Alex gives in and runs his thumb over Neil's cheek, then withdraws his hand, leaving the other firmly on Neil's shoulder. "It's simple, kid. You have to stay still.

"I can either try my hardest to drug you into oblivion so you don't move, and maybe you don't wake up after." Neil's choice, Alex reminds himself. The kid chooses. "Or you stay awake through all of it, only on Med-X. You keep yourself still and you stay awake and talking to me. That way I know you're still kicking through it."