulp.
You're a little pervy, Gabe.
Okay, so spirometer time.
Let's see how those lungs are doing.
Blow.
This is a family hospital, Veronica.
Blow.
Blow, blow, blow, blow, blow, blow, blow, blow, blow.
Gabe Your FVC is only two liters.
Six weeks ago you could do three.
What's going on? I went out of town for a gig, and, um, I passed out, and I had to go to the hospital.
And they gave me a blood transfusion.
Have you seen a doctor since then? No, I just got this new job, and everything's been a little crazy.
But I am now the resident piano man at Hutley's.
You should come down and see me sometime.
Sure.
But we really can't miss these treatments.
We got to stay on top of this.
I know.
Gabe Tyler.
How's it going, sir? Well, um, apparently I have a pseudomonas infection.
And this one's all frowners on me.
She's right to be concerned.
Your lung function has really declined lately.
I think a lung transplant is the next step.
And with numbers like these, your lung allocation score Should put you at the top of the list for a transplant.
- Seriously? - Yeah.
In fact, I want you to spend the night here at Mercy, get a serious tune-up.
Okay.
Oh, I got to get this.
All right, Gabe, uh, hang tight.
There's lungs out there.
We're gonna find them for you.
Great.
Can you feel this? No, but I can sense this one over here Tearing my clothes off like I'm some kind of a chocolate bar! You're getting close to the golden ticket.
Dear God.
- Dr.
Harris, I need to know - Can you feel this? Feel what? I can't feel anything.
Hey, Dan, heard you had quite a fall.
How you doing? Dr.
Harris has no sensation or movement from the waist down.
Okay, let's get a pelvis film, a full spine CT, and consult Dr.
Carlson from neuro.
Don't worry, we're gonna get to the bottom of this.
I want a full exam, and don't forget to check his rectal tone.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
My rectal tone's fine, thank you very much.
Dan, someone's got to stick their finger up your butt, and I think we would both prefer it be Gillian.
I'll be quick for everyone's sake.
Maybe you can get the stick out while you're at it.
How's Harris? - I don't know yet - Getting ready to do some scans.
Angel, can you take him down to radiology and Oh, I'm really backed up today.
- Can someone else take Harris? - Not me.
I'm on my way to my old stomping ground labor and delivery.
They're short-staffed with the flu.
Oh, I I I'd love to, but I've got A potential lung transplant on my hands.
Okay, I realize Dan Harris is not the most pleasant patient in the world, but he's our colleague.
And he's currently lying in a bed, paralyzed from the waist down.
- Chloe? - Huh? You can take Harris, right? No, I don't think so.
I don't Chloe.
Perfect.
Harris loves you.
- No, he doesn't.
- Oh, no, Chloe, you're, like you're his favorite one.
Chloe! Chloe! Chloe! Please don't chant.
Stop chanting.
Chloe! Chloe! Chloe! Chloe! Chloe! Chloe! - Oh, fine! - Atta girl.
You go get 'em.
Hannah Larsen, meet Sonia Jimenez one of my most favorite nurses.
Hannah's a primip 2, 80, minus 2.
Hasn't had any pain medication yet.
And her baby looks great on the monitor.
See you both in a bit.
Okay.
Bye.
Hey, Hannah.
I'm gonna be your nurse from now until the finish line.
If you need anything, just, um, press your buzzer right there.
Otherwise, I'll be in to check on you each hour.
How you feeling? Like crap.
I'm so ready to get this alien out of my body.
I bet you are.
Is anybody gonna be with you for the delivery? There's no husband or boyfriend or anything.
This is, like, a one-night-stand type Of situation.
Never mix tequila and pot a tip from me.
I'm giving the baby up for adoption, by the way, in case you were concerned for its well-being.
No, I wasn't.
But that's great.
But still, what about your family? - Where's your mom? - Oh She would die.
She'd be like, "knocked up at 19, surprised you made it that long.
" Yeah, I guess it's best she's not here, then.
Yeah.
Hannah, look, you're bringing a life into the world.
That's a beautiful thing.
Actually, the adoptive parents, Brett and Karen, are in the waiting room.
I told them they could come in when it gets to be time.
Would you go and get them? I think they're, like, freaking out.
Sure.
- So the baby looks okay? - Yeah, he's great.
Hannah's getting her epidural right now, and you guys can come on back.
We're so excited.
We have everything ready for the baby.
Seriously, everything.
It's like, uh, the stork threw up at our house.
I mean, we have baby nail clippers.
We have baby laundry soap.
We have a baby burping blanket.
I couldn't decide what to bring the baby home in, so I brought three different outfits.
I wanted him to be warm enough, but comfortable too.
Sweetie, sweetie, I'm not sure that she cares.
No, it's it's good.
You guys are excited.
Well, are you guys ready for your lives to change? Yeah.
Let's go.
Veronica, come in and have a drink, hon.
Tim picked up some nice scotch.
Oh.
What's the occasion? - You want ice? - No, I'm good.
Oh, so "neat," like your father.
- Uh, no, I meant- - I meant no scotch for me.
Well, there's wine in the fridge.
I'm actually not drinking right now.
I thought you weren't pregnant.
- I'm not.
- So you're going on the wagon? What for? It's not lent yet.
I'm just taking a break from alcohol.
You want a beer, then? I'm gonna go up to my room now.
I don't like secrets in this house.
What are you hiding, Ronnie? What? Nothing.
Oh, my God.
I got it.
Mike Mike, hi.
Just here to take your dad on his walk.
Your mom didn't tell you? I've been coming here every night, but you've been at work.
I am so glad there are no secrets In this house, mom.
Mikey, I'm gonna put on my sweats.
Okay, Jimbo.
- Oh, Ronnie - Yeah, yeah, yeah.
I made an appointment to get your oil changed tomorrow.
- So leave your keys for me.
- Oh, thank you.
Hey, while I wait, you got a minute? Yeah.
Still letting your dad take your car in for you? Yeah, it makes him happy.
Why? I don't think he should be getting behind the wheel anymore.
He's been acting real confused lately.
I think he might even be hallucinating or something.
He's only in the early stages.
He's probably just drunk.
Alcohol can conceal the disease.
I mean, none of you guys seem to be taking his alzheimer's All that seriously.
Mike, I'm a nurse.
Of course I take my dad's illness seriously.
The lights are going out, Ronnie.
This is bad.
Hey What'd I come out here for? We're going on our walk, Jim.
Oh, right.
You're doing so great, sweetie.
- He's coming.
- Oh Here he comes.
Here you go.
Is he okay? He's great.
He's great.
Look at him.
Can I see him? You want to hold him, Hannah? Yeah.
But remember you said you didn't want to.
Yeah, but now I want to.
You can hold him.
It's all right, sweetie.
Oh Oh, look at you.
Can we have a second? Sure.
I didn't know he'd be so beautiful.
Hey.
Shouldn't you be in bed? Shouldn't you? Well, I just stopped by to check on my favorite patient.
Well, did I ever, uh, tell you about Oh.
oh Shouldn't you be wearing your vest? Uh, no.
Uh, that thing sucks.
Come on.
You know, it really can't be that bad.
Some patients sleep in them.
Oh, really? Well, here - why don't you try it on - No.
- Veronica, here we go.
- No.
- Uh-uh.
- Mm-hmm.
- No.
- Yep.
I don't Oh, it looks perfect.
All right, if I do it, will you wear it as prescribed? Maybe if you throw in a field trip to that diner down the street so that I can have some real food.
Hmm? Yeah, Gabe whoa! Ahh The soothing vest.
Now go to sleep.
I don't think so.
Okay, I get it.
I get it.
You sound like T-pain.
Turn this thing off now, please.
Will you take me out for a burger? Hmm? Okay, if Klowden says yes, we'll go.
- Really? Awesome.
- Yeah.
Okay.
You don't you you don't have to wear that thing in here.
Why, am I embarrassing you? Oh, see? Thank you very much.
It's cool.
Everyone wants one.
Will you turn it off now, please? All right.
Mmm Wait! Don't eat that! We found a donor match.
- You're going in for surgery.
- Really? You, sir, are about to get a new set of lungs.
She's breastfeeding? She wants to keep him, doesn't she? Well, it's an emotional situation.
She could change her mind again, but for now I knew this would happen.
You know, we had an agreement.
This was all planned.
Can we talk to her? She doesn't want to see you right now.
She can't take care of him.
You know, she's got, like, five roommates.
We've been paying her rent for the last six months.
Guys, I know this is tough, but you got to ride it out.
Now, she's got three days to change her mind.
The law's on her side here.
And so are you.
I mean, she's your patient.
Yeah, she is.
So is the baby.
And in a way, so are you guys.
Wait, and try and handle yourselves with some grace.
Go home and relax, and we will call you if she changes her mind.
So An MRI is this absolutely necessary? Yes.
All the tests came back negative.
So we're looking for a slipped disk, stenosis, or something impinging on your spinal cord.
See you on the other side.
Ready to start, Dr.
Harris? Uh, no, uh, not yet.
You don't have any metal on, do you? Do I? No, no.
We're both clear.
- Ready to go? - Uh, hold on a second, please.
Um, Ms.
Payne, you don't happen to have Any xanax, do you? Dr.
Harris, are you claustrophobic? I don't enjoy small spaces, no.
Why didn't you say so? Do do you want me to sing you a song? Oh, God, no.
You know, I had this yoga instructor once Who used imagery to help relax.
So if you just close your eyes and picture yourself on a warm beach Please, stop talking.
I'm gonna get started, Dr.
Harris.
Oh, God, no.
I can't do this.
- Why don't you just - Just talk to me about something? - About what? - I don't know.
Um, um, chess.
You like chess.
Why don't you teach me how to play chess? All right.
Are you familiar with the sicilian defense? No.
Well when white initiates with c-5, black attacks.
So when you wake up, new lungs.
And I'm gonna be right here waiting.
What? Gabe, I'm sorry.
We have to cancel the surgery.
Gabe, did you get a blood transfusion recently? Um, like a month ago in upstate New York.
- What? - Okay, that explains it.
What, did they mess up my blood or something? Well, the transfusion caused you to become sensitized.
Your body would almost certainly reject a new set of lungs.
I'm so sorry, Gabe.
Oh, that's okay.
I I mean Well, it's a good thing that you caught it in time, right? I I guess it wasn't meant to be.
Isn't there anything that we can do? Well, possibly.
There's, uh, a process called a desensitization protocol.
It's still in its experimental stages, but it involves anything from a whole-body irradiation, plasmapheresis where a machine removes The antibodies from your blood or I.
V.
immunoglobulin.
It's an involved process, and it puts you at risk for further infection, but if you went through with it, your body might accept a new set of lungs.
Wait, wait, did you say "might" accept them? Well, there's no guarantee.
But I think it's the best chance that we've got.
Aren't there any other options? Gabe needs a transplant, and the only shot we have at getting one is this treatment.
But we should get it going right away.
- Start the plasmapheresis - Right, but, um Uh, do you guys mind if I just take a minute? I'm just a little overwhelmed.
Every test is negative.
I can't find any cause for his paralysis.
But Dr.
Harris is paralyzed, isn't he? His condition's real, but it might be more than just physical.
Could be conversion disorder.
- Like a hysterical paralysis? - Yeah.
Well, he did just lose his wife.
How do you test for that? - Push him out of the bed.
- What? That's very dangerous.
He could break bones.
In the absence of medical findings, this is how we test for conversion disorder Versus malingering.
The other test is scrotum clamp.
- You made that up.
- No.
Seriously, it's a thing.
Hey.
How's the baby? His name's Dylan.
Okay, Hannah, let's be practical here.
How is this gonna work? Well, I thought I could move back in with my mom.
You said you guys weren't getting along that well, though.
She'll want to meet her grandson.
Sonia, he's my son, my little boy.
Look at him.
Why don't you give her a call? Let her know the deal.
Call her right now.
Hello? Mom It's me, Hannah.
Hey, I have some news.
I just had a little baby a boy.
His name's Dylan.
And He's just perfect, mom.
You should see him.
Well, I thought I could come and live with you, just until I get back on my feet.
Mom, it'd only be for a little while.
You know what? Forget it.
I don't even know why I called you.
Thanks for nothing.
Well, I take it that didn't go so well.
She's the worst mom in the world.
I don't even know why she had kids.
It doesn't matter, though.
I'll figure something out.
Okay, Hannah, but what's plan "b"? Do you even have anybody to drive you home tomorrow? I'll figure it out, okay? We'll be fine.
It's none of your business anyway.
Okay I'll take you home me and my friend Angel.
That's one problem solved.
Thank you.
I know it's not your fault, and that's fine Hey, you guys.
What's going on? Veronica, uh, we were just talking about you.
You were? We were talking about your dad.
Am I missing something? Why were you two talking about Well, he had an appointment today.
But your mother decided to take Jim to Costco.
There's a sale on crab legs.
See what I was trying to say to you? Okay, so obviously my mother and I are due for a chat about priorities.
Don't be too hard on her.
I mean, she's just been told She's about to lose her best friend.
This is for your dad.
It's an ID bracelet, in case your father ever gets lost.
Most alzheimer's patients wear one.
Okay, thanks, Gillian.
But clearly you don't know my father.
He's a proud Irishman.
This is like putting a a a collar on a dog.
I'm just worried about him wandering off.
Well, I will leave you two.
Thanks.
Mike You know my dad's not gonna wear some dumb bracelet.
This is for his own good.
I'm worried about the guy, Ronnie.
Do you understand the risks and consequences of what you're undertaking? I understand.
- What's happening? - Let me be clear.
If you don't go through the desensitization protocol, there's absolutely no chance of a lung transplant.
I hear you, but I'm I'm done here.
You're leaving? Gabe, you can't leave now.
You're making a mistake.
This is no time to give up.
I'm not giving up.
I'm just getting started.
Thank you for everything, Dr.
Sands.
Gabe you know that if you don't get that transplant soon, you you're gonna die.
Yes.
Yep.
They've been telling me that my whole life.
But, um, I'm tired, and I'd rather spend the rest of my life actually living.
Don't you get it? Look, I appreciate that you care so much.
But you can't understand what it's like.
And I'm I'm just sick of fighting, and I just want to live for a second and be normal.
But I I think you're great, Veronica.
And I hope you come and see me play sometime.
If you go through with this, you will not be playing in that stupid piano bar for much longer.
I hope you don't mean that.
Well, if you can't find anything wrong, then run some more tests.
There are no more tests to run.
What about tick paralysis or ciguatera? You catch that in the caribbean.
You catch that from eating fish.
Who knows where this city gets its seafood from? What, I'm not important enough? We've been talking for an hour, all right? I have other patients.
I'm sorry.
The problem with being a superior physician is that you surpass others.
Hey, you know, it's a bit stuffy in here.
Why don't we go for a ride? I would prefer if we didn't.
Oh I think it'll be nice for you.
I don't want to go for a ride! I will not be infantilized simply because I'm presently handicapped! - Why are we going so fast? - Aah! Oh! Oh oh, my God! Are you insane? Oh, my God, I'm so sorry.
You just threw me out of my wheelchair! I did, but I can explain.
It's just that everyone is too scared to tell you That they think it's conversion disorder.
And I just think you're really, really sad.
You think I'm sad? What are you, some kind of a genius? My wife was murdered.
Of course I'm sad, you idiot! Take take me back to my room.
And get her away from me.
Right away, Dr.
Harris.
I'm sorry.
Oh! A split.
- That sucks! - Today sucks.
Yeah, where are those drinks? Let's take it out on the pins, people.
We can't lose to the docs again.
Hey, what happened with your adoption? - She's keeping it.
- Does she have anybody? It's just her and the baby against the world.
- She's just - Dumb? Clueless.
Maybe it'll be okay.
Maybe, you know, it'll turn her life around.
And a baby could be just what she needs.
'Cause that's how it always works.
But I volunteered us to give her a ride home.
Us? How'd I get involved in this? 'Cause I don't have a car.
Come on, put some karma in the bank.
Make up for all those terrible things you do.
- What terrible things? - The way you judge people, the trash talk, your lack of respect for authority.
Are we talking about me or you? Come on, she doesn't have anybody.
I mean, I am the only responsible person she knows.
That's tragic.
Hi.
Are you interested In a free night of glow-in-the-dark bowling? - Are you married? - No.
Yeah, right.
Hey, I thought you weren't drinking anymore.
I wasn't, but it was really hard, so I am.
Waiter, a round of tequila shots, please.
Oh, that'll help us win.
That's the great, great thing About bowling, Angel.
Nobody cares.
Ooh, team Sandslani in the house.
Are they dating? You okay with this, V? Totally.
All right, nurses, are you prepared to get your asses whooped? We got ourselves a ringer.
Oh I was in a league in med school.
So from here on in, you have to refer to us as the "bowling stones.
" And you can call yourselves the " bowl movement.
" Chris, that's gross.
Yeah, Chris, that's gross.
Seriously, though, enough with the butt-related humor.
I think I have ptsd from checking Harris' rectal tone.
Some of us have been to the desert, others have been to Harris' ass.
Let's wipe the floor with their pretty white coats.
Wow.
Bam.
- Yeah! - Yes! Four extra years of school, you still can't beat my girl from Lancaster! Take it down about eight notches.
Ooh.
Over the line.
Over the line.
- Over the line - What? No, I wasn't.
You were over the line.
What are you talking about? Seriously, what is this about? You could have tried a little harder to get Gabe to stay in the hospital today.
Gabe.
This is about Gabe.
Yes, it is.
- Whoo! Yes! - Oh! Besides, you were over the line.
And if you guys can cheat Then so can we.
- Oh - Veronica! - Flanagan down! - Ow! - Oh - Veronica.
Oh, my God.
Veronica, are you okay? Not a medical emergency, people.
Ow! Get some ice for her ankle.
- Listen, I'm taking you home.
- Chloe can take me home.
No, I'm taking you home.
Ow! Chloe can ow! - Chlo Chloe can - Come on.
Ready? Ow.
Ow.
- Whoa.
- Only not.
You trying to kill me? Sorry.
Not my fault the stairs were slippery.
My keys.
My keys are in my back pocket.
Okay.
Who whoa! Chris I got them.
- Don't do that.
- Shh.
Don't Careful.
Careful.
Shh.
Shh.
Shh.
Shh.
Hey.
Oh, hi.
Hi, Mr.
Flanagan.
Oh, God.
Hi, dad.
You remember Dr.
Sands, right? What happened to you? It was nothing.
Just a little bowling accident.
Please don't tell mom about this.
I've already forgotten it.
Okay, you can put me down now.
Ow.
Uhh! Ow.
Okay.
Apologize to Gillian again for me.
You two seem happy.
Yeah.
Actually, I am Happy.
Okay Just take care of your ankle, okay? I'll see you later.
Good night.
No, no.
No, no, no, no, no.
Caffeine is no good for a hangover.
I'm gonna make you my special cure.
Right.
I forgot about that.
I didn't forget about last night.
What's going on with you? That doctor guy? The one who brought you home last night? What's going on with that? Huh? I thought that you had alzheimer's, dad.
Oh yeah.
Uh-uh.
You're going through a rough time, Ronnie.
Losing Mikey, living at home with your mother and me.
Whew.
That'll drive anyone to drink, sure.
But you'll pull through.
You always have.
Dad I'm worried about you.
Hey Don't worry about me.
I'm not dead yet.
Right? I want to ask you something.
What, you need money? I well no.
But there's this, um It's, um it's just a precaution in case you, um you know, you get lost or anything like that.
You expect me to wear this? Yeah, sure.
It's no big deal.
Oh, papa.
It's like I'm a dog.
It's like you're putting a collar on a damn dog.
That's what I said.
Of course.
You're my girl.
You owe me.
I know.
Hey, Hannah.
You got to just pull it pull it tight like this.
What's she doing here? Oh, I don't know.
I'll go find out.
Hey.
Hey, Karen.
I just, um I brought some things for Hannah, for the baby.
It's just, um I had planned on being this boy's mother for a really long time.
And it's I haven't quite shaken it yet.
And I know that she doesn't really have anything, so, um, I thought this would help her Get off to a good start.
That's really nice.
So, um Just tell her I said, um I wish them luck.
I will.
Bye.
She just wanted to give you some things.
- It's nice.
- She's nice.
Why is he crying? Oh, he just woke up.
It's no big deal.
Just jiggle the seat a little.
Try the pacifier.
Hannah, it's okay.
It's okay if you can't do this.
It doesn't mean that you're not gonna be a good mom someday.
It doesn't mean anything about you Except that you're 19, and you haven't had a chance to grow up yet.
How can I give him up? How can I do that? I love him so much.
Look how lucky this boy is.
Only three days old, and so many people love him.
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
Hey! Hey, Karen.
Oh, no, not you.
Dr.
Harris, I'm sorry.
You have to let me explain.
Oh, there's more explanation.
What, were you rolling on acid? I just thought Chloe I'm Dr.
Daniel Harris.
I know there's no medical reason For my condition.
I know that I'm consumed with grief.
I know these two things are connected.
But it doesn't change the fact that I cannot move my legs.
Oh.
I'm frightened.
Of course you are.
Do you want me to stay with you? No.
I I just want to be alone.
Well, I'm here if you need me.
What does that mean? God help me.
Wow.
You surprised I'm still here? According to you, I should be dead by now.
I'm really sorry I said that.
I actually came down here to tell you That you should do Whatever you want.
I hope to God you'll keep up with those treatments, but I will support you no matter what.
Well, I, uh I appreciate that So much, in fact, that I'm going to, uh, dedicate this, uh, next song to you.
Oh, no.
Gabe - Gabe, stop.
- You stop.
- No.
- It's happening.
- No.
I can pronounce my own disease.
à Veronica Flanagan Callahan, the angriest nurse in the world.
What? You're doing great.
Just sit right there.
I'm allowed to do that.