"Ok, Norman, you're doing so well that we're going to remove the breathing tube now."

"Mmmph."

"That's right, breathe. Okay, deep breath and let it out. One... two... three!"

Norman blew out as hard as he could, which wasn't very hard, as he was somewhat out of practice breathing. The nurse pulled, and Norman could feel the tube sliding up out of his chest and throat. It didn't hurt, but it didn't feel that nice either. Out it came with a wet 'pop'. He felt a glob of something land on his chest.

"Ok, take a nice deep breath for me now, Norman." She gave his shoulder an encouraging squeeze. "Fantastic."

For the first time in almost a week, since he felt his world twist and fall, Norman could express his most burning concern. He took another deep breath, moistened his chapped lips and gasped, "Norman..."

The nurse glanced briefly at the neurologist with deep concern, her eyes masked with disappointment and pain. But she chirped brightly, "That's right, you are Norman. You had a stroke, but you are getting better."