War for Genius

28.- A tense reunion

"What else can you tell us, doctor?" Uncle Scrooge asked, getting a little closer to the healthcare professional. The doctor looked at him and replied in the same calm voice:

"The little one is still quite grave. His dehydration level and malnutrition were a little worrisome. But we are treating that aspect intravenously as well. His blood oxygen saturation was...somewhat below average, so we have put him on oxygen to restore his oxygen levels to normal again. Another issue that worries me, are the abrasions on his wrists, they seem to have been produced by prolonged contact with metal, in my opinion."

The eyes of everyone present widened at those words. Truth be told... Louie didn't even remember that. His hands closed into fists and he felt his body tremble with rage. How had Huey done that? What could prolonged contact with metal mean?

The duckling could feel tears starting to form in his eyes, but he didn't want anyone to see him cry, so he closed his eyes trying to hide the cry he knew was coming. How much had Huey really suffered under the clutches of Beaks and Graves?

"R-really?" Uncle Scrooge asked suddenly in a breathy voice. The younger triplet opened his eyes again and saw that the doctor looked his uncle in the eye and nodded slowly. He replied:

"Indeed, do you know by any chance how that could have happened?"

Scrooge shook his head, then replied:

"No... but we know those responsible, currently under police custody, who will know soon."

After this there were a few moments of silence, and Louie saw this as an opportunity for him to speak next:

"Doctor..."

The owl turned to look at him and asked:

"Yes?"

Louie could feel his nerves grow, and tremblingly asked:

"Will... will my brother be... fine?"

The doctor acquired a sad expression at first, which put the youngest triplet even more nervous, but soon, the owl's face softened, and gently, replied:

"It's early to say little one, but I've the impression this duckling is strong. I think he'll succeed."

That gave Louie some encouragement. But before he could speak, Dewey preceded him by asking:

"Really?"

The doctor smiled softly and replied:

"It's very probable."

"Where's the boy now?" Mrs. Beakley asked. The doctor turned to her and replied:

"In a few moments they'll transfer him to a room. I suppose it isn't necessary to ask, but will any of you accompany him?"

"Yes, I will," Fenton replied, raising his hand. The owl looked at him and nodding said:

"Very well." he took a piece of paper out of his dressing gown pocket and handing it to the Hispanic duck, explaining:

"This is the room to which they'll transfer him. You can go there right now if you want."

"Right away," Fenton said with a huge smile and without wasting time, he ran towards it. Louie really wanted to follow him, but he knew that even if his brother woke up, seeing him wasn't the best idea. Sharing a look with Dewey, the younger triplet knew his brother felt the same way as him.

Louie suddenly heard his great-uncle sigh and then said:

"Doctor... there is... there is another matter I would like to discuss..."