Kneesurgery Emojis & Text

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 1


Plankton's foot slipped
on the uneven stone. His
arms flailed in a desperate
attempt to keep his balance. 
The sickening crack of bone
on bone echoed through the
stillness as Karen watched
her husband Plankton crumple,
his face a mask of pain. The
quiet evening was shattered by
his agonized scream.

Karen rushed to his side. Plankton 
was clutching his leg, his eye
squeezed shut. The angle of his lower leg 
was grotesque, unnatural. It was clear 
something was very wrong. She didn't need 
to be a doctor to know that the sound 
of the snap had been his
middle leg bones, breaking.

Karen raced as she knelt beside him,
his pain a palpable presence. 
Plankton's breaths came 
quick and shallow, punctuated by 
grunts of pain; it was already 
swelling, the bone jutting 
under the skin. She knew
they had to act fast. "Hold on,"
she whispered fiercely. "We need to
get you to a hospital."

Their quiet neighborhood was 
quickly alight with the wails of an
approaching ambulance. The stark 
white and red lights bobbed through the 
trees, casting eerie shadows on 
their panic-stricken faces. The 
moments stretched into an eternity 
before the doors swung open and 
medical personnel flooded out, their 
movements efficient and calm, 
contrasting with the chaos of 
the scene. They moved quickly, 
strapping Plankton onto a stretcher, 
his screams of agony piercing the 
night air as they carefully straightened 
his leg and secured it in a makeshift splint
as Karen hops in. The ambulance 
lurched forward, the wheels 
eating up the pavement as they 
sped toward the hospital. Karen held 
his hand tightly. "Ma'am, you might want
to accompany him into the surgery
room, as he'll need an operation." They
told Karen.

Upon arrival, the doctor 
spoke in hushed, professional tones, 
his expression unreadable behind the 
mask. "It's a serious fracture.
We'll need to perform a tibiofibular 
repair. It's a complex procedure, but
our team is prepared. You can stay
by him as we operate. Let's get him
comfortable first." Karen nodded.
"I understand."

They transferred him 
to the operating table, gently arranging
his limbs with the precision of 
experience. Karen held his hand, her eyes 
never leaving his as the anesthesiologist
prepared the medication. Plankton 
was visibly nervous, his eye darting 
between the doctor and his wife.

To help ease his nerves, the
nurse offered Plankton a warm
blanket and a stuffed bear,
and he clutched it to his chest.

The anesthesiologist stepped back, 
thinking for a moment before speaking 
up. "We have anesthesia. We can 
try that. It's not our usual protocol,
but in your case, it might be the best
option."

Karen felt the grip of Plankton's 
hand tighten around hers. "It'll be okay,"
she assured him, trying to mirror the 
nurse's calm demeanor. The doctor
nodded in agreement. "We've done
this before. We'll take good care of you."

The anesthetic began to flow into his veins, 
and Plankton's eyelid grew heavy. His 
breathing slowed, and the room grew quiet
as his grip loosened and his hand went 
slack in Karen's. She leaned in, whispering, 
"I love you," as his eye closed fully, 
snores now coming from his open mouth. 
The doctor gave a nod to the anesthesiologist, 
who nodded back in confirmation. The 
surgery could begin.

Once they finished the surgery, they
bandaged Plankton's leg with a cast that went 
from his toes to his hip, and wheeled him 
to the recovery room. The doctor 
explained that it was a successful 
procedure, though he'd be asleep for 
several hours. The room was a soft 
symphony of beeps and whispers, a stark 
contrast to the chaos of the 
operating theater. Karen waited, her 
fingers intertwined with his, feeling 
his pulse steady and strong under 
her fingertips.

The nurse dimmed the lights. "He's
reacting nicely to the anesthesia. It's
normal and ok if today he tends to
doze off easily." Karen nodded.

As Plankton slept on, the
nurse adjusts his stuffed
bear so that it doesn't press
against his cast. She smiles
reassuringly at Karen. "He's
going to be okay," she says softly.
"We'll keep a close eye on
his vitals, yet he should be
coming around shortly." Karen nods,
gratitude in her screen, and squeezes
his hand gently. "You can even
talk to him if you'd like. Sometimes
it helps to hear a familiar voice."

Karen leans closer
to Plankton's sleeping form.
"You're going to be okay. You're going to
recover, and we're going to get
through this." The nurse nods, a
sympathetic smile on her face as
she checks the IV dripping pain 
relievers into his arm.

Eventually, Plankton's 
eye opens groggily, looking
around the room in confusion.
He winces as the light pierces 
his pupil, and Karen quickly
reaches over to dim the lamp.
"It's okay," she says soothingly.
"You're in the hospital. You had
an accident." His eye finds
hers and relaxes slightly as
recognition sets in.

"My...my leg," he mumbles,
his voice slurred from the anesthesia.
Karen nods, her thumb brushing
his knuckles. "They fixed it.
You had surgery. You're going to be okay."
Plankton tries to move, but the 
weight of the cast stops him. "What...happened?"

The doctor enters the
recovery room.
"You had a nasty fall. Do you remember?"
Plankton's eye drifts closed, 
trying to piece together the
fragmented moments. The pain,
the lights, the sound of his own screams.
He nods slightly, the memory
firming like concrete in his mind.
"We've repaired it. You'll be in this
cast for a while, but with rest, you'll be back
to normal." Plankton nods again.

The doctor nods to Karen.
"He'll be sleepy for a 
bit. We've given him
some pain medication." 
Karen nods.

Plankton's eyelid flutters,
his gaze unfocused. "Can I...
see it?" he asks, his voice
slurred by the anesthesia.

Karen nods and gently
lifts the blanket. The cast,
white and pristine, extends
from his toes to his hip.
"It's going to take some time,
but you'll be okay," she repeats,
her voice soothing.

Plankton's eye focuses 
on the cast. "It's...big,"
he murmurs, his voice trailing
off as the weight of the
medication pulls him back
under. His eye droops
closed, and his breathing
steadies into the rhythmic 
pattern of sleep. Karen watches
his chest rise and fall as they
remove the IV. "He'll be in 
and out of it for a while. It's 
normal. The body needs rest
after surgery." Karen nods,
trying to absorb the doctor's 
words. She's seen people with 
broken legs before, but never 
one she loves so much. She 
thanks the doctor, her voice
barely above a whisper.

Plankton's hand moves, 
his fingers searching for hers.
"Karen," he whispers,
his voice thick with sleep.
Her hand slides into his, 
squeezing gently. "I'm here,"
she murmurs, her screen never
leaving his peaceful face.
The surgery had been a
success. The nurse looks to
Karen. "I'll get the wheelchair."

The chair squeaks into place,
and Plankton's eye opens.
He looks at Karen, the question
in his gaze clear. She nods. "It's
time to go home."

new kneesurgery hospitalcore 1

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 2


They maneuver him into the 
wheelchair, and he winces
as his leg meets the firm cushion.
The nurse nods sympathetically.
"It'll take some getting used to,
but you'll manage." She gets his
stuffed bear and blanket, placing
them carefully in his lap.
Plankton leans his head
back, his eye drifting closed 
again as they get crutches.

Karen follows the nurse
as they navigate the 
hospital corridors. She's relieved 
to finally reach the car, 
helping him in with gentle 
care. His head lolls to the 
side as she buckles him in,
his snores a testament to the
powerful medication.

The drive home feels
endless. Every bump in the 
road jolts her nerves, but 
Plankton remains oblivious,
his chest rising and falling 
evenly. She glances over,
his hand resting on the 
stuffed bear, fingers lax.

The house is a silent
fortress when they arrive. 
Karen managed to get him in. 
He mumbles something 
incoherent as she helps 
lift him onto the couch. 
His eyelid flickers
open, and he looks around 
confused before it closes 
again. She also leaves the 
wheelchair near. 
Pillows are arranged
just so, the TV remote 
within easy reach, and 
his favorite blanket drapes 
his legs like a warm
embrace. He mumbles a
thank you, his eye still 
half-closed with sleep.

Karen makes him comfortable,
his head nestled against
the pillows. She kisses
his forehead. "Rest,"
she whispers, her voice a soft
caress. "I'll be right here."
Plankton's snores become
more pronounced as 
Karen sits by his side.

Just then, Karen's friend
Sandy unexpectedly comes
inside. "What happened?" she 
gasps. Karen smiles 
weakly. "He's sleepy."

Sandy's eyes widen 
as she takes in the cast 
and the wheelchair. "What...?
Why..." Sandy exclaims.
"It's okay," Karen says.
"Plankton had an accident.
He'll be fine, yet it's going
to be a long road to recovery."

Sandy nods, a look of
concern etching her features.
"How can I help?"

Karen's eyes fill with
gratitude. "Could you...
could you stay with him
while I make food?"
Sandy nods firmly. 
"Of course."

Plankton's snores 
grow softer as Sandy 
sits beside him as
Karen finishes up a
batch of chum.

Plankton stirs 
slightly, his snores 
quieter now.
"Karen," Sandy calls 
from the 
living room. "He's 
waking up."

Karen sets the food
aside, wiping her 
hands on a towel as 
she rushes in. 
Plankton's eye blinks 
open, looking around
confused. "What's...what's
going on?" he mumbles.

Karen smiles 
reassuringly. "You had
surgery, Plankton. Do you
remembe---"

He nods, his eye
half-lidded. "I...fell. 
But when’d she get
here?" Plankton said
as he recognized Sandy.

Karen chuckles softly.
"You've been out of it
for a bit. She came
a bit after you fell asleep."

Sandy smiles. "I'm just
here to help. What do you
need?"

Karen's shoulders sag with
relief. "Could you help me get
his wheelchair? We'll need to eat
at the table."

Karen guides Plankton.
He winces as he lowers 
himself, his leg still tender 
and foreign in its cast.
They make their way 
to the dinner table, Sandy 
right behind them. Karen 
serves him a steaming plate.
He picks at the food, his 
eye still hazy from the 
anesthesia. Sandy fills 
a glass of water, placing
it within his reach. 

"How long...?" Plankton's
words trail off as he tries
to remember the doctor's
instructions. "How long will I
be in this...this...thing?"
He gestures to the cast, 
his frustration clear.
Karen takes a deep
breath, her hand resting 
on his shoulder. "It's going
to be a few weeks, love. 
But think of it as a chance
to rest and recover." She
knows he doesn't want to
appear helpless.

Sandy sits across from Karen
and Plankton, curious but
tentative, as she knows he
can have a fiery temper at times.
"So, what happened Plank..."

He cuts her off, his voice
sharp. "I fell. That's what
happened. I don't know
much after that." Plankton's
frustration is palpable, his
eye flashing. Karen squeezes
his hand gently, a silent
reminder to be patient.
Sandy nods, understanding.
"Well, ok."

Karen watches Plankton's face,
and Sandy wants to help. He's tired,
his eyelid drooping. But he tries
to appear present, to eat with them
at the kitchen table with his wheelchair.
He takes small bites, his movements 
careful not to disturb his leg. Karen 
intercepts Sandy's concerned look.
"It's okay," she whispers as Plankton's 
energy wanes. His head nods 
forward slightly, and he jerks 
awake with a snort,
his cheeks flushing with 
embarrassment. Karen 
appreciates her friend's
support, yet she can see the 
uncertainty in Sandy's eyes. 
They both knew Plankton's 
stubbornness.

Sandy clears her throat, 
changing the subject. "So, what's
the plan for tomorrow?" Karen
looks at Plankton, his eye
half-closed. "We'll take it easy.
The doctor said lots of rest."
Plankton nods, his 
head bobbing slightly.

"I'll help with the house," Sandy offers,
picking up on Karen's unspoken concern.
"You guys just focus on...you know,
recovering." Karen smiles with 
gratitude. "Thank you."
Plankton nods, his head 
lolling again as he tries to
appear present. But he leans into
Karen, his body heavy with
exhaustion, head resting on her
shoulder, his snores soon 
filling the room despite still sitting
in the wheelchair at the table.
Karen and Sandy 
exchange a look.

Gently, Karen lifts Plankton's
head, his snores growing
deeper with every passing second.

"Come on, let's get you to bed,"
she whispers, her voice a gentle
caress in the quiet room.
Sandy nods, understanding.
They work in tandem, Sandy pushing
the wheelchair while Karen
supports Plankton's weight.

The bedroom is bathed in a soft glow,
the curtains drawn against the night.
They maneuver him to the bed, 
his snores punctuating the air.
They carefully lift him, his body 
unyielding from the pain meds, 
and lay him down. The cast feels 
heavier than ever, a stark
reminder of the ordeal he's just
been through. Karen pulls the
covers over him, tucking them 
in gently around his cast, his
snores growing louder.

Sandy looks at Karen with
sympathetic eyes. "You've had
quite a day," she says softly.
Karen nods. "We both 
have." Sandy pulls her into
a hug. "You're not alone.
I'm here."

new kneesurgery karendy 2

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 19


The doctor 
nods, his eyes 
scrutinizing the 
x-ray. "Good," he says, 
his voice clipped. 
"It's healing nicely."
Plankton lets out 
a sigh of relief, 
his shoulders 
slumping slightly.
The doctor continues, 
his voice gentle. 
"But we'll need to 
extract the excess
glue." Plankton's eye 
widens. "What!"

The doctor 
holds up a 
hand. "It's common, 
nothing to worry 
about. All do is
drain the excess 
glue. It'll help 
reduce the pressure 
and discomfort." 
Plankton's antennae 
wave in distress. 
"How?" he 
asks, his voice 
high-pitched. Hanna 
and Karen exchange 
worried glances.

The doctor 
explains, his 
tone reassuring. 
"It's a simple 
procedure," he 
says, his claws 
gesturing to 
the medical tools 
laid out before 
them. "We'll just 
remove your cast
and then we go in 
with a small 
instrument to 
drain the excess 
glue."

Plankton's 
breathing speeds up, 
his antennae 
twitching rapidly. 
"But what if it 
hurts?" he 
asks, his voice 
high-pitched. The 
doctor nods 
understandingly. "We'll 
put you under general
anesthesia like last 
time, Mr. Plankton. You 
won't feel a thing." Karen 
nods, her face 
a mask of calm.
"Okay," Plankton 
whispers, his 
eyes darting 
between Karen and 
the doctor, 
his voice shaking.

They 
wheel him into 
the operating 
room, Hanna 
waiting out in
a chair as Karen
follows Plankton
in.

The room 
was cold, the 
smell of 
disinfectant 
sharp in his 
tiny nose. His 
leg was propped 
up, the cast 
looking like a 
monolith in 
the stark, 
white room. 
The doctor's 
face loomed 
over him, a 
mask obscuring 
his expression. 
"You're going to 
feel sleepy now, 
Mr. Plankton," he 
said, his voice 
distant. "Count 
backwards from 
twenty." Plankton 
managed a nod, 
his voice 
slurring.

"T-twenty," he 
slurred. "Nineteen." 
His eyelid began 
to droop, 
his words 
slurring more 
with each 
number. "Eigh-"
his voice trailed 
off as the 
world grew fuzzy. 
His head lolled 
to the side, 
his antennae 
coming to rest 
on the pillow.
And with 
that, Plankton 
was asleep, 
his breaths 
evening out.
The doctor 
nodded to the 
nurse, who 
smiled gently. "He's 
under," she confirmed, 
monitoring his 
vitals. Karen 
squeezed his 
hand. "You'll be 
okay, Plankton," she 
whispered. Hanna 
stood at the 
edge of the 
room, her eyes 
filled with 
concern as she 
watched the 
medical staff 
prepare for the 
procedure.

The surgery 
was swift, the 
doctor's claws 
sure as they 
worked to 
remove the cast 
and extract 
the excess glue
with syringes. 
Plankton slept 
through it all, 
his body 
completely relaxed as
Karen held his hand. 
Hanna waited outside
as they finished.

When it was done, 
the doctor 
replaced the cast 
with a bandage
wrapped around
the leg.

"He'll be 
fine," the doctor 
told Karen, 
his voice 
matter-of-fact. 
"The anesthesia 
should wear off 
soon. We'll keep 
an eye on him 
as he wakes up."

They wheeled 
Plankton into 
recovery, his 
body still and 
his chest rising 
and falling with 
even breaths. Karen 
stayed by his side, 
her hand in his. 
Hanna follows them.

His recovery 
room was quiet. Plankton 
was out like a light, 
his antennae 
still and his 
tiny body 
completely relaxed 
against the pillows.
Karen sat 
next to him, 
her hand 
still holding his. 
Hanna hovered 
near the door, 
watching.

Karen leaned in, 
her voice 
barely a whisper. 
"You know, Plankton, 
you've got more 
heart than you 
let on," she 
said, her eyes 
filled with 
admiration. "You're 
so strong, going 
through this." Hanna 
smiled at 
the tender moment.

The doctor 
cleared his throat, 
his demeanor 
shifting from 
serious to 
slightly amused. 
"Now, before he 
wakes up, I should 
mention that the 
sedative can 
have some funny 
effects on his 
brain. It's 
perfectly normal," 
he assured them, 
his eyes twinkling 
behind his mask. 
"He might say 
or do things 
that seem out 
of character."

Karen nodded, 
her grip on 
Plankton's hand 
not wavering. "What 
kind of things?" 
Hanna asked, 
her curiosity 
piqued.

"Well, it's 
difficult to 
predict," the 
doctor said, 
his tone 
lightening. "Some 
patients become 
extremely chatty, 
others may be a 
little loopy. He 
might say things 
he doesn't 
normally say or 
do things that are 
out of his 
character." Karen 
smiled slightly, 
thinking of Plankton's 
usual demeanor. "But 
don't worry," the 
doctor assured them. 
"It's all part 
of the process. He'll 
be back to his usual 
self shortly."

A line 
of drool had 
formed at the 
corner of his 
mouth. Karen 
couldn't help 
but smile at 
the sight.
"Look at him," 
Hanna whispered. 
"He looks so 
innocent when 
he's out cold." Karen 
reached over with 
a tissue and 
carefully wiped 
his mouth. "He's 
going to hate 
that when he 
wakes up," she 
mused. Hanna 
chuckled, her 
eyes still 
on him. "It's 
kind of cute, 
though," she said.
Yet Plankton 
remained oblivious, 
his chest rising 
and falling 
evenly as they 
waited for the 
sedative to wear 
off.

Minutes 
ticked by, 
their conversation 
keeping the 
silence at bay. 
The doctor's 
words hung in 
the air like 
a teaser to 
an unpredictable 
joke. What would 
Plankton say 
or do when 
he woke up?

new kneesurgery kneesurgerycore brokenkneecore 19

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 22


Hanna emerged 
from the guest 
room, her eyes 
red from crying. 
She saw Plankton 
asleep on the couch 
and felt a 
pang of sadness.
Her steps were 
quiet as she approached, 
not wanting to 
disturb him. Carefully, 
she reached over 
and adjusted the 
pillow under 
his cast, trying 
to make him as 
comfortable as 
possible without 
waking him. His 
snores grew quieter, 
his body 
sinking into 
the cushions.
"Let him rest," 
Karen whispered
as she smiled at
Hanna's gesture.

When Plankton next
wakes up from his nap
he got his crutches and
maneuvered himself
down the hall. He heard
some laughter from the
guest room, and decided
to eavesdrop, his antennae
twitching as he listened.
"He's so stubborn,"
Karen chuckled. "But
that's one of the many
things I love about
him." Hanna giggled. "You
have to admit, though,
his post-surgery ramblings
were pretty entertaining."
Plankton felt his cheeks
burn with embarrassment,
his ego bruised. He had
forgotten about the
possible loopy
influence of the anesthesia.
He listened closer, peering
through the slightly open door.

"He thought the lamp was a
jellyfish! I've never seen him
so out of it," Karen
says. Plankton's
eye narrowed then
Hanna spoke again.

"And the way he talked
about his 'leg stand' like
it was a lost artifact!"
Hanna laughs, her voice
light and carefree. "But
the car ride home... I can't
believe he said 'Hanna you
look okay today but don't
tell my wife Karen' I just..."

Plankton's face burns with
embarrassment as he
hears them recount his
delirious moments. He
shifts his weight on his
crutches, trying to decide
whether to confront them
or retreat back to the
living room. He didn't
recall any of it.

"And the snoring!" Hanna
mimics his snores, her
voice nasally and loud,
causing Karen to burst into
laughter. "Oh I'm not tired!"
She mimics as she once
again makes snorish sounds
and snorts as Karen tried
not to laugh. "And with his 
mouth all... open; never seen
anything so pathetic.." Hanna
says, when Plankton
backed up with his crutches
his one eye glistening with
unshed tears with a squeaky
inhale, alerting both of them.

They both froze, Hanna's hand
covering her mouth. Plankton
stood there for a moment,
his face red and his
heart racing before simply
shaking his head. Without a
word, he went into his own
room, slamming the door.

The silence that fell was
deafening, and Karen's laughter
quickly turned into a
worried frown. She hurried
after him, her eyes darting
to their bedroom door, where
Plankton had slammed it.
"Plankton, wait," she called
out, her voice gentle but firm.
She knew he was upset,
but she had to talk to him.

Hanna's laughter faded
away, her eyes wide with shock.
"I-I didn't mean to upset
him," she stuttered,
her voice filled with
remorse. "It was just our
joke, I didn't think..."

Karen placed a
reassuring hand on
Hanna's shoulder.
"It's okay, Hanna. He's
just sensitive right now.
Let me talk to him."
With a nod, Hanna
stepped aside, allowing
Karen to pass. Karen
knocked gently on the
closed door, her heart
beating fast. "Plankton,
can we talk?" she called,
her tone soothing.

The room remained
silent for a few moments,
then the door slowly
creeaked open. Plankton
was sitting on the edge
of their bed, his crutches
propped against the
nightstand. His eye was
red and puffy, and he
looked up at her with a
mixture of embarrassment
and anger. "I'm sorry," Karen 
began, sitting down 
next to him. "I know 
you're upset."

"How could you let her 
laugh at me?" Plankton 
snapped, his voice 
shaking. "After everything 
I've been through?"

Karen took a 
deep breath, 
trying to stay calm. 
"It's not like that, 
sweetie," she 
soothed, placing a 
hand on his 
shoulder. "We weren't 
laughing at you, we 
were laughing with 
each other about the 
silly things you 
said when you were 
out of it." "Karen, that's
laughing at me!"
Plankton's voice 
was tight with 
pain, and not just 
from his leg. The 
thought that they had 
been mocking him 
was too much. He had 
always been the 
butt of everyone's 
joke, and now, when 
he was at his most 
vulnerable, it felt 
like his own wife 
and friends were 
joining in. Karen 
sighed, moving closer 
to him. "Plankton,
you know we'd never 
do that. We care about 
you to much. We were 
just trying to find 
some humor in a 
difficult situation."

He looked away, 
his antennae drooping. 
"I know, I know," 
he murmured. "It's just 
that... I don't like 
being seen as 
weak." Karen nodded, 
understanding. "I get 
that. But you're not 
weak for needing help. 
You're strong for 
admitting when you 
do. And we're here 
for you, no matter 
what." She leaned 
over and kissed 
his cheek. "You're 
still the same Plankton 
to us." Hanna hovered 
outside the doorway, 
listening intently. 
Her heart felt heavy 
with regret. She 
hadn't meant to 
hurt his feelings. 
It had been a 
misstep, a poor attempt 
to find lightness in 
the heavy situation. Taking a 
deep breath, she 
pushed the door 
open a crack. 
"Plankton," she called 
softly. "Ca--"

"I don't want to 
talk to you right now," 
Plankton said, his 
voice tight. Hanna's 
face fell, the rejection 
stinging. "I'm sorry," 
she said quietly. "I 
really didn't mean to 
upset you. I was just 
trying to make li—"
"You're always 
trying," Plankton 
snapped, cutting 
her off. "I can't even 
stand up without 
these crutches," he said, 
tearing up. "And you're 
in there, laughing 
about it?!"

"Plankton, please," 
Hanna pleaded, her 
eyes brimming with 
tears. "We weren't 
laughing at you. We 
were just... trying to 
make the best of a 
bad situation. You know 
that." But Plankton was 
too hurt to hear 
reason. His pride 
was bruised, and the 
idea that his vulnerability 
was a source of 
amusement for others 
was unbearable. "I 
don't want you here," 
he said, his voice 
shaking. "I can't stand 
the sight of you."

Hanna's heart 
shattered at his 
words. She had only 
wanted to help, to 
make him feel better, 
but instead, she had 
managed to wound him 
deeper. She took a 
step back, her 
cheeks flushing with 
shame. "I'm sor—"

But Plankton 
interrupted again. 
"I said I don't 
want to talk," 
he said through 
gritted teeth. "Just... 
just leave me alone."
With that, he 
swung his legs 
off the bed, 
grabbing his crutches.
The pain shot through 
his leg like a 
lightning bolt, 
but he ignored it, 
determined to stand.

Hanna took 
another step 
back, her eyes 
glassy with 
unshed tears. 
Karen squeezed her 
hand, giving her 
a comforting look. 
"Give him some 
space, Hanna," 
she whispered. "He'll 
calm down." Hanna 
nodded, her 
throat tight with 
unspoken apologies.

As Plankton 
stood, Karen 
quickly helped 
adjust his 
crutches, her 
expression a mix 
of concern 
and pity. "Let's go 
to the living room," 
she suggested, 
guiding him 
carefully. Plankton 
hobbled along.

Once they were 
settled again, 
the tension 
in the room 
was palpable. 
Hanna hovered 
in the doorway, 
uncertain of 
how to 
apologize or 
make things right. 
Her eyes 
met Plankton's, 
his normally 
sharp gaze clouded 
by pain and 
hurt. "I'm sorry," 
she managed to 
choke out, her voice 
barely above a 
whisper. He didn't 
acknowledge her. 
Instead, he turned 
his attention 
to Karen as they
sat on the couch.

"What's the 
plan for today?" 
he asked, his voice 
still gruff but 
trying to sound 
normal. Karen 
looked at him 
for a moment, 
weighing her 
words before 
answering. "Well, 
you need to stay 
off that leg as 
much as possible. 
So maybe just
some rest, and 
I'll get you set 
up with a nice 
little area 
right here."

Hanna stood 
silently in the 
corner, her 
arms folded 
across her chest. 
Plankton's words 
from earlier still 
stung, and she 
was unsure if she 
should offer to help 
or give him the 
space he had 
demanded. She 
noticed the way 
his antennae 
twitched every time 
he shifted his weight 
on the crutches, 
the pain clearly 
visible on his face. 

new kneesurgery hannacore 22

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＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 21


The next 
morning, 
Plankton 
stirred, his 
eye opening 
slowly. The 
sunlight 
streamed in 
through the 
living room 
windows, 
highlighting the 
bandage around 
his leg. He 
blinked a few 
times, his 
memory of the 
previous day 
coming back in 
fuzzy fragments. 
He looked down 
at the crutches 
by his side, 
his mind 
piecing together 
the events. "What 
happened?" he 
muttered, his 
voice hoarse.

Karen emerged 
from the kitchen, 
seeing him 
awake. She 
smiled warmly. 
"How's the 
leg today?" she 
asked, approaching 
the couch. 
Hanna, who 
was already 
up, had 
sat down on
the other couch.

Plankton 
looked around, 
his gaze 
landing on 
his crutches. 
"It's... fine," 
he said, his 
voice groggy. He 
tried to sit 
up, but the 
pain shot through 
his leg, 
causing him 
to yelp. 
Hanna jumped 
up, rushing 
over to help 
support him. 
"Oh, be ca---"
"I don't 
need your 
help," he 
snapped, his 
frustration 
boiling over. 
Karen watched 
the exchange 
with a knowing 
look. She knew 
his pride could 
be stubborn.

"What happened?"
he repeated, 
his antennae 
twitching with 
agitation. "Where's 
my... where's 
my...?"
"Your cast," Karen 
finished for 
him. "It's off. 
The doctor 
replaced it with 
a bandage." Plankton 
frowned. "Why don't I 
recall..."
"It's the 
medication," 
Hanna said 
gently, her eyes 
filled with 
concern. "It m-"

"Don't tell me 
what I know," 
Plankton snapped, 
his voice sharp. 
Hanna took 
a step back, 
surprise etched 
on her features. 
"I just... I just 
wanted t---"

"I don't 
need you telling 
me what I know 
about my own 
body," he 
continued, his 
eye narrowing. 
Hanna sighed, 
knowing his 
pride was 
wounded. "Plank-"
"Let's not fight, 
you two," Karen 
interrupted, her 
tone firm but 
kind.

Plankton looked 
away, his 
antennas drooping. 
"I just... I just 
don't remember," 
he mumbled, 
his voice 
smaller. Hanna 
knelt beside 
him, her 
expression 
softening. "You were 
under anesthesia, 
remember?" she 
said gently. "You 
might not remember 
much from the sur—"

"I know what 
happened," Plankton 
snapped, his 
eye flashing with 
something that 
wasn't quite anger, 
but rather 
desperation. "Don't 
baby me, Hanna. Just... 
don't." Hanna's 
mouth dropped open, 
surprised by his 
harshness. "Plankton, 
I-I-I-I…"

He 
cut her off, 
his voice 
getting louder. 
"I don't need 
you to tell me 
what I felt or 
what I said. It's 
my leg, my surgery!" 
Hanna took 
a deep breath, 
trying to stay 
calm. "Okay, okay," 
she said, her 
hands up in 
surrender. "I'm 
just trying to 
he-"

But Plankton 
was already 
getting worked 
up. "Can't you 
just leave me 
alone?" he 
barked, his 
frustration 
mounting. Hanna 
stood her ground, 
her eyes filled 
with a mix 
of surprise 
and sadness. "I'm 
only trying to 
help," Hanna said. 
"You're still 
weak from 
the surgery."

Despite trying to
tell him to take it
easy, the word 'weak'
hit Plankton. Hard. "I 
don't want you here," 
he said coldly, his 
voice eerily calm. 
Hanna's eyes 
widened, hurt 
shimmering in 
them. "Plankton, I'm
not leaving, but w---"

"You heard me," 
he interrupted, 
his tone leaving 
no room for 
discussion. "I don't 
need you." Hanna 
swallowed hard, 
trying to hold 
back tears. "But 
you're still 
recovering," she 
whispered. "I can't 
just leave you."

Plankton's eye 
narrowed. "I said 
I don't want you 
here," he 
repeated, his voice 
like a knife. "You
don't get to decide 
that, Hanna. You've 
already done enough."
"But I--"
"I said I DON'T 
WANT YOU 
HERE! Just get 
out." Hanna 
stood there, 
stunned by 
his words. She 
felt as though she'd 
been slapped in the 
face. Tears 
threatened to spill, 
but she held 
them back, her 
chest tight with 
hurt. Karen stepped 
in, placing a 
hand on her 
shoulder.

"Hanna, maybe 
we should give 
him some space," 
she suggested, her 
voice calm. 
Hanna's eyes 
flitted to Karen's, 
searching for 
understanding.

"He's feeling 
vulnerable," Karen 
explained gently. 
"The surgery, the 
recovery... it's all 
taking a toll on 
his pride. He's 
used to being the 
one who's in 
control, and 
right now, he's 
not. It's hard for 
him to accept 
help." Hanna 
nodded, though 
her eyes were 
still misty. "I just 
want to help," 
she murmured.
Karen's gaze 
softened. "I know 
you do, Hanna. And 
you've been 
wonderful. But 
sometimes, when we 
offer help, it can 
accidentally make 
someone feel weaker."
"I didn't mean 
to do that," Hanna 
said, her voice 
small.

Karen gave 
her a comforting 
squeeze. "I know. 
But think about it 
from his perspective. 
He's always 
been so independent, 
so strong-willed. Now, 
he's stuck in a 
situation where 
he can't do 
everything himself. 
It's a blow to his 
ego."

Hanna nodded 
slowly, understanding 
beginning to dawn 
on her. "But I was
just trying to 
make sure he's okay.
I didn't mean to say he's we-"

"I know you didn't," 
Karen interjected 
quickly. "But to 
Plankton, those words 
might feel like 
you're questioning his 
strength." She paused, 
letting that sink in. 
"He's always 
been the one to 
pull himself up by 
his own bootstraps, 
figuratively speaking," 
she continued. "This 
whole experience 
has been a stark 
reminder that he's not 
as invincible as he'd 
like to believe."
Hanna took 
a deep breath, 
nodding. "I see," 
she said finally.

They watched 
as Plankton 
tried to shift his 
weight on the couch, 
his bandaged leg 
clearly causing 
discomfort. Hanna 
felt a pang of 
guilt for upsetting 
him, albeit unintentionally.

With a heavy 
heart, she turned 
and headed towards 
their guest room, 
giving him the 
space as 
requested. The 
hallway felt 
cooler without his 
snappy retorts and 
quick wit. She knew 
his words were 
driven by pain and 
frustration, but they 
still stung.

Once inside the 
guest room, 
Hanna sat on the 
edge of the bed, 
staring at the 
closed door. The 
silence was 
deafening, her 
thoughts racing. 
She hadn't meant 
to make Plankton 
feel weak, only 
to assist him in 
his time of 
need. It was clear, 
though, that she 
had inadvertently 
stepped on a 
sensitive area, 
one she had 
overlooked due to 
her own eagerness to 
support.

In the living 
room, Karen walked 
over to Plankton, 
his breaths 
still heavy with 
frustration. "You know 
she didn't mean 
anything by it," 
she said softly. 
"She's just worried 
about you."
Plankton's antennae 
twitched. "I know," 
he said gruffly. "But 
I can't have her 
seeing me like this."
Karen sat down 
beside him, 
placing a gentle 
hand on his 
shoulder.
"You're not 
weak, Plankton," 
she assured him. 
"You're just... 
Plankton. And it's 
okay to take it easy."

He sighed, 
his body 
slumping into 
the couch. "I know 
it's just... I don't 
like being 
dependent on 
others."
Karen nodded. 
"I know, baby.
And you'll still
always be the
Plankton I fell in
love with. Your
my charming, 
clever, albeit 
tiny, troublemaker
of a husband, and 
nothing changes that."
He leaned into 
her, his expression 
softening. "Thanks, Karen,"
he murmured. Karen 
kissed his forehead.
"Now, let's get you 
set up with some 
pain meds, okay?"
Plankton nodded, 
his antennae 
drooping slightly. 
Karen returned 
from the kitchen 
with a glass of water 
and a small 
plastic cup holding 
his pills. She 
handed them to him 
carefully, her 
expression a 
mixture of 
concern and love
as he took them.
As the medication 
took effect, the 
pain in his 
leg began to 
ease. Plankton's eye
started to droop, 
his body relaxing 
into the cushions. 
Karen pulled a 
soft blanket over 
him, his snores 
soon filling the 
room.

new kneesurgery hannacore 21

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 23


"I can bring you 
some water, or 
maybe a snack?" 
Hanna ventured 
timidly.

Plankton didn't 
look up from the 
book he had 
open in his 
hand. "I don't 
need anything," 
he muttered. "I've 
got Karen." The 
implication was 
clear: he didn't 
want Hanna's help.

Hanna's heart 
dropped, but she 
swallowed her 
pride. "Okay," she 
said, her voice 
small. "If you c-"

"Actually," 
Karen interrupted, 
"Could you help 
me in the kitchen?"
Her tone was 
carefully neutral, 
but Hanna could 
read the silent 
plea in her eyes. 
She nodded, 
grateful for 
something to do,
and followed 
Karen into the 
kitchen. Once 
they were out of 
earshot, Karen 
turned to face her.

"Look, Hanna, 
Plankton's just 
going through a 
tough time," 
she said gently. 
"His pride is 
on the line here, 
and he's not used 
to being so 
dependent on 
others. Give him 
some time, okay?" 
Hanna nodded, 
wiping at her 
eyes.

"But I just 
want to help," 
she murmured, her 
voice thick with 
unshed tears. 
"I don't know 
what I did wrong."
Karen gave her 
a sad smile. "You 
didn't do anything 
wrong, Hanna. He's 
just... struggling."
Hanna nodded, 
understanding but 
still feeling the 
weight of his words.
"I know," she said. 
"But it hurt-"
Karen interrupted 
with a firm but 
gentle tone. "You can't 
take it personally. 
He's in pain, and 
his pride is bruised. 
What he needs right 
now is time to 
process and heal."

Hanna nodded, 
wiping her eyes. 
"But what can I do?" 
she asked. "How do I 
make it right?"
Karen squeezed 
her hand. "Just 
be there for him," 
she said. "And maybe 
give him some grace. 
Let him come to you."
Hanna nodded, 
wiping her 
cheeks. "Okay," she 
whispered. "I'll try."

They returned to 
the living room, 
where Plankton was with 
his leg propped up. 
He didn't look at 
them. Hanna took 
a seat on the floor 
near the couch, 
picking up a 
magazine to flip 
through. The 
silence was 
stifling, but she 
respected his wish 
for space.

Karen went about 
the room, 
adjusting pillows, 
getting him a 
blanket, and making 
sure his water was 
within reach. She 
glanced at Hanna 
frequently, her 
expressions speaking 
louder than words. 
"Thanks, Karen," 
Plankton murmured 
after a while, 
his voice softer.

Hanna took a 
deep breath, 
forcing a smile. "Is 
there anyth—"
But Plankton 
interrupted 
again, his voice 
sharp. "I don't 
want anything 
from you," he said.

Her heart 
sank, but she 
swallowed her 
hurt. "Okay," she 
whispered. "I'll just 
be here." But Plankton 
read his book, 
his face a mask 
of concentration. 
Hanna pretended 
to be engrossed 
in her magazine, 
but her eyes kept 
straying to him.

The minutes 
ticked by, each 
second feeling like 
an eternity. Karen 
moved around the 
room, her movements 
careful and quiet, 
trying not to 
disturb the 
fragile peace. The 
silence was so 
heavy, it felt like 
it was pressing down 
on all of them, no words 
were exchanged.

Hanna's 
magazine lay 
unread on her 
lap, her thoughts 
whirling. She 
desperately wanted 
to apologize, to 
make it right, 
but she knew 
she had to 
follow Karen's advice. 
Give him space, let 
him be. Plankton 
turned the last page 
of his book in the
tense silence.
With a heavy 
sigh, he set the 
book aside.
His antennae 
twitched.
He looked over 
at Hanna, who 
was staring at 
the floor. "Look, I can't 
have you thinking 
I'm weak."

Hanna nods, her 
voice small. "You're 
not weak. You're 
just... recovering."
Plankton's eye 
softened slightly. 
"I know," he said. 
"But I need you to 
see me as... capable. 
I can't have you 
looking at me with 
pity." "I don't pity 
you," Hanna said 
quickly, meeting his 
gaze. "I just want 
you to be okay."

But Plankton 
wasn't convinced. 
His antennae drooped 
as he leaned back 
into the couch. 
"I know you mean 
well, Hanna," he 
sighed. "But sometimes 
your help feels like 
you think I can't do 
anything for myself."
Hanna felt her 
cheeks flush with 
embarrassment. "That's 
not what I meant," 
she said. "I'm sorry."

Karen looked 
between them, 
silence hanging 
heavy in the air. 
"Maybe we all 
just need to 
talk about it," she 
suggested.
Plankton's antennae 
twitched again, 
but he didn't 
argue. He knew 
his behavior had 
been unkind, but 
his pride was 
still smarting. "Why
do you want to talk 
about it?" he asked 
warily. Hanna took a 
deep breath, 
swiping at a 
stray tear. "Because 
I care about 
you," she said 
simply. "And I don't 
want to do anything 
that makes you feel 
small or weak. I just 
want to do the right
thing for you."
Karen nodded in 
agreement. "We're 
both just trying to 
navigate this new 
situation," she said. 
"And sometimes Hanna 
might mess up." 
Plankton's expression 
softened slightly. 
"I know you're trying," 
he admitted to Hanna.

Plankton sighs. 
"But no more 
laughing about it."
Hanna nodded 
quickly. "I understand," 
she said. "I'll 
be more 
sensitive next time."

Karen sat down 
next to Plankton, 
taking his hand 
in hers. "We 
all need to learn 
to be there for 
each other in 
different ways," 
she said. "We're 
all a little out of 
practice with this."

Plankton nodded, 
his gaze drifting 
back to Hanna. 
He knew she had 
his best interest 
at heart, but it was 
still difficult to 
swallow his pride. "I'll 
try to communicate 
better," he murmured.
Hanna looked up 
at him, her eyes 
shiny with unshed 
tears.

Karen cleared her 
throat gently. "Why don't 
we start with some 
exercises? The doctor
said you can start anytime." 
she suggested, 
breaking the 
tense silence. Plankton's 
eye widened slightly, 
but he didn't protest. 
Hanna looked 
relieved, eager 
to help in a way 
that was truly 
beneficial.

The three of 
them moved to the 
living room floor.

"Let's start with 
some simple leg 
lifts," Karen said, 
demonstrating the 
motion. "It'll 
help with your 
strength and flexibility."

Plankton grimaced 
but complied, his 
tiny legs shaking 
slightly as he 
lifted the one with 
the bandage. Hanna watched 
carefully, her face 
filled with 
concern, reaching out 
to steady his leg.

"Not so fast, 
Hanna," Karen 
chided gently. 
"Let him do it 
himself." Hanna 
quickly withdrew her 
hand, her cheeks 
flushing with 
embarrassment. She 
felt like she was 
always stepping 
on his toes, 
literally and figuratively. 
Plankton managed 
a few halfhearted 
lifts before 
his leg dropped 
back to the floor.
"See?" Karen 
said, her voice 
kind. "It's about 
building strength 
slowly." Plankton 
grunted but nodded, 
his face contorted 
with effort.

"Let's try 
again," Karen 
coached, placing 
a pillow 
under his leg 
for support. 
This time, Plankton 
was able to lift 
his leg a little 
higher.
"Good job," 
Hanna encouraged, 
her voice 
soft and 
encouraging. "I can 
see you're getting 
stronger already."
Plankton gritted 
his teeth and 
managed a few 
more lifts before 
his leg gave out 
again.

"Remember, it's 
about pacing 
yourself," Karen 
reminded him. 
"We don't want 
to push too 
hard too soon.
The exercises are
optional, they said."

Plankton nodded, 
his face a mask 
of determination. 
"I know," he 
grunted, his 
small body 
shaking with the 
effort. "But I have to 
try." Hanna 
could see the 
exhaustion 
settling into 
his eye. He was 
so tired..

"Take a break," 
Hanna suggested 
gently. Plankton 
looked at her 
with a mix of 
gratitude and 
frustration. "Fine," 
he agreed, 
letting his leg 
fall back 
to the pillow 
with a sigh.

Karen helped 
Plankton back 
to the couch, 
his crutches 
clattering 
as she guided 
his weight. His 
eye searched 
Hanna's face for 
any sign of 
pity, but found 
none. She was 
watching him with 
concerned respect.
"Thanks, Karen," 
he murmured 
once he was 
comfortably 
propped up again.
Hanna took 
a seat 
across from 
them, her 
hands clasped 
tightly in her 
lap tentatively.

The room 
was quiet as 
Plankton caught 
his breath. The 
exertion had 
tired him more 
than he cared 
to admit. He 
closed his eye, 
his antennae 
twitching slightly.
Karen sat 
beside him, her 
hand on his 
shoulder, 
offering silent 
support. Hanna 
watched from 
afar, her heart 
heavy with 
remorse. She 
longed to 
comfort him, 
but knew she had 
to give him the 
space he needed, as
Plankton leaned 
his head 
back into the 
couch cushion.
Slowly, his 
breathing evened 
out, and his 
body grew 
slack. His eye 
closed completely, 
and within minutes, 
his snores filled the 
room. Hanna 
exchanged a 
glance with 
Karen, who gave 
a small smile. They 
both knew that 
his nap was a 
sign of his 
exhaustion but 
also of his 
body's need to 
heal. The tension 
seemed to 
ease slightly 
with each 
snore that 
rattled from his 
tiny mouth.

Hanna took 
this opportunity 
to approach the 
couch, her 
movements careful 
not to disturb 
his sleep. She 
retrieved the 
throw pillow 
from the floor 
and gently placed 
it under his 
leg. Then she 
sat down next to 
Karen, her hand 
reaching out to 
cover hers. "I'm 
sorry," she 
whispered. Karen 
squeezed her hand 
back. "It's okay, 
he'll come 
around."

The two of 
them sat in 
silence, watching 
Plankton sleep. 
His chest rose 
and fell in a 
steady rhythm, 
his snores a 
comforting sound.

new kneesurgery hannacore 23

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 16


The following 
morning, Hanna 
is the first to stir, 
carefully rising 
from the couch. She
pads down the 
hallway, her 
footsteps quiet 
so as not to 
disturb anyone.
Her eyes catch 
the open door to Karen
and Plankton's room, and 
she peers in, 
seeing Karen has just
woken up. Plankton's 
sleeping soundly 
in his own bed, his 
cast sticking out 
from under the 
covers as he 
snores softly. 
"He's okay," Karen 
whispers, noticing 
Hanna's concern.

Hanna nods, 
swallowing a 
lump in her 
throat. "I know," 
she whispers back. 
"But I just...wanted 
to check." Karen 
smiles, patting 
the bed next to 
her. "Why don't you 
sit down?" she says. 
"We can talk."
Hanna sits, 
her eyes fixed 
on Plankton's 
sleeping form. His 
casted leg is 
propped on a 
pillow, and 
his antennae twitch 
slightly, as if 
he's dreaming.

"So, how do we 
help him?" Hanna 
asks, her voice 
still hushed. Karen 
sighs. "We give him space 
and let him come to 
us," she says. "But we 
also need to be 
ready when he does 
want help."

Hanna nods, 
thinking. "What 
was the surgery like?" 
she whispers. Karen 
smiles sadly. "It was a 
complicated one," 
she says. "They had to 
use bone glue to 
reattach his leg."
Hanna's eyes widen. 
"Bone glue?" she 
repeats, her voice 
filled with horror. 
"It's a thing," Karen 
assures her. "It's not 
as scary as it sounds.
They're just taking 
extra precautions 
to ensure he heals 
properly."

Her curiosity 
still piqued, Hanna 
can't help but ask 
more. "What was it 
like when he was 
under?" she says, 
her voice barely a 
breath. Karen's 
expression turns 
serious. "It's a delicate 
procedure," she 
explains. "They had to 
make sure he was 
completely numb to 
the pain. That's why 
he was asleep."
Hanna nods, 
swallowing hard. "But 
how?" she asks, 
looking back at 
Plankton.

"They used
general anesthesia."
Hanna's eyes 
widen even more. 
"And what did he
look like?"

Karen sighs, 
knowing that 
Hanna's questions 
are a way for 
her to process 
what happened. 
"He was unconscious," 
she says. "They 
monitored him the 
whole time to 
make sure he was 
okay. As they first 
started the anesthesia 
as it kicked in, I knew
Plankton was asleep as 
his breathing evened 
out and his 
movements stopped.
It was...peaceful," she
adds, her voice 
trailing off. "And upon
waking up, I was 
there to help him 
understand."

Hanna nods, 
taking this in. 
"And what was it 
like when he 
woke up?" she 
asks, her voice 
barely a whisper.

Karen looks at 
Hanna, her gaze 
filled with 
compassion. "He was 
confused at first," 
she says. "But I 
explained everything 
to him." Hanna nods, 
still staring at 
Plankton.

"How do we 
talk to him?" 
she asks. "What can 
I do to make him 
comfortable?"

Karen pauses, 
thinking. "Just 
be yourself," she 
suggests. "But maybe 
a little more...gentle.
He's dealing with a 
lot of pain and 
frustration. Try not 
to take his snaps 
personally." Hanna nods, 
her eyes still on 
Plankton. "What else?" 
she whispers.

"Well," Karen 
says, leaning in 
closer. "You could 
ask before doing,
and just maybe not 
push so hard or make
it to obvious that you're
trying to help."

Hanna nods, 
processing the 
advice. "And when 
he gets frustrated, 
what should I do?"
she asks, her voice 
barely above a 
whisper. Karen 
smiles gently. "Just 
be there," she says. 
"Let him know 
you care without 
smothering him. Give 
him space to express 
his feelings, even if 
they're not pretty."

In the quiet 
of the room, they 
both watch as 
Plankton stirs in 
his sleep. His 
antennas twitch, 
and his casted 
leg shifts slightly. 
"Is he okay?"
she whispers.

"Yes, he's just 
waking up," Karen 
says, standing 
carefully. "Let's 
give him some 
space." Hanna nods, 
getting to her 
feet as she leaves
Karen and Plankton's
bedroom.

In the living room, 
she sits and takes 
deep breaths, 
trying to compose 
herself. She hears 
a shuffling noise
from the 
hallway and 
Plankton hobbles 
in on his crutches, 
his cast a stark 
white. He lowers himself 
carefully onto the 
couch. "Morning," she 
says tentatively.
He looks up, but 
doesn't respond. 
Hanna's heart 
aches, but she 
follows Karen's advice 
and doesn't push.

Instead, she goes 
to the kitchen, 
preparing a 
glass of chum juice.

When she brings 
it back, Plankton 
nods in thanks.
They sit in 
silence for a 
moment before 
Hanna finally speaks.
"I'm sorry for 
last night," she 
says softly. "I didn't 
mean to make you 
upset." Plankton 
looks at her, his 
expression unreadable.
He takes a 
sip of his chum 
juice, the silence 
stretching between 
them. "I'll 
try to be more 
considerate," she 
says. Plankton 
sighs, leaning back 
into the couch as
Karen comes in.

"How's everyone 
doing?" she asks, 
forcing cheer into 
her voice. Plankton 
shrugs. "I'm okay," 
he says, his tone 
noncommittal. Karen 
exchanges a look 
with Hanna. "Why don't 
we watch something 
to keep our 
minds off things?"
she suggests.

The TV flickers to 
life, and the 
sound of laugh track
fills the room. Plankton
shifts uncomfortably, 
his cast a 
reminder of his 
new reality. Hanna 
sits next to him, 
keeping her distance 
but still close enough 
to be there if 
needed. Karen sits
on the other side of him.

They watch a sitcom, 
the laughter echoing 
in the quiet room. 
Plankton tries to 
concentrate, but 
his thoughts drift to 
his surgery, his leg, 
his new limitations. 
His antennae droop, 
and he takes a deep 
breath. Hanna notices 
his discomfort and 
shifts closer.

"Do you want me 
to get you anything?" 
she asks quietly. 
Plankton's eye 
flits to her, and for 
a moment, he 
considers snapping 
again. But he 
swallows it down. 
"No," he says, his 
voice gruff.

They continue to 
watch the TV, the 
forced laughter 
a stark contrast 
to the tension 
in the room. Karen 
clears her throat. "Why 
don't I get you your meds?"
Plankton nods, 
his antennae 
drooping. "That'd 
be great," he mumbles.
Hanna watches as 
Karen tends to him.

new kneesurgery hannacore 16

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 18


"What are you 
guys doing here?" 
he asked, his voice 
still gruff but with 
a hint of confusion.
Sponge Bob 
smiled, his thumb 
still tracing 
the edge of 
Plankton's cast. "We 
just wanted to 
make sure you're 
okay," he said. 
Plankton's antennae 
twitched. "I'm fine," 
he said, his 
tone gruff.

Karen 
stood up, her 
movements smooth 
and efficient. 
"Why don't we get 
you into your chair?" 
she suggested, 
picking up his 
crutches. Plankton 
nodded, his 
movements slow 
and deliberate as 
he carefully swung 
his casted leg over 
the side of the 
couch. With a 
grunt, he hoisted 
himself up, 
balancing on his 
good leg. Patrick 
watched, his 
eyes wide with 
interest. "Look 
at him go," he 
whispered, his voice 
filled with 
awe. "It's like he's 
learning to walk 
all over again
like a wittle baby."

Plankton shot 
Patrick a 
glare, his face 
flushing with 
embarrassment.

"I'm not a baby!" 
he snapped, his 
voice echoing 
in the quiet 
living room.

"Patrick, that's 
not helping," Hanna 
whispered, trying 
not to laugh. 
Sponge Bob's 
expression was one 
of shock. "Patrick, 
that's not nice," he 
admonished gently.

Patrick 
scrunched his face 
up in confusion. 
"But he looks like 
one," he said, 
his voice 
innocent. Plankton 
huffed. "No, I'm not!"
But Patrick's on a roll.

"You know what 
else babies have?" 
he said, his 
voice rising. 
"Naps!" Plankton's 
face grew redder, 
his antennae 
twitching with 
anger. "Patrick," 
Hanna warned, 
but Patrick 
was on a 
roll. "Hey, Plankie, you
need help while 
you're all broken.
Wa-a-agh, wa-a-agh!"

The room fell 
silent. Plankton 
stared at 
Patrick, his 
single eye 
twitching.

"That's it," he 
said, his voice 
laced with sarcasm. 
"I guess I'll just 
have to take naps 
like a baby 
now." Hanna 
could see the 
hurt in his eye.

With a 
quick motion, 
Plankton set down 
his crutches and 
stood up, hopping 
on one foot.
Without another 
word, he turned 
and limped away, 
his casted leg 
thumping against 
the floor with each 
step as he 
headed towards 
his bedroom. The 
group watched, 
stunned, as he 
closed the door 
behind him with 
a slam.

Hanna's 
laughter died 
in her throat, 
replaced by a 
look of horror. 
"Oh no," she 
whispered. Karen 
sighed, setting 
down the 
magazines. "I'll go 
talk to him," she 
said firmly. But 
before she could 
move, they heard  
sobs from 
behind the door. 
Her heart 
aching, she 
knocked softly. "Plankton, 
are you okay?"
The sobs grew 
louder, and 
she exchanged 
worried glances 
with Sponge Bob 
and Patrick, who 
looked equally 
mortified.

"I'll go," 
Sponge Bob 
volunteered, standing 
up. He approached 
the door, his 
steps tentative. "Plankton,
buddy, it's me," he 
said gently. 
"Can I come in?"

The sobbing 
subsided for a 
moment before 
Plankton's voice, 
muffled by 
the door, 
replied, "I don't 
want to see any of 
you right now."
The words hit Hanna 
like a brick, 
her chest tightening 
with sadness. 
Sponge Bob looked 
back at them, his 
expression pained. 
He shrugged 
helplessly before 
sitting back down.

Patrick's 
face fell. "I didn't 
mean to make him 
cry," he said, his 
voice small. Hanna 
nodded, her eyes 
still on the 
closed door. "We 
know you didn't, 
Patrick," she said, 
trying to 
comfort him. "But 
sometimes words can 
hurt, even if we 
don't mean them to."

Sponge Bob 
placed a hand 
on Patrick's 
shoulder. "We'll 
apologize later," 
he said firmly. "But 
right now, let's 
just give him some 
space." They both
left, the only 
sound being Plankton's 
muted sobs. Karen 
stood, her heart 
heavy with 
disappointment at 
his pain. She 
moved to the door, 
wanting to comfort 
Plankton but 
respecting his 
request for solitude. 
Her hand hovered 
above the 
knob, unsure 
of what to do.
Through the crack 
in the door, she 
could see 
Plankton's form 
hunched over 
his bed, his 
tiny fists 
clenched. His 
sobs grew quieter, 
his breaths 
coming in 
shuddering gasps. 
Karen's chest 
tightened, watching 
his vulnerability.

With a deep 
breath, she 
pushed the door 
open, moving 
slowly towards 
the bed. "Plankton," 
she said softly, 
her voice 
soothing. He 
looked up, his 
eye red and 
swollen. "I just 
want to check 
on you," she 
said, her tone 
gentle. "You don't 
have to talk if 
you don't want to, 
but I'm here."
He nodded, 
his antennae 
drooping. Karen 
sat on the 
edge of the bed, 
careful not to 
disturb his cast.

"You've been 
through a lot," 
she said, her voice 
soft. "It's okay 
to feel upset."
Plankton's chest 
heaved, his 
sobs growing 
softer.

"But you know, 
tomorrow we have 
that appointment 
with the doctor,"
Karen reminded 
him gently. "They'll 
check how your leg's 
doing, make sure 
everything's 
on track. And Hanna
is coming along, as
her home is still
under repair."

Plankton sniffled, 
his eye still 
wet. "Yeah, I know," 
he mumbled, his voice 
small. Karen 
smiled gently. "But you 
don't have to push 
yourself too hard. 
You're still healing."

The next morning, Karen
gets out of bed early, 
the sun not yet fully 
risen outside. She 
can hear Plankton's 
snores as she sneaks
past his bed.
Hanna stirs in 
the guest room, 
waking up. "How's 
he doing?" she asks, coming
into their room.
"Asleep," Karen whispers. 
"Let's get ready for 
his appointment."
Hanna nods. "What time 
is it?" "Five thirty," 
Karen says, glancing 
at her clock. "We 
have to leave in a
moment." Plankton's snores 
grow softer. Hanna 
looks at Karen, 
who's gathering 
his crutches.
"Should we wake him?"

Karen nods. "We have 
to. The doctor 
wanted us there early 
to check the cast."
They tiptoe over 
to Plankton's 
bedside. Karen 
places a hand on 
his shoulder. "Plankton, 
sweetie," she says 
gently. "Time to wake 
up." His snores 
stop abruptly, and 
his single eye snaps 
open. "What's going 
on?" he croaks, 
his voice rough 
from sleep. Hanna 
smiles tentatively. 
"We have an 
appointment with 
the doctor," Karen 
reminds him, 
helping him sit up. 
"We need to get 
going." Plankton groans, 
his casted leg 
thumping against 
the bedframe. "Okay, 
okay," he says, 
rubbing his 
eye.

Karen loaded his wheelchair
into the back as Plankton used
his crutches to get in the car.

The drive was quiet, 
each of them lost in 
their thoughts. Plankton 
was nervous about the 
doctor's visit, his 
leg throbbing with 
each bump in the 
road. Hanna sat 
beside him.

When they arrived 
at the hospital, the 
waiting room was 
deserted except for 
the receptionist, who 
gave them a knowing 
smile. "Mr. Plankton," 
she said, her 
voice cheerful. "Right 
this way." Plankton 
grimaced as he 
wheeled himself in. The 
doctor, a stern-looking 
crab, took one 
look at his cast 
and said, "Ah, yes. 
Your appointment. Let's 
have a look."

Setting up the x-ray, the
doctor turns to Plankton, 
his expression 
professional. "You've 
got quite the cast," 
he says, eyeing it 
curiously. Plankton 
nods, gritting his teeth 
as he lifts his leg 
up onto the 
examination table. 
Karen's hand rests 
on his shoulder, 
offering silent support.

The doctor 
taps the cast. "How's 
the pain?"
Plankton's antennae 
twitch. "Better," 
he says, his voice 
strained. Karen 
squeezes his shoulder. 
Hanna, seated 
beside Karen, holds 
her hand.

new kneesurgery hannacore 18

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 17


When Karen 
returns, she 
hands him the pill 
and a glass of water.
Plankton takes them 
without a word, 
swallows hard, and 
sets the glass down.
The medication 
doesn't kick in 
right away, but 
his expression 
eases slightly.
Hanna watches 
from the 
corner of her eye.
Plankton shifts, his 
cast knocking against 
her side. Hanna moves 
back slightly. "What do you 
wanna watch?"
she asks, trying to 
fill the void.
He shrugs.

"How about we 
find something we 
can all enjoy?" Karen 
suggests, settling on a
movie with a mix of 
action and humor. They 
watch in silence, the 
tension in the room 
slowly dissipating.

As the movie plays, 
Plankton's eyelid 
starts to droop, the
medication finally 
taking hold. 
Without realizing 
it, his head slowly
slumps to the side,
until it's resting on 
Hanna's shoulder.
Hanna freezes.

Her heart thumps 
in her chest. This is 
a moment she never
expected. She glances 
at Karen, whose 
expression is a mix 
of amusement and 
sympathy. Karen nods 
slightly, and Hanna 
understands the silent 
message: let him be.

The movie plays on, 
the sound of explosions 
and laughter 
filling the room. 
But all Hanna can 
focus on is the 
warmth of Plankton's 
head on her 
shoulder. His breathing 
steadies into a 
soft snore, and she 
can't help but smile.

Her arm is 
pinned awkwardly, but 
she doesn't dare 
move. Instead, she 
adjusts her position 
slightly, trying 
to find comfort 
without disturbing him. 
Karen notices, a 
smile tugging at 
the corners of her 
mouth, and she 
whispers, "Let him sleep.
He needs it."

Plankton's head remained 
nestled on Hanna's shoulder, 
his antennae twitching 
slightly with each snore.
Hanna felt a warmth 
spread through her, 
despite the awkwardness. 
She looked over at 
him, his face 
relaxed in sleep.

Plankton's snores 
were deep and 
even, his body 
completely relaxed 
against Hanna, his 
mouth agape. Karen
chuckled quietly.

"Looks like he's 
out for the count," 
she whispered. Hanna 
nodded, her smile 
widening. She didn't 
move an inch, afraid 
of waking him. They 
watched the movie 
in silence, the 
comfort of Plankton's 
weight on her 
shoulder growing 
familiar. Karen 
put a finger to 
her lips, 
shushing her.

As the credits 
started to roll, 
Hanna glanced at 
Plankton again as
she reached for the 
remote, hitting the 
off button to 
avoid waking him.
Karen chuckled, 
seeing Hanna's 
concern. "I think 
he's out cold," she 
whispered. Hanna 
swallowed a 
laugh, her eyes 
twinkling. Karen 
stood. "Let's get him 
comfortable," she 
whispered.

Together, they 
managed to lift 
his casted leg and 
place it on the 
ottoman. Hanna 
carefully shifted 
his head to a 
pillow, his snores 
barely changing 
pitch. Plankton 
moved slightly, 
his snores grew 
little louder as 
his head found the 
cushion. Hanna 
couldn't resist a 
soft giggle, which 
caused Plankton to 
shuffle slightly 
but not wake.

Karen shot her 
a look that 
clearly said 'not 
another sound'. 
They both 
settled in, 
exhaustion from 
the long night 
still lingering. 
The living room 
was bathed in 
the soft glow of 
morning light, 
the curtains 
filtering the 
brightness.

Plankton's chest 
moved up and 
down in a 
steady rhythm, 
his snores 
fading as he 
moved deeper into 
sleep. Hanna 
couldn't help but 
feel a pang of 
guilt for her 
earlier actions. 
But as she watched 
his peaceful 
expression, she 
knew she had to 
make amends.

Karen 
nudged her. "Why 
don't you sit with 
him for a bit?" 
she suggested. 
Hanna nodded, 
swapping places 
with Karen. She sat 
carefully, making 
sure not to disturb 
his sleep. His 
breathing was 
even, and she 
could see the 
exhaustion etched 
on his face.

She studied his 
features, feeling a
surge of 
compassion. Plankton 
wasn't just a 
nemesis or a 
challenge; he was 
someone in pain, 
someone who needed 
support. Hanna 
vowed to be 
more considerate, 
more sensitive to 
his feelings.
Her eyes drifted to 
his cast, the stark 
white a 
contrast to the 
soft pillow. It 
was a stark 
reminder of his 
vulnerability.

Hanna's thoughts were 
interrupted by a 
soft knock 
on the door. She 
turned to see 
SpongeBob 
peeking his head 
inside. He saw 
Plankton sleeping 
and his expression 
changed to one of 
concern. "How's 
he doing?" he 
asked in a low 
voice. Karen 
smiled, feeling a 
warmth in her 
chest. "He's okay," 
she whispered. "Just 
sleeping."
Sponge Bob 
padded over to 
the couch, 
his eyes on 
Plankton.

"Can I sit?" 
he asked Hanna, 
his eyes hopeful. 
She nodded, scooting 
over to make room. 
The three of them 
sat in quiet 
companionship, 
each lost in 
their own 
thoughts. Sponge Bob 
reached out a hand, 
his eyes never 
leaving Plankton's 
face, and placed it 
gently on his 
cast, his 
thumb tracing 
the edge of 
Plankton's cast. Plankton 
stirred, his snores 
becoming softer.
Sponge Bob's 
expression was one 
of pure empathy, 
his eyes 
reflecting the 
concern he felt 
for his friend. 
Hanna watched, 
touched by the 
genuine care.

The silence 
was broken by 
another knock on 
the door. This time 
it was Patrick, 
his face scrunched 
in confusion. 
"What's going on?" 
he asked, his voice 
low. Karen 
whispered, "Plankton's 
sleeping." 
Patrick's eyes 
widened, and he 
looked at the 
crutches propped 
against the wall.
"Oh," he said, 
his voice 
hushed. He sat 
down on the floor, 
his gaze 
following theirs 
to Plankton.

"How'd he get 
the big white 
stick on his leg?" 
Patrick whispered.
Hanna and Karen 
shared a look, 
then Hanna 
explained, "It's a 
cast, Pat. He broke 
his leg and the 
doctors put it on 
to help him heal,
remember?"
Patrick nodded 
slowly, his eyes 
still wide. "Oh, right. 
But why's he sleeping?"

"He's taking a 
nap," Karen 
said gently. "The 
medicine makes him 
tired."

Patrick nodded, 
his eyes still 
on Plankton. "Can I 
see?" he asked, 
his voice filled with 
a mix of curiosity 
and concern. 
Hanna and Karen 
shared a look, 
then nodded in 
unison. "Just be 
careful," Karen 
whispered.

Patrick 
crawled closer, his 
body moving with 
the grace of a 
bull in a china 
shop, despite his 
intention to be 
gentle. He studied 
Plankton's cast with 
intense interest, 
his finger 
poised just above 
it. "What happens 
if I to-"
Hanna's hand 
snapped out, 
stopping him. "Don't 
touch it," she 
whispered firmly. 
Patrick's eyes 
widened in surprise. 
"But I just 
wanted to-"
"Patrick," Karen 
interrupted, her 
tone gentle but 
firm. "Plankton's leg 
is very sore. We have 
to be careful."

He nodded, his 
face a picture of 
understanding. "Oh," 
he said, sitting 
back on his 
heels. "Is it gonna 
fall off?" 
Hanna and Karen 
shared a look, 
their expressions a mix 
of amusement and 
concern. "No, Patrick," 
Hanna said, keeping 
her voice low. "The cast 
will stay on until 
his leg is all better."

Patrick nodded 
slowly, his eyes 
still glued to 
Plankton's cast. "Can 
I tell him I'm sorry?" 
he asked. Hanna 
looked at Karen, 
who nodded. "Yes, 
you can," she said. "But 
you'll have to wait 
until he wakes up."

Patrick leaned in, 
his face just 
inches from 
Plankton's as 
he whispered, 
"Hey, Plankton. 
You okay?" 
Plankton's snores 
continued unabated.

"I think he's 
comfortable," 
Hanna said, 
keeping her voice 
low. "Let's not 
wake him."
Patrick nodded, 
his curiosity 
now focused 
on the cast. 
He reached out 
his hand and 
tapped it lightly.
The sudden 
contact made 
Plankton flinch, 
his eye shooting 
open. "Whaa-"

He took in 
his surroundings 
quickly, his eye 
widening when he 
saw Hanna, Karen, 
and Sponge Bob 
sitting around him. 
"What's going on!" 
he croaked, his 
voice groggy from 
sleep and pain 
medication.

"You were 
sleeping," Karen 
explained, her 
voice soft. Plankton 
blinked, his mind 
fuzzy. "Is the movie
over?"

"Yes," Hanna said, 
smiling gently. "You 
fell asleep, on my sh-
I mean, you fell 
asleep during it."
Plankton's gaze 
shifted to Hanna, 
his expression 
uncertain.

new kneesurgery hannacore 17

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 14


Hanna wipes her 
eyes, her voice 
shaky. "I-I think I 
should go," she says. 
Karen stands up, 
rushing over to her. "No,
wait. What happened?" 
she asks, her 
concern evident.

Hanna sniffs, 
trying to compose 
herself. "He just...
he doesn't want me 
here," she manages. 
Karen's face falls. "I'm 
sorry," she says, 
taking Hanna's hand. 
"He's just in a lot 
of pain. I know he can be 
difficult," she says 
gently. "But he's 
just scared and 
frustrated."

Hanna nods, her 
lips pressed into 
a thin line. "I know," 
she says. "But I can't 
help if he won't 
let me in." Karen 
sighs, squeezing her 
hand. "Give him some 
time," she advises. "You
are staying with us, and
we all outta try getting
along. I'll go and
check on him."

With a nod, 
Hanna releases 
Karen's hand and 
sits back down, her 
thoughts racing. She 
wonders if she's 
overstepped or if 
Plankton will ever
accept her help. The 
silence in the room 
stretches out, filled 
only with the 
ticking of a 
clock on the 
wall.

Meanwhile, Karen goes 
to their bedroom door.
"Plankton?" she calls
out softly. "Can I come
in?" There's no answer 
at first, just the 
sound of his ragged
breathing. She opens
the door slowly, 
finding him sitting 
on the bed.

His antennae are 
drooped and his eye 
is red-rimmed. "What?" 
he says, his voice 
harsher than he 
intended. Karen 
sighs, sitting down 
beside him. "Hanna's 
upset," she says 
simply. Plankton looks 
away, his antennae 
twitching.

"Good," he says, his 
tone still icy. "I don't 
want her here."

Karen sighs. "You
know she's only trying 
to help," she says. 
"And she's not the 
only one. We all are."

Plankton's antennae 
drop further. "I don't 
want any of this," 
he says, his voice 
smaller. "I don't want 
to be the one who 
needs help."

Karen sighs, 
placing a hand 
on his arm. 
"But you do," she 
says gently. "And that's 
not a bad thing. How's
the leg feeling?"
Plankton glowers 
but doesn't pull away. 
"It hurts," he 
admits. Karen nods. 
"I'll get your meds," 
she says.

When she returns, 
she finds Plankton 
still sitting there, 
his gaze fixed on 
his cast. "Here," she 
says, handing him the 
pill bottle. He takes 
them without a word, 
swallowing them 
quickly. Karen sits 
back down next to 
him. "You know, 
sometimes letting 
people in can make 
the hard times 
easier," she says. "Yet
it's also fine if you'd
like space." She kisses
his forehead. "Now, rest.."

Plankton's antennae 
lift slightly. "I don't 
want to be alone," he 
admits, his voice 
barely a whisper. 
Karen's eyes widen 
slightly, surprised 
by his vulnerability. 
"You don't have to 
be," she says, taking 
his hand. "We're all 
here for you."

They sit in silence 
for a few moments, 
the tension in the 
room slowly dissipating. 
Then, with a sigh, 
Plankton leans into her, 
his antennae drooping 
against her shoulder. 
"Thank you," he whispers.

Karen wraps an 
arm around him, 
pulling him closer. "You're 
welcome," she murmurs. 
"We're a team."

As they sit 
there, the tension 
in Plankton's body 
gradually eases, his 
breathing slowing down. 
Karen feels his grip 
on her hand loosen, 
his eyelid flicker closed. 
The fight drains 
out of him, and he 
surrenders to sleep.
Karen shifts, so he's 
more comfortable, 
pulling a blanket over 
his cast-covered leg. 
The soft fabric 
slides over the 
plaster, and 
she tucks him in.

When she returns 
to the living 
room, Hanna's eyes 
are still red, but 
she's composed 
herself. "Is he okay?" 
she asks, her voice 
barely above a whisper.
Karen nods, sitting 
beside her. "He's 
asleep," she says. 
"But he's...going through 
a lot." Hanna nods, her 
own eyes welling up 
again. "What 
can I do to help?" 
she asks.

Karen looks at 
her, her gaze 
thoughtful. "Just be 
patient with him," 
she advises. "He's not 
used to being 
dependent on 
others." Hanna 
nods, taking a deep 
breath. "Okay," she says. 
"How do you think 
I can be of 
help?" Karen smiles. 
"Just be there," 
she says. "And maybe 
find something 
that doesn't 
involve...babying him."
Hanna nods 
determinedly.

Later, Plankton wakes
up, emerging out to
the living room where
Karen and Hanna sat,
hobbling as he navigates
with his crutches.

"What are we 
watching?" he asks, 
his tone softer. 
They're on the couch, 
a movie playing 
on the TV, their heads 
close together as 
they whisper about 
the plot. Karen looks
up, her smile 
genuine. "Just a 
little something to 
pass the time," she 
says, patting the 
cushion next to 
Hanna. "You wanna join?"
Plankton hesitates, 
his antennae 
twitching. Then, with 
a sigh, he nods, moving 
towards them.
Hanna looks up 
at him, her smile 
slightly tentative. "It's 
an adventure film," 
she says. "It's got a 
little of everything."

Plankton eases 
himself onto the 
couch, his cast 
thumping against 
the cushions. He 
sits between 
them, his crutches 
propped against 
the side.

Hanna's eyes 
dart to him 
before returning 
quickly to the 
television. 
Karen gives him 
a side hug, her 
hand resting 
comfortably on 
his shoulder. 
"Thanks," he murmurs.

The film plays, 
and they sit in 
relative quiet, 
the occasional 
laugh or gasp 
filling the room.
Hanna glances 
at him every so 
often.

During a 
particularly intense 
scene, she reaches 
for the bowl of 
popcorn. "Want 
some?" she asks 
quietly. Plankton 
nods, extending 
his arm. She carefully 
picks out a few 
kernels, placing 
them in his hand. 
The gesture is 
small, but it feels 
like a peace offering.

He munches 
on them, his gaze 
still on the 
screen, but 
his antennae 
relaxing. Karen 
notices the 
ease in the 
atmosphere and 
smiles to herself. 
Maybe this 
was what they 
needed, she thinks.

As the 
credits roll, 
Hanna jumps 
up, her 
expression hopeful.

"How about we 
play a game?" she 
suggests, her voice 
careful not to 
disrupt the peace. 
Plankton looks 
at her, his 
eye assessing. "What 
kind of game?" he 
asks, his voice 
still guarded.

Hanna stands up. 
"How about something 
easy?" she says. "Like 
charades? It'll keep us 
entertained without 
being too strenuous 
for Plankto-"

"I can still think, 
you know," Plankton 
snaps, his antennae 
waving in irritation. 
Hanna's smile falters, 
but she nods. "Of course," 
she says. "It's just 
that I don't wa-"

"To sit around doing 
nothing," he 
finishes for her. 
"I know, I know. You
just think it's all fun 
and games." Hanna 
swallows her 
retort, nodding. 
"Okay, I get it," she 
says. "How about 
something else? Maybe 
a puzzle?"

Karen interjects, 
sensing the tension. 
"That sounds 
like a great idea," 
she says brightly. 
"Let's all do it 
together on the
floor."

With a grumble, 
Plankton starts to 
stand, using his 
crutches to balance 
his weight. Hanna 
quickly moves to 
his side, offering 
her arm for support. 
He glares at her.
"I can do it 
myself," he snaps.

Karen watches 
them, a smile 
tugging at her lips. 
"It's okay," she says, 
picking up a puzzle 
box from the 
coffee table. "Let's 
just get started."
Plankton lowers himself 
to the floor, setting
the crutches down.

He grimaces, his 
leg muscles 
protesting as he 
shifts his weight 
to his good side. 
Using his arms 
for leverage, he 
crawls over to 
the space they've 
cleared for the 
puzzle.

Hanna watches, 
worry etched on 
her face. "Do you 
want me to help?
Here, le-"

"I've got it," 
Plankton says 
quickly, cutting her 
off. He doesn't 
want to admit 
how much the 
simple act of 
getting to the floor 
has exhausted him.
His pride won't allow it. 
With a grunt, 
he reaches the 
puzzle area and 
flops down, his cast 
scraping against 
the carpet. Karen 
sets the box down, 
her eyes filled with 
concern. "Are you 
sure you're okay?" Hanna 
asks.

"I said I've got it," 
he repeats, 
his voice firm. 
He grabs a puzzle 
piece, his 
small hands 
shaking slightly 
as he tries to 
fit it into place.
Hanna opens her 
mouth to protest, 
but Karen gives her 
a look, silencing 
her. They watch 
as Plankton struggles, 
his face contorted 
with effort. His 
leg feels like a 
dead weight, 
but he refuses to 
show.

new kneesurgery hannacore 14

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 10


Patrick then notices
Plankton's mouth
now started to drool.

"Ew, Plankton," he says, 
his voice a mix 
of disgust and 
fascination. "Why 
is your mouth leaking?"

Sponge Bob laughs 
quietly, his hand 
covering his mouth. 
"It's just drool. When we're 
asleep, our saliva 
production doesn't stop. 
But since we're not 
swallowing like we 
do when we're awake, 
it can build up and 
sometimes dribble out."
Patrick's eyes 
widen further. "But 
why is it coming out?"
he asks.

"It's because he's really 
relaxed and his mouth 
is open. And Plankton 
just happened to drool a 
little, Pat..."

Patrick's expression 
doesn't change, his 
curiosity unabated. "But 
why does it hang 
like that?" he asks, his 
index finger pointing at 
the string of drool.
Sponge Bob sighs, 
his laughter fading. "It's 
because the muscles 
that hold his mouth 
closed are relaxed, 
Patrick," he says, his 
tone patient. "And sometimes, 
when we're really 
deep in sleep, our saliva 
can just...fall out."

Patrick nods slowly, 
his eyes never leaving 
Plankton's mouth. 
"But what if it gets 
on his leg cast?" he whispers, 
his voice filled with 
concern. Sponge Bob 
looks over at the 
wheelchair, where Plankton 
is currently snoring 
away.

Karen, who has 
been quietly listening 
to the exchange, 
smiles over her shoulder. 
"Don't worry, Patrick," 
she says. "It's like 
his brain is on sleep 
mode, so he doesn't 
react the same way 
he would when he's 
awake."

Patrick nods, his 
thoughts swirling. He 
continues to stare at 
Plankton's drooling 
mouth, his curiosity 
now piqued. "But what 
about when he wakes up?"
he whispers. "Will he kn-"

Before Patrick can 
finish his question, 
Plankton starts to stir, 
his snores morphing into 
a tiny grunt. Karen quickly 
moves forward, gently 
wiping the drool from 
his mouth with a cloth. 
"It's okay, Plankton," 
she says soothingly.
"Let's get you cleaned 
up," she whispers.
Sponge Bob and 
Patrick watch as 
Karen carefully 
cleans Plankton's mouth 
and chin, her movements 
precise and gentle. Plankton's 
eye flutters open, his gaze 
unfocused. "What...what's 
going on?" he asks, his 
voice groggy.

"You just fell asleep, 
buddy," Sponge Bob says, 
his voice filled with 
sympathy. "You needed 
the rest." Plankton's eye 
narrows, his antennae 
twitching. "I didn't 
fall asleep," he insists. 
"I was just..."

But his protests are 
cut short as he notices 
the cloth in Karen's hand. 
"What's this?" he asks, 
his voice sharper. Karen 
holds up the cloth. 
"Just a little drool," 
she says, her tone 
gentle. Plankton's face 
reddens with embarrassment, 
his antennae drooping, 
his pride bruised.
Patrick giggles, his 
eyes sparkling. Plankton 
looks at him, his 
expression skeptical as
Patrick's laughter 
fills the room, and 
his pride is more 
fragile than ever.
Plankton's glare at
Patrick doesn't waver, his 
eye narrowing as
Patrick's eyes 
twinkle with mischief, unfazed.

Patrick, still chuckling, 
leans in closer to 
Plankton. "You know, 
Plankton," he whispers, 
his voice filled with 
mock concern, "you snore."
Plankton's face 
reddens more. "I do not!"
he snaps. Karen and 
Sponge Bob exchange 
a knowing look, trying 
to hold in their 
laughter. "You do," Patrick 
says, his voice 
still low. Plankton's eye 
widens. "What?" he asks, 
his voice filled with 
disbelief. "You snore," 
Patrick says, 
his giggle escaping.

Plankton's antennae 
wobble with anger. "I 
do not snore!" he insists, 
his voice louder. Sponge 
Bob puts a hand on 
Patrick's shoulder. "Why 
don't we keep it down?" 
he suggests, trying 
to lighten the mood. 
But Patrick's curiosity 
has been piqued.

"How do you know?" 
Patrick asks, his voice 
innocent. "You've never 
heard yourself snore." 
Sponge Bob chuckles, 
his hand still on 
Patrick's shoulder.

"Because I just...I was 
thinking really loudly?"
Karen smiles warmly 
from the kitchen, 
knowing the truth.
Patrick's laughter 
grows louder, his 
body shaking. "Thinking 
loudly doesn't make 
you snore," he says.
Plankton's eye 
narrows. "Well, then 
how'd you know?" he 
demands.
Patrick's grin spreads 
across his face.

"Because we heard 
you," he says, his voice 
barely above a whisper. 
Sponge Bob nods. "Yeah, 
Plankton," he admits, 
his voice filled with 
amusement.

Plankton's antennae 
twitch with irritation. 
"You heard me?" he 
repeats, his voice 
unbelieving.
"Yeah," Patrick says, 
his eyes wide with 
innocence. "Just now."

Sponge Bob tries 
to change the 
subject, his hand 
still on Patrick's 
shoulder. "Why don't 
we talk about something 
else?" he suggests. 
But Patrick is not 
to be deterred. "I think
Karen got it on video!"

Plankton's antennae 
shoot up in alarm. "Video?"
he echoes, his eye 
widening in horror. 
"You didn't..."

But Karen's laughter 
confirms his fears. 
"It's just for fun, Plankton," 
she says, her voice 
filled with mirth. She 
holds up her camera 
for him to see.

The room fills with 
their laughter, except 
for Plankton, whose 
face is a picture of 
humiliation. "It's not 
funny!" he snaps, his 
voice sharp. His antennae 
quiver with anger.
Sponge Bob's 
laughter fades as 
he looks at his 
friend. "It's getting late
Pat..." Patrick nods, his 
smile fading. "Okay, 
okay," he says, standing 
up. Sponge Bob nods, his 
expression sympathetic. "I can
see you tomorrow, 
Plankton," he says, 
his voice gentle.

Plankton smiles at him.
"Thanks," he says, before
wheeling himself to his
bedroom as SpongeBob
and Patrick leave. Karen
follows Plankton back to
their bedroom.

Once Plankton is 
settled in bed, Karen 
sits beside him. "Do you 
want to talk about it?"
she asks softly. Plankton's
face contorts into a grimace.
"Talk about what?" 
"You know," she says, 
keeping her voice 
calm. "The snoring
and drooling?"

Plankton sighs, his 
tiny frame shifting 
under the covers. "It's 
just embarrassing," 
he admits, his antennae 
drooping. Karen reaches 
out, patting his shoulder. "It's 
normal, Plankton."

"Whatever. Goodnight, my
sweets." He says, pulling up
the covers.

Karen smiles. "Goodnight
to you too, Mr. Grumpy," she
teases, her voice filled with
affection. "I'll be right 
here if you need anything."

new kneesurgery droolcore 10

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 13


They play for a 
few minutes in 
silence, the sound 
of slapping 
cards the only noise 
in the room.

Hanna's cheerfulness 
begins to grate on 
Plankton's nerves, 
his antennae 
twitching with 
each of her 
exclamations of 
"Oh!" and "Wow!" every 
time she wins a round.

Karen watches the 
exchange, her eyes 
flickering between 
them. "Plankton," 
she says softly, 
placing a hand on 
his shoulder. 
"Why don't we 
take a break?"
Plankton sighs, 
his antennae 
drooping. "I'm 
fine," he mutters.
Hanna's smile 
doesn't falter. "It's 
okay if you need 
to—"

He cuts her off 
with a glare. "I said 
I'm fine," he snaps, 
his voice tight. Karen 
squeezes his shoulder, 
her gaze firm. "Plankton," 
she says, her voice 
soft but firm. "Take a 
moment. We're all 
trying to make 
this work."

Plankton huffs, 
his antennae stiffening. 
He knows she's right, 
but the cast on 
his leg is a constant 
reminder of his 
weakness, and Hanna's 
cheeriness is grating 
on his nerves.

He takes a deep 
breath, trying to 
rein in his 
frustration. "Okay," 
he says through 
gritted teeth. "A break."
Hanna's smile 
doesn't waver. "Great!" 
she says. "How abo---"

Her words are 
cut off as Plankton 
swings his cast-covered 
leg around, 
wincing slightly as 
he does so. Hanna 
watches him, her 
concern etched 
on her face. "Careful," 
she warns gently.
"I've got it," 
Plankton snaps, 
his pride bruised. 
He hobbles into 
his bedroom, 
his crutches echoing 
against the tiles.

Karen sighs 
heavily, her eyes 
following him. "I'm 
sorry," Hanna says 
quickly. "I didn't mean 
to overstep." Karen 
shakes her head. "No, 
it's okay," she says. 
"He's just...going 
through a tough 
time."

Hanna nods, 
her eyes filled 
with empathy. "I can 
see that," she says. 
"But he's lucky to 
have you." Karen 
smiles sadly. "Thanks, 
Hanna." They sit in 
silence for a moment 
before Karen stands 
up. "I'll go check 
on him," she says, 
leaving the living 
room.

In the bedroom, 
Plankton is lying 
on the bed, his 
crutches leaning 
against the wall. He 
looks up as Karen enters, 
his expression 
unreadable.

"You okay?" she 
asks, her voice 
gentle. Plankton 
shrugs. "I'm fine," 
he says, his voice 
clipped. Karen sighs. 
"You know, you don't 
have to be tough 
all the time," she says, 
sitting beside him. 
"We're all here to 
support you."

Plankton turns 
his head to 
look at her, his 
single eye 
studying her face. 
"I know," he says, 
his voice softer. 
"It's just...embarrassing."

Karen nods, 
her hand 
resting on 
his arm. 
"But you're not 
weak for needing 
help. It won't be
forever."

Plankton's eye 
blinks slowly, 
his antennae 
drooping. "I know, 
but it's just 
so...humiliating."

Karen's grip 
on his arm tightens. 
"You're not weak, 
Plankton," she says 
firmly. "You're strong. 
You're going 
through a tough 
time, and that's okay."

He looks away, 
his antennae 
waving slightly. 
"It's just...I don't 
like feeling so...so..."
He struggles to 
find the words. 
"Vulnerable," 
she fills in 
gently. He nods, 
his eye closing.
"Exactly."

Karen's hand 
strokes his arm. 
"We all have our 
moments," she says. 
"It's okay to not 
be okay."

Plankton's eye 
remains closed, his 
expression thoughtful. 
"Thanks," he mumbles, 
his antennae 
lifting slightly. 
They sit in 
companionable silence 
for a moment before 
Plankton sighs. "I'm 
just tired," he says, 
his voice weary. "Can 
we just...rest?"

Karen nods, her 
face gentle. "Of 
course," she says. 
"Why don't you take 
a nap? I'll tell Hanna 
we're taking a 
break." She stands 
and leans over to 
kiss his forehead.
"You're doing 
better than you 
think," she whispers.

Plankton's antennae 
twitch. "Thanks," 
he murmurs, his voice 
soft. He watches as 
she leaves the room, 
his mind racing with 
thoughts. He's not 
used to feeling so...
dependent. But he 
knows Karen's right. 
He needs to accept 
the help and move 
forward. With a 
sigh, he closes his 
eye and tries to 
comfortable, the cast 
on his leg feeling 
like a lead weight.

The house is quiet, 
only the faint 
hum of the refrigerator 
breaking the silence. 
Plankton's mind wanders, 
thinking about his 
recovery. He's always 
been the one to push 
through, to never 
let anything hold 
him back. But this... 
this was different. 
He couldn't fight or 
scheme his way out 
of a broken leg.

After a few 
moments of contemplation, 
his eye snaps open. 
The door creaks 
slightly as it opens. 
Hanna pokes her 
head in, her smile 
slightly more tentative 
than before. "Is it 
okay if I come in?" 
she asks softly.

Plankton nods, 
his antennae still. 
"What is it?"
Her cheeks flush 
slightly. "I just 
wanted to check 
on you," she says, 
stepping into the 
room. "And to...apologize."

"For what?" he asks, 
his voice gruff.

Hanna takes a 
deep breath. "I'm 
sorry if I was too 
enthusiastic," she 
says, her eyes 
meeting his. "I just 
wanted to m-"
"Make me feel better?" 
Plankton finishes 
for her, his tone 
sarcastic. Hanna 
swallows, her smile 
slightly wobbly. "I 
guess," she admits. 
"I just didn't know 
how else t---"

Her words are 
interrupted by 
a soft knock on 
the doorframe. 
They both look up 
to see SpongeBob 
peering in, his 
face etched with 
concern. "Hey, buddy," 
he says gently. "How 
are you holding up?"

Plankton's antennae 
perk up slightly. 
"I'm fine," he says. Sponge 
Bob nods. "Well, if 
you need anything, 
just holler," he says
before leaving.

Hanna looks at 
Plankton, her eyes 
filled with 
concern. "I'm sorry," 
she repeats. "I di-"
"Don't," Plankton says, 
cutting her off.

Her smile falters. 
"What?" "You're 
being a...jerk." He
answers her.

Hanna's eyes 
widen in surprise. 
"I'm sorry," she 
stammers. "I didn't mean 
to be...I just want to 
make sure yo--"

"You're annoying, Hanna!
I have enough to deal
with without you
pestering me," Plankton
snaps, his antennae
quivering with agitation.

Hanna's smile fades,
and she takes a step 
back, her eyes 
welling with 
hurt. "I'm sorry," 
she says again. "I-I-I-I…"
But Plankton's 
not done.

"You're just nosy." Hanna's 
eyes fill with tears, 
but she fights them back. 
"I'm just trying to 
be your friend," she 
says, her voice shaking.

"Get out! I don't need
you, and it's none
of your business!"
Plankton's voice is sharp, 
his antennae stiff with 
anger. Hanna's smile 
crumbles.

"Plankton, I just—" 
she starts, but he 
interrupts again. 
"What? Just what, Hanna?
You wanna just stick 
around and gawk at 
me, or are you gonna 
go?" His voice is 
bitter, and she can 
see the frustration 
boiling behind his 
eye. Her smile is 
completely gone now, 
replaced by a look 
of sadness. "You 
know, Plankton," she 
says, her voice 
shaky, "you don't 
have to—"

"Don't tell me what 
I have to do!" 
Plankton yells, his 
small frame 
trembling. "I know 
what I need, and it's 
not you poking 
your nose into my 
business!" Hanna's 
hands clench into 
fists at her sides.

"I'm not poking 
my nose in," she 
says, her voice 
strained. "I'm just 
trying to help!" 
Her words are met 
with silence. 
Plankton's eye narrows, 
his antennae 
quivering with 
rage.

"You think you're 
helping?" he spits. 
"You're not. You're 
just making 
everything worse. 
Why can't you just 
leave me alone?" 
Hanna's lip quivers, 
but she squares 
her shoulders. "I'm not 
going anywhere," she 
says firmly. "I care 
abou–"

"You don't care 
about me," Plankton 
snaps. "You just 
want to know 
what happened 
so you can be the hero 
that 'saved' me." His 
eye glares at her, 
his antennae vibrating 
with accusation. 
"Well, my life doesn't
involve you, Hanna. So just 
stay out of it!"

Hanna's eyes 
brim with tears, 
but she refuses to 
let them fall. 
"I do care," she 
whispers. "And I'm 
not trying to be a her-"

But Plankton's 
interrupted her again. 
"You don't know 
anything about me," 
he says, his voice 
cold. "You're just 
here because Karen 
let you, but I don't 
want you here." Hanna's 
cheeks flush with 
hurt. "Plankton, I'm 
trying to be a good 
friend, but you're 
just pushing me 
aw-"

"I don't need 
a friend like you," 
Plankton says, 
his voice hard. "Now 
get out." Hanna's eyes 
fill with tears, 
but she nods, 
turning to leave. He
slams the bedroom
door behind her.

In the living room
Karen looks up to
see her, her eyes
red and puffy from
crying. "Hanna?"

new kneesurgery hannacore 13

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 4


After a while, Plankton's snores 
begin to quiet, and he stirs.
Karen is by his side, her hand 
on his shoulder as his eye opens.
"Hey," she whispers. He groans
in his wheelchair.

"How are you feeling?" she asks,
her voice filled with concern.
"Tired," he admits, his 
eye still half-closed. "But I'm okay."
Sandy comes back into the 
living room, drying her hands.
"You know, Karen," she says, 
"I can take the first shift. 
Why don't you get some 
sleep too?"

Karen nods gratefully, 
exhaustion etched into 
every line of her face. 
"Thank you, Sandy. I really 
could use some rest."
Sandy takes her place 
by Plankton's side. "I've got it 
from here. Call if you 
need anything." Karen 
smiles and heads to the 
guest room, her footsteps 
heavy with fatigue. Plankton 
shifts in his wheelchair, his
cast cumbersome. The pain 
has receded into a dull 
throb, the medication 
doing its job.

"How long have I been 
out?" he asks, his voice 
slurred with sleep.
"A few," Sandy 
replies, her voice gentle. 
"You needed it."

He nods slowly, his antennae 
drooping. "What time is it?"
Sandy glances at the clock 
on the wall. "Almost 
noon," she says.
"The doctor said you'd be 
sleepy for a day or two,
so we figured we'd let you 
rest." Plankton's eye opens 
wider at that, his usual
determination flaring. 
"Noon?"

Sandy nods. "You've had 
a long night. And we've got
lots of movies to watch, and
books, if you're up for it."
Plankton manages a nod.

"So, tell me about this...this 
tibiofibular thing," Sandy asks, 
curiosity piqued. "What did they do?"
He shrugs, his eye
half-closed. "I don't know, 
exactly. Something with a special 
ossifying glue, I think." Sandy leans 
forward, her eyes wide. "Ossifying 
glue? That sounds intense."
Plankton nods. "They had to 
repair the break. So, it's like...
a super glue for bones." His 
hand hovers over the cast, 
feeling awkward. "It's 
supposed to hold it all together 
until it heals. It's naturally osteogenic
and dissolves with time and healing
on it's own. Six weeks in the cast,
minimum." Sandy's face scrunches up 
in sympathy. "Six weeks? That's 
a long time." Plankton nods again,
his head lolling slightly. Sandy can see 
the exhaustion settling 
back in. "I'll be back to normal eventually.."

"Do you remember 
anything from the surgery?"
she asks, hoping to keep
his mind engaged. Plankton 
shakes his head, his antennae
flopping. "Nope. Just woke up 
with this thing on," he says quickly,
gesturing to the cast.
Sandy nods, trying to 
think of something to say.

"They have to put a rod in, 
right?" she asks. "No, no rod,"
he says, his voice thick with 
frustration. He feels
a bit embarrassed with the
conversation. "They used
the fancy glue to hold
everything together. No pins.."

Sandy nods, her eyes wide 
with interest. "That's so cool.
What's it like? Surgery, I mean.
Like, did you see anything?"
Plankton's antennae twitch.
"Not really. It's all a blur. Just
remember waking up with this,"
he says, gesturing to the cast 
encasing his leg.

"Wait," Sandy asks. "You mean
you weren't awake for any of it?"
Plankton shrugs, but Sandy's not
quite finished, ignoring his clear
desire to move on from the
topic. Her eyes are wide with wonder.

"But what about 
dreams?" Sandy 
asks. "Did you 
have any drea------"
He cuts her off 
sharply, his antennae 
twitching. "No, I didn't.
I don't remember a thing."
But Sandy's curiosity isn't 
deterred. "What was it like
when you wo-"

Plankton's eye opens, 
his gaze intense. "Look, 
I don't know what you 
want me to say." His voice
has an edge of irritation. "And
so I don't have to explain 
it again, it's a serious surgery.
They had to repair the break
in my leg with a special 
glue that makes the bones stick
together, Sandy. So JUST.
LET. IT. GO."

Sandy's cheeks flush 
slightly at his tone. "I'm 
just trying to understand, 
Plankton. I didn't mean t---"
But he waves her off, his
frustration clear. "I know. But I 
don't want to talk about it. 
Okay?" Plankton's voice 
is tight.
Sandy nods quickly, 
apologizing. "Of course. 
I'll...I'll just get you some 
water." She stands up, 
leaving Plankton to his 
thoughts, as Karen comes back.

Karen watches her friend 
disappear into the kitchen, 
a worried look crossing 
her face. "Everything okay?"
she asks, her voice low.
"I think I might have pushed 
a bit too hard," Sandy 
admits, setting the water
down within reach. "I didn't mean
to, I just wanna underst--"

Plankton cuts her off, his 
frustration growing. "I SAID, I don't 
remember," he snaps. Karen's eyes
widen at his harsh tone. Sandy nods. "I'm 
sor-" But Plankton isn't ready 
to let it go. "That's IT." His voice is tight, 
his antennae quivering with annoyance.
"It's not your business SANDY!"

Karen steps in quickly, her 
voice calm. "It's okay, Plankton.
Sandy didn't mean to upset you."
Sandy's eyes are filled with
remorse. "I'm really sorry.
I didn't kno—"

But Plankton's not having it.
"I don't care," he snaps. "Just...
just STOP, and leave me alone!"
His antennae quiver with agitation,
his eye flashing with irritation.
Karen's heart squeezes at the
pain she sees in his gaze.

Sandy's eyes fill with tears
at his harshness, her cheeks
flushing with embarrassment.
"I'm sorry," she murmurs, turning
to leave the room. Karen 
quickly moves to block her.
"No, no," Karen says firmly.
"You didn't do anything wrong.
Plankton, hon, we're just trying 
to be here for you."

But Plankton's mood 
has shifted in agitation
aimed at Sandy's curiosity.

"Why do you keep asking?"
he says, his voice tight. "I 
don't know what you expect 
me to say!" His antennae 
twitch with annoyance.

Sandy's cheeks flush. "I just...
I'm sorry," she stammers, 
backpedaling. "I'm just 
curious, I didn't mean to 
make you uncomf-"

"Well, it's none of your business!"
Plankton's voice is sharp, 
his antennae standing on 
end. Karen sighs, feeling 
the tension in the room.
She knows Plankton's mood
can swing with his pain 
levels, yet she doesn't want
Sandy to feel unwelcome.

Sandy's eyes water, 
hurt by his words. "I'm sorry, 
I just wanted to help," she 
whispers, her voice 
trembling slightly. Karen
steps closer to her, 
placing a hand on her 
shoulder.

"Why do you keep asking!"
Plankton's question lingers
in the air, his antennae 
still quivering. Sandy 
swallows hard. "It's just..."
Karen steps in, her voice 
soft. "It's okay, Sandy. Let's just 
give him some space." She nods 
towards the kitchen, and Sandy
follows her.

Once out of earshot, Sandy's
eyes fill with tears. "I didn't mean 
to upset him," she says, her 
voice barely above a whisper.
Karen squeezes her hand. "It's 
not you. He's just in a lot of 
pain." She sighs. "And he's 
always been a bit...private 
about things. He's just not used
to being vulnerable."

Sandy nods, her gaze 
falling to the floor. "I know,
but I just wanted to understand."
Karen gives her a comforting
smile. "We all do. But he's
got to deal with this in his own 
way."

new kneesurgery karendy 4

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 6



Sandy heads to the 
kitchen, her steps 
slow and deliberate. Karen 
follows, giving her a 
quick hug. "It's okay," 
she whispers. "He'll come 
around." Sandy nods, her voice 
shaking. "I hope so."

In the living room, Plankton's
leg throbs under the 
weight of the cast, a 
constant reminder of his 
new limitations. Karen 
joins him, handing him a 
pillow.

"Here," she says softly. 
"This should help." 
He takes it, his antennae 
twitching slightly as 
he adjusts his position
on the couch.
Sandy emerges from 
the kitchen, her eyes 
red-rimmed but her smile 
firmly in place. "Snacks," 
she says, setting a plate 
on the coffee table.

Plankton nods, his eye 
half-closed. "Thank you," 
he murmurs, his voice 
softening. Sandy 
swallows hard, the 
hurt from his earlier 
outburst still raw. Karen 
sits beside him, her hand 
on his shoulder.

"I know you're 
frustrated," Karen says 
gently. "But Sandy worries 
for you." Plankton nods, 
his antennae drooping. 
"I know," he says, unable 
to find the words.

Sandy takes a 
deep breath, her gaze 
on the floor. "I'm sorry 
for...everything." Her 
voice cracks. Plankton's 
eye opens fully, his 
expression softening. "I know, 
Sandy. I know."

Karen squeezes his hand. 
"We all do." Sandy's smile 
is sad.

"But I'm fine," he insists, 
his voice strained. "Just tired."
Sandy nods. Karen 
sits quietly, her hand 
still on his shoulder, 
providing silent support
as Plankton's eye closes again.

The room is still, the 
only sound the occasional 
crunch of a chip. Sandy 
clears her throat. "Is there 
anything else I can do?"
Her voice is tentative, hopeful.
Plankton's antennae 
twitch. "No." He doesn't 
open his eye. "Just let me 
rest." Sandy nods, her 
face a mask of regret. 
Karen sighs, watching 
as her husband's chest 
rises and falls with 
his deep breaths. She knows 
his stubbornness will keep 
him from admitting 
his pain, but she also knows
his limits, the tension 
in the room slowly 
dissipating as Plankton 
begins to doze.

The doorbell rings, 
breaking the silence. 
Sandy jumps, startled. 
Karen looks at the clock. 
It's Mr. Krabs, arriving 
to see why his rival
Plankton hasn't tried to
steal his secret recipe. 
Her heart sinks. This could 
be bad timing.

"I'll get it," Sandy says, 
quickly moving to the door. 
Karen nods, her hand 
still on Plankton's 
shoulder. She whispers, 
"Remember, love, we're 
here for you."

Sandy opens the door
to find Mr. Krabs, his 
eyes wide with surprise.
"What happened to 
Plankton?" he asks, 
his voice a mix of 
concern and suspicion.
"I've not seen him in a
while; must be planning
something big.."

Karen sighs, her gaze
flicking to her sleeping 
husband as Mr. Krabs
comes in.

"Plankton had an accident,"
she says, her voice 
measured. "He broke his leg."
Mr. Krabs' expression morphs
from suspicion to shock. 
"What? No way!"
Karen nods, keeping 
her voice low. "It's true. 
He's in recovery." 
Sandy's eyes dart to 
Plankton, now snoring 
softly on the couch.

Mr. Krabs approaches 
his sleeping rival, 
eyes narrowing. "What's 
that on his leg?"
"It's a cast," Karen 
explains, her tone 
even. "He's going to need 
help for a few weeks."
Mr. Krabs' claws clench, 
his suspicion clear.

Krabs looks at 
the cast skeptically. 
"Well, if he's out of commission, 
then I suppose we can 
call a temporary truce," 
he says. Karen 
nods. "That would be 
kind of you." Sandy smiles 
weakly. "He's not 
the enemy right now," 
she murmurs, her eyes 
on Plankton.
Mr. Krabs seems to 
consider this, 
his gaze lingering on 
Plankton's sleeping form.
"Fine," he says gruffly.

Karen sighs with relief,
guiding Mr. Krabs to a chair.
"Thank you. I know this isn't 
easy for him to accept."
Sandy nods in 
agreement. "He's always 
so independent."
Mr. Krabs grumbles, 
but his eyes soften. 
"He's a tough little 
feller."

As they sit in 
the living room, 
the sound of Plankton's 
snores punctuating the 
silence, Mr. Krabs 
notices drool slowly 
seeping from the corner 
of Plankton's mouth as 
his snores grow louder.

"Looks like he's out
cold," Mr. Krabs says. 
"Is he okay?"
"He's fine," Karen 
reassures him. "Just 
sleeping. It's part of 
his healing process."
Mr. Krabs clears his throat, 
his expression unreadable. 
"Well, if he's not going to 
be a problem for a while, 
I suppose I can spare  
time to help."
Sandy's eyes widen, 
hopeful.

Karen's smile is 
genuine. "That would be 
wonderful, Mr. Krabs. We 
could really use the 
extra hands."
Mr. Krabs nods, his 
claws tapping the arm 
of the chair. "But I'm 
not cooking, got it?"
They all chuckle 
softly, the tension 
easing slightly.

"I can't believe he's 
out for the count,"
he murmurs, almost 
to himself, when Plankton's
drool forms a small puddle 
on the couch. "Uhm," Krabs
says, "Plankton is gonna 
need to be cleaned up."
Karen nods, not wanting
to wake her husband.
Sandy jumps up to help,
but Krabs stops her.
"No, no," he says gruffly.
"Let me—"

But before he can 
finish, Plankton's snores
turn into a low moan.
His antennae twitch, 
his good leg moving 
slightly. "His pain 
meds are wearing off,"
Karen whispers. Sandy 
quickly grabs the 
water and pills from 
the side table, 
handing them to Karen.

Karen gets the 
water and pills, 
moving to Plankton's 
side. She gently 
shakes his shoulder. 
"Honey," she says softly.
"It's time for your 
medicine."

Plankton's eye 
flickers open, his 
expression a mix of 
pain and irritation as
he sees Mr. Krabs.
"What are you doing 
here?" he grumbles, 
his voice thick with 
sleep and pain.

Mr. Krabs coughs, 
his claws raising in a 
defensive gesture. "Just 
came to check on 
the...competition," he says, 
his voice trailing off as
he looks at the cast. 
Sandy and Karen exchange
a nervous glance.

Plankton's antennae 
twitch with annoyance. 
"I don't need your pity," 
he says through gritted 
teeth, his pain evident. 
Mr. Krabs' eyes narrow. 
"Pity? Pah! I'm just 
making sure you're not 
plotting anything, while 
you're...drooling."
Plankton's face flushes
when he puts his hand 
to his mouth, realizing 
he's been drooling in his sleep.
He wipes at his mouth 
quickly before taking the 
pills and water.

"Thanks," he mutters, 
his voice gruff.
Karen helps him sit up 
more comfortably, 
his leg propped on 
the pillow. Mr. Krabs 
clears his throat, looking 
slightly embarrassed.
"Well, I've got a...uh, 
question," he says.

Sandy and Karen exchange 
another look, but Plankton 
seems too tired to care. 
"What is it?" he asks, 
his patience wearing thin.
Mr. Krabs shifts in his 
chair. "I was wondering 
if, during your...ahem, 
cast, if you broke your
leg, what'd they do to
it before putting it in a cast?"

Sandy's eyes widen 
slightly, but she remains 
silent, allowing Plankton 
to answer. Plankton 
sighs, his antennae 
drooping. "They had to 
use some kind of special
bone glue," he says, his 
tone weary. "And now I've 
got this monstrosity on 
me for six weeks."

Mr. Krabs' eyes go 
wide. "Bone glue?" 
he repeats. "No way! 
What did it look like?"
Plankton groans, 
his frustration 
clear. "I s'pose it 
looked like...
glue," he says, his 
voice trailing off.
"Whaddya mean
you s'pose? You
were there!" Krabs
asks. "How'd it..."
Plankton cuts him off, 
his antennae standing tall. 
"It was a blur," he snaps.

"You were asleep, weren't
you?" Sandy says, earning
her a glare from Plankton.
Mr. Krabs, however, seems
even more fascinated, his
curiosity of Plankton piqued.
"How'd that work?" he asks, 
his claws tapping 
nervously. "I mean, they 
just put you out? But 
what did it feel like? Did 
you feel them sticking 
your bones together, or...?"
Plankton sighs, frustrated/angry,
his antennae drooping. "They 
put me under, okay?" he 
says, his voice tight. "I don't 
know what it felt like." "But
you were there!" Krabs insists.
"W---" "I SAID I DON'T KNOW!"
Plankton shouts, his 
pain and irritation boiling 
over. His grip on the 
pillow tightens, knuckles
white. Karen's eyes widen, 
and Sandy takes a step back, 
alarmed. "I didn't see 
anything. It was just...
nothingness."
Mr. Krabs leans back 
in his chair, his 
claw steepled under his 
chin.

"Hmm," he says,
his voice thoughtful. "And 
you're sure you weren't 
dreaming about stealing 
me secret recipe?"
Sandy laughs nervously, 
trying to diffuse the 
tension, but Plankton's 
face turns a deeper shade 
of red. "I was UNCONSCIOUS,"
he growls. Mr. Krabs holds up 
his claws in defense. 
"Just checking!" he says, 
his eyes gleaming. "But 
seriously, what's it like 
being put under..."
"I woke up!" Plankton 
exclaims, his antennae 
twitching. "With a giant 
cast on my leg! I don't 
remember any dreams. 
It was just... nothing."
Sandy tries to lighten 
the mood. "Maybe you 
dreamt about jellyfish," 
she suggests with a 
weak smile.
Mr. Krabs' eyes light 
up. "Jellyfish? Did you 
see an–"
"NO!" Plankton snaps. "No 
dreams, no jellyfish. Just...
nothingness."
Mr. Krabs seems 
disappointed but 
quickly recovers. "Well, if 
you say so," he says, 
his tone nonchalant. "But 
you're sure you didn't 
see anyth—"
"KRABS!" Plankton's 
voice booms through 
the room, cutting off 
his rival's question. "I 
told you, there was 
nothing!" His antennae 
wave in agitation.
Mr. Krabs' eyes 
twinkle with curiosity. 
"Ah, but what about 
the after-effects?" he 
presses on. "You know, 
those fuzzy thoughts
you get when you first 
wake up? Did y-"

But Plankton's patience 
has reached its limit. 
"I don't know what you're 
talking about," he says 
through clenched teeth. 
"I just know that I 
woke up!" Karen steps in, 
placing a calming hand 
on Plankton's shoulder. 
"Krabs, I think we 
should respect Plankton's 
space right now," she says 
firmly.

Mr. Krabs nods, his 
expression slightly chastised. 
"Right, right," he says, 
his claws retreating into 
his pockets. "Sorry, I'll 
just get going."

new kneesurgery plabs 6

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 7


Karen nods, her eyes 
filled with gratitude. 
"Thank you for coming 
to check on him," she says. 
"I know it's not easy for 
you."

Mr. Krabs shrugs. 
"We're...frenemies," 
he says awkwardly. "Besides, 
I wouldn't wish a broken 
leg on anyone."
Sandy and Karen exchange 
relieved glances.

As Mr. Krabs leaves, 
Sandy moves closer to 
Plankton, her voice 
concerned. "Are you okay?"
she asks. Plankton's antennae
drop slightly. "Fine," he 
mutters. "Just feeling a bit
restless."

Karen nods, 
understanding his 
frustration. "Why don't 
we get you off the couch?"
Sandy and Karen 
help him stand, his 
good leg wobbling. "Where 
to?" he asks, his voice 
still gruff.

"How about the 
wheelchair?" Karen 
suggests, pointing to 
where it's parked. 
Plankton sighs, but 
doesn't argue. "Fine."
They manage to get him 
situated in it.

"Where to?" Sandy 
asks, her voice 
gentle. "Anything 
you want to do?"
Plankton looks around 
the room, his eye
falling on the 
unfinished board game.
"Just...move that 
out of the way."

They clear the 
living room, the 
game pieces tucked 
away in their box, 
the board put aside. 
He wheels himself 
towards the window, 
his gaze drifting outside
to his friend Sponge Bob
who so happens to walk by
oblivious to Plankton's longing
gaze.

Sandy notices 
his expression. "Do you 
want to go outside?" she asks.
"It might be good for you."
Plankton considers it. "Yeah," 
he says. "A bit of fresh 
air." But he actually wants to
visit with SpongeBob.

They make their way 
to the door, Karen 
pushing him in the 
wheelchair. Plankton's 
heart sinks when he sees 
the stairs leading 
down to the sidewalk. 
"I'll get the crutches," 
Sandy says, already on her 
way. She returns quickly, 
handing them over. Plankton 
takes them, his grip tight.

Karen opens the door, 
the cool sea breeze 
wafting in, bringing 
with it the faint 
laughter of Patrick Star 
and SpongeBob SquarePants 
playing in the distance.
Plankton's eye narrows.

"Let's go," he says, 
determined to ignore 
the pain. With Sandy 
and Karen on either side, 
supporting him, he hobbles 
outside. The salty air 
fills his lungs, and despite 
his discomfort, he feels 
a flicker of excitement 
at the prospect of seeing 
his neighbor.

The moment they 
reach the sidewalk, 
SpongeBob and Patrick 
spot them. They stop their 
game of catch mid-toss, 
their eyes widening at 
the sight of Plankton's cast. 
"Plankton! What happened?" 
Sponge Bob cries out, 
running over with Patrick 
in tow.

Plankton's antennae 
twitch awkwardly. "I had 
a little accident," he 
mutters, avoiding eye 
contact. Sandy and Karen 
exchange a knowing look, 
but they keep their 
mouths shut. 

"Oh no," Sponge Bob says, 
his eyes wide with concern. 
"Are you okay?"
Patrick, ever the 
slow one, takes a moment 
to process. "You got a 
boo-boo?" he asks 
finally, his voice 
sympathetic.

But Plankton's just wanting
SpongeBob come in. 
He'd rather not have 
Patrick around, his simple-
mindedness only serving 
to annoy him more.
"What's with the 
crutches?" Patrick asks, 
his voice booming. Plankton 
grimaces. "I broke my 
leg," he says, his tone 
strained.

Patrick's eyes go wide. 
"Cool!" he says, his 
enthusiasm grating on 
Plankton's nerves. "Does 
it hurt-"
"Yes, it hurts," Plankton 
snaps, his antennae 
twitching with annoyance. 
"Now, if you don't 
mind, I'd like for you to 
leave me alone."
Sponge Bob blinks, 
his expression 
confused. "But Patrick's 
my friend, Plankton," he 
protests.

Karen steps in, 
seeing the tension. 
"Why don't you go ask 
Patrick to help you 
with something, Sandy?" 
she suggests, giving 
Sandy a knowing nod.
Sandy nods, catching 
on quickly. "Come on, 
Patrick, let's go find 
some jellyfish for 
Plankton!"

Patrick's face lights up 
at the mention of jellyfish. 
"Jellyfish! Yes!" he 
exclaims, following Sandy 
as they walk away. 
Sponge Bob stays, his 
concern for Plankton 
genuine as they go back in.

Inside, Plankton 
sighs heavily, his 
frustration at being 
dependent and unable 
to move freely palpable. 
Sponge Bob watches 
his friend struggle, his 
own heart aching.
"Is there anything 
I can do to help?"
Sponge Bob asks, his 
voice gentle. Plankton 
looks up at him, his 
single eye filled with 
gratitude.

"I...I just want 
to sit," Plankton says, 
his voice barely a whisper. 
Sponge Bob nods, moving 
quickly to help him 
back with Karen.
They settle on the floor.

"Thanks," Plankton 
mutters, his antennae 
drooping. Sponge Bob 
sits cross-legged beside 
his friend. "You don't have 
to do this," Plankton says. 
"I know you're busy wi-"

"Nonsense," Sponge 
Bob interrupts, his 
eyes wide with sincerity. 
"You're my neighbor and 
friend, Plankton. I'm here 
to help."

Plankton's antennae 
twitch, and a rare 
smile appears on his 
face. "Thanks, Sponge 
Bob. I appreciate it."
Sponge Bob nods, his 
curiosity bubbling up. "So, 
what happened exactly?" 
he asks, leaning in.
Karen interjects, 
her voice calm. "It's a 
long story, Sponge..." 
But Plankton waves 
her off. "It's okay." 

He takes a deep 
breath and starts to 
explain, his voice 
steady. "It was a...
falling accident," he 
starts. Sponge Bob's eyes widen 
even more. "Well, you're 
so...small."

"I know," Plankton 
sighs. "It's not easy 
being my size, but I manage."
Sponge Bob nods, his 
thoughts racing. "But did you
need a medic or wh-"

"Sponge Bob," Karen 
interrupts, her 
tone firm but gentle. 
"Let's not overwhelm him 
with questions."
Sponge Bob's face falls, 
his curiosity momentarily 
squashed. "Oh, right," he 
says, looking at the floor. 
"I'm sor-" "Karen, I'm ok," 
Plankton says, his antennae 
waving slightly. "I don't 
mind Sponge Bob."
He looks back 
at his friend.

Sponge Bob nods, his 
thoughts swirling. "But 
what was it like? What
happened next at
the hospital?"

Plankton's expression 
softens, and for a moment, 
he seems lost in thought. 
"Well, they had to put 
me to sleep," he says, 
his voice quiet. "They gave
me some meds. And then...nothing.
I just...fell asleep. It was...
weird," he admits. "Different 
from a normal sleep. Like 
being in a deep, deep 
dreamless nap."

Sponge Bob listens 
intently, his curiosity 
unfettered. 
"It was...strange," he 
says, his antennae 
twitching. "I remember 
being in a lot of pain, 
and then everything went 
black. When I came to, 
I had this giant cast on.
It goes from my toes 
to my hip," he says. 
Sponge Bob nods, 
his gaze drifting to 
the cast. "Can I...can 
I?" he asks tentatively. 
Plankton looks at him 
for a moment, then nods. 
"Sure," he says. "Just be careful."

Sponge Bob reaches 
out gently, his 
spongy hand brushing 
against the hard plaster. 
"Wow," he whispers. 
"It's so...heavy." 
Plankton laughs, a 
tiny sound that ends 
in a wince. "Yeah, it's 
not exactly comfortable," 
he says. "But it's what 
I need to get better."
Sponge Bob nods, 
his eyes wide. "How long 
until you can walk 
without it?"

"Six weeks," Plankton 
sighs. "But I'll be 
stuck in this chair 
or on crutches."

Sponge Bob's eyes 
widen. "That's a 
long time," he says, 
his voice filled with 
sympathy. "But I'm sure 
you'll get through it. 
You're so...resilient."
Plankton looks at 
his friend, a hint of a 
smile on his face. "Thanks, 
Sponge Bob."

Karen watches the 
exchange from the 
corner of her eye, 
surprised by Plankton's 
eagerness to open up 
to Sponge Bob. Despite 
his usual cautious 
nature and competitive 
spirit, there's something 
different about the way 
he talks to him now—
a vulnerability she 
hasn't seen much.

"What did they do 
to your leg?" Sponge 
Bob asks, his voice 
soft with concern. 
Plankton takes a deep 
breath, his antennae 
quivering. "They had to 
set and glue the bone," he 
explains, his voice 
strained. "And then they 
put on this cast to keep 
it still." Sponge Bob's eyes 
widen.

"It must have been so 
scary," Sponge Bob says.
Plankton nods. "It was," 
he admits. "But Karen 
was with me." He looks 
up at her, and she smiles
reassuringly. "And now 
you're here."

Sponge Bob nods. "And 
I won't leave you 
hangin'." Plankton's smile 
grows. "Thanks, buddy."

new kneesurgery planktrickbob 7

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 9


Plankton's eyelid 
grows heavier, and
Patrick lets out
a chuckle.
Plankton's antennae 
twitch in surprise. 
He opens his eye halfway. 
"What?" he asks, his 
voice slurred.
"You're falling asleep," 
Patrick says, his laughter 
bubbling.
Sponge Bob watches 
his friend's struggle 
with a mix of 
concern and 
understanding. He knows 
Plankton's pride won't 
let him admit defeat 
so easily. So his eyes 
narrow slightly as 
a warning to Patrick.

"I'm not sleepy," 
Plankton insists, his voice 
barely above a whisper. 
But his protests are 
met with Patrick's 
laugh.

"I said, I'm not 
sleepy," Plankton 
insists, his eyelid 
drooping.

"rIgHt," Patrick says,
condescending.
Plankton's antennae 
twitch in irritation. "I'm 
not sleepy," he says, 
his voice slurred. But 
his eyelid continues to 
drop, and Patrick notices.
"You totally are," 
Patrick giggles.
Plankton's antennae 
drop, still trying 
to battle with 
sleep. "Maybe you should 
just admit it, Plankie.."

"Patrick," Sponge 
Bob warns, his tone 
a mix of concern and
amusement. But Patrick's 
laughter fills 
the room, echoing 
off the walls.
"Look, Plankton's 
going nighty-night," 
Patrick coos.

Plankton grits 
his teeth, his 
eyelid flickering. 
"I'm not," he 
slurs, his voice 
barely audible.
Sponge Bob tries 
to hold in a chuckle, 
his spongy cheeks 
twitching.

Patrick leans in 
closer, his grin 
spreading wide. "You know, 
for a big, strong 
guy like you, you sure 
are tired," he says, 
his voice teasing.

Plankton's antennae 
wobble in annoyance. "I'm not 
a baby, Patrick," he murmurs, 
his voice barely 
above a whisper. 
But his protest is 
weak, his eyelid 
already half-closed. 
Sponge Bob bites his 
tongue, his own 
amusement bubbling 
up despite the 
situation. None of
them know Karen's
secretly filming this,
turning video on.

Patrick starts 
to mimic a lullaby, 
his deep, booming voice 
filling the room. "Hush 
little Plankton, don't 
say a word, mama's 
going to buy you all the 
candy in the sea..."

Patrick's in his 
element, his 
imagination running 
wild and continues 
his nursery rhyme, 
his voice now a 
whisper. "And if that 
candy's not enough, 
then mama's going to 
buy you a new submarine..."

"I said, I'm not a 
baby," he says, his 
voice gruff. But his 
stubbornness is no 
match for the medication, 
and his eyelid 
droops again. 
Sponge Bob watches, 
his own smile 
suppressed as he tries 
to keep the peace.
Patrick's lullaby 
continues. "And 
if that new submarine 
doesn't make you fly, 
mama's going to catch 
you a jellyfish from the sky..."

Plankton's antennae 
twitch. Sponge 
Bob's eyes widen 
slightly at the absurdity 
of it all, but he 
can't help but be 
touched by Patrick's 
efforts, however misguided.

Patrick's lullaby 
continues, his voice 
now a gentle 
whisper. "And if that 
jellyfish's sting isn't 
right, mama's going to 
kiss it all better, goodnight..."
Sponge Bob's smile 
spreads despite himself. 
He can see the 
caring intention behind 
Patrick's annoying 
persistence.

Plankton's eye 
remains half-open, 
his antennae drooping. 
"I-I'm n-not sleepy," 
he mumbles, his words 
slurring together.
Patrick's grin 
doesn't fade. "Hush, 
hush," he sings. "Don't 
you cry. Mama's gonna 
sing you to sleep, and 
when you wake up, you'll 
have jellyfish pie. And 
if that pie isn't sweet 
enough, mama's going 
to catch you a star..."

Sponge Bob's cheeks 
are now shaking 
with suppressed laughter. 
Patrick's voice 
has turned into 
a soft, lilting melody. 
"And if that star 
doesn't shine, mama's 
going to build you a 
sandcastle so fine..." Plankton's 
eye closes completely despite 
his protests. Sponge Bob 
quickly claps his 
hands over his mouth 
to stifle a snicker.

Patrick, oblivious 
to the effect 
his song is having, 
continues to serenade 
his sleepy friend. 
"And if that sand 
doesn't sparkle, mama's 
going to make it rain jelly..."
Sponge Bob's shoulders 
shake with silent mirth. 
Plankton's breathing 
evened out, his antennae 
still, finally succumbing 
to sleep. "And 
if that rain isn't 
wet, mama's going to 
make you a sea...of...puddles...
an—"

Patrick's voice 
trails off as he looks 
down. "Plankton?" he whispers,  
noticing Plankton's chest 
rising and falling 
evenly. Plankton's 
snores answer for 
him, a soft sound 
that fills the room.

Sponge Bob's 
laughter bubbles over, 
his eyes watering. 
"Looks like he's out," 
he says, his voice 
still low so as not 
to disturb him. Patrick 
blinks in confusion, 
his smile fading. "But 
I wasn't done singing!" 
he protests, as Karen
ends the video.

Sponge Bob looks 
up at her, his smile 
now a chuckle. "Maybe 
you should save 
that for later," he 
suggests. Karen 
nods, her eyes sparkling 
with mirth. "Or never," 
she says, her voice 
a whisper.

Patrick pouts, 
his eyes on 
Plankton's sleeping 
form. "But I wanted 
to make him feel better,"
he says, his voice 
sulky. Sponge Bob nods. 
"Of course, Patrick," he says, 
his voice gentle. "He's 
asleep now, and that's 
the best thing for 
him."

Patrick's eyes 
widen with curiosity. 
"But why does he 
snore like that?" he whispers.
Sponge Bob looks at 
Plankton, his mind racing. 
"Well, everyone sleeps 
differently," he says, 
his voice hushed. "It's 
just how his body 
breathes when he's 
asleep."

Patrick nods, his 
finger hovering near 
Plankton's cast. "Can 
I touch the cast?" he asks, 
his voice filled with 
wonder. Sponge Bob's 
eyes dart to Karen, 
who nods slightly.
"Just be gentle,"
she warns.

Patrick's finger 
taps the plaster lightly, 
his curiosity 
piqued. "It's so hard,"
he says, his voice 
filled with amazement.
Plankton's antennae 
twitch in his sleep, 
and Sponge Bob 
quickly intervenes, 
placing a hand over 
Patrick's. "Let's not 
disturb him," he whispers.

Patrick nods, his eyes 
still wide with interest. 
"What's it made of?" 
he asks. Sponge Bob 
thinks for a moment. 
"It's like...a super 
strong paste," he 
explains. "They use it 
to keep his leg still 
while it heals."
Patrick nods.

Patrick's 
finger hovers over 
Plankton's cast. "But why 
does it make him snore?"
he whispers. Sponge 
Bob chuckles, his 
spongy body shaking 
slightly. "Well, it's not 
the cast," he says, 
his voice a soft 
whisper. "It's just how 
Plankton snores when 
he breathes in his sleep,"
he explains. "So it's not 
because of his leg?" 
he asks, his curiosity 
peaking. Sponge Bob 
shakes his head. "Nope, 
it's just the way 
he sleeps."

Patrick looks 
thoughtful for 
a moment, 
his curiosity not 
sated. "But how?" 
he presses.

Sponge Bob leans in, 
his voice low. "Well, 
when we sleep, our 
bodies relax, right?"
Patrick nods, his 
attention fully on 
his friend's words. 
"But does he 
snore like that when 
he's not hurt?"

Sponge Bob shrugs. 
"It's just his way 
of breathing when 
he's sleeping deeply," 
he says, his eyes 
on Plankton's chest 
as it rises and 
falls.

Patrick's curiosity 
doesn't wane. "But why?" 
he whispers.
Sponge Bob 
thinks for a moment, 
his spongy brow 
furrowing. "It's 
because of the 
medicine," he explains. 
"It helps with the pain, 
but it makes him 
sleepy. It's like 
when you're sleeping 
so soundly that you 
don't even know 
you're snoring," he says. 
"It's just his body's 
way of getting air."
Patrick nods, 
his eyes never 
leaving Plankton's 
face, his eyes 
studying Plankton's 
slightly parted mouth.

"But why does he 
make that noise?" 
Patrick asks, 
his curiosity 
boundless. Sponge 
Bob sighs. "Well, 
sometimes when we 
sleep, our throats 
relax and vibrate," 
he says, his voice 
soothing. "It's like 
when you're trying 
to make a funny 
sound, but it just 
happens when we're 
asleep, Patrick, 
snoring is something 
our bodies just do 
when we're really 
relaxed," Sponge Bob 
explains, his voice 
patient.

Patrick nods, his 
finger still hovering 
over Plankton's cast. 
"But what about his 
leg?" he whispers. 
"Is it okay to sleep 
like this?" 
Sponge Bob nods, 
his eyes on Plankton's 
chest rising and 
falling with each 
snore. "It's fine," 
he says. "The cast 
is designed to keep 
his leg still. It's 
important for healing."

Patrick's eyes 
move to Plankton's 
face, his gaze 
lingering on his 
mouth. "What's with 
the mouth?" he asks, 
his voice filled with 
wonder. Sponge Bob 
chuckles. "It's just 
his mouth relaxing," 
he says. "Everyone's 
face looks a bit 
different when 
they're sleeping.
It's all part of 
his body getting 
the rest it needs."

Patrick nods, 
his eyes now on 
Plankton's antennae, 
which are twitching 
slightly. "What 
about those?" he 
whispers. "Do they 
move in his sleep?"
Karen smiles. "Sometimes," 
she says. "They can 
move when he's 
dreaming. Sometimes, 
when we dream, our 
bodies react to what's 
happening in our minds."
Patrick's eyes 
light up with 
interest. "What do 
you think he's 
dreaming about?" 
he asks, his voice 
barely above a 
whisper.
Sponge Bob 
shrugs. "Could be 
anything," he says. 
"Maybe he's dreaming 
about inventing the 
best Krabby Patty ever.
Everyone's body 
does something 
different when 
they're asleep."
"But why does his 
mouth hang open?" 
he asks, his voice 
filled with curiosity.

Sponge Bob 
explains, "It's like 
when you're sleeping, 
and you don't realize 
your mouth is open," 
he says. "It's just 
his way of breathing 
when he's in a deep 
sleep. And, 
when we're asleep, 
our muscles relax, 
including the ones 
that keep our mouths 
closed." Patrick nods, 
his gaze 
still fixed on Plankton's 
open mouth.

new kneesurgery sleepicore 9

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 11


The next morning, 
Plankton wakes up to 
see Karen still sleeping.
The cast on his leg 
feels heavier than ever, 
a stark reminder of 
his current state. He 
shifts slightly, and 
the plaster shifts with 
his movement, a dull 
throb pulsing through 
his body. He sighs, 
his antennae drooping.
As he looks around 
the room, his gaze 
lands on the crutches
by the bedside.

With a grunt of 
effort, he pulls 
them closer and 
hoists himself 
upright, his arms 
shaking slightly 
from the weight. 
He glances at the 
wheelchair in the 
corner, but uses 
his crutches 
instead.

With a clank, 
he attaches the 
crutches to his 
arms and swings 
his cast-covered leg 
out of the bed. The 
pain is a dull 
reminder of his 
injury, but he refuses 
to let it win.
He hobbles 
to the window.

Through the 
glass, Plankton sees 
Squidward walking by, 
his tentacles wrapped 
around a morning 
newspaper. His heart 
sinks. "Ugh," he 
mumbles to himself. 
Squidward, the neighbor 
SpongeBob loves to annoy.
Squidward, who's 
always complaining about 
his quiet, orderly world 
being disrupted by 
Sponge Bob's boundless 
energy. Plankton 
sighs.

He watches Squidward's 
silhouette pass 
by, his antennae 
twitching. 
Why can't Squidward 
just appreciate the 
simplicity of life, he 
thinks. But even as 
the thought passes 
his mind, Plankton knows 
deep down, he's not 
so different. Both of 
them crave success, 
both of them have 
their quirks, their 
obsessions.
He hobbles 
back to the 
bed, when Karen
awakes to her
phone lighting up.

"It's Hanna," she 
says, her eyes 
still sleepy. "Her
home needs repair
and she's on her way.
I don't think you've
met.."

Plankton's heart 
sinks. "What?" he 
asks, his voice 
rasped with irritation.
"You didn't tell me
anyone was coming."

Karen sits up, 
apologetic. "I didn't know, 
sorry," she says. "It's 
just Hanna. She 
needs a place to stay."

Plankton's antennae 
twitch with annoyance. 
"Now?" he asks, 
his voice tight. "I can't 
even wa-"

Karen cuts him off 
with a firm look. "Plankton, 
she's my friend," she 
says, her voice calm 
but firm. "And she needs 
our help." Plankton 
sighs, his antennae 
dropping. He knows 
he can't win this one.

The doorbell rings, 
interrupting their 
exchange. Karen 
hops out of bed.
Plankton sighs heavily.

Hanna enters inside. "Karen!
Thanks for letting me in."
Karen smiles. "Of course,
Hanna. You're welcome any
time." She hugs her as
Plankton emerges with his
crutches.

Hanna's eyes widen at 
the sight of Plankton, 
his cast a stark contrast 
to the vibrant decor. 
"Oh, who's this?" she 
asks, her voice 
sweet. Plankton scowls.

"This is Plankton," 
Karen says, her voice 
cheerful. "My husband," 
she adds, her smile 
bright. Hanna's eyes 
widen further. "Oh! 
Hi there," she says, 
extending a hand.

Plankton looks at it 
skeptically before shaking 
it with a grunt. "Hi," 
he says, his voice 
less than enthusiastic.
Hanna's smile doesn't 
waver. "How are y-you 
feeling?" she asks, 
trying not to glance 
at the cast.

"Just fine," 
Plankton responds. 
He adjusts his grip 
on the crutches. 
Karen sighs. "Hanna, this 
is my husband, 
Plankton," she repeats, 
forcing a smile.
"And Plankton, this 
is Hanna," she says, 
trying to keep the 
peace.

Hanna's smile 
doesn't falter. "It's 
s-so nice to finally meet 
you," she says, her eyes 
averting the cast. Plankton 
can feel her curiosity, 
but he refuses to 
explain his predicament.

"Likewise," he 
mutters, his tone 
dry. Karen's eyes 
dance with a mix of 
amusement and 
concern. She knows 
his pride is wounded, 
but Karen also knows 
how much he loves herself
and will tolerate for her own
sake, even though he's not
to excited with Hanna.

Hanna's gaze 
flits from Karen 
to Plankton, her 
face a canvas of 
uncertainty. "I'm
glad to stay here
with you and sorry
for the short notice," 
she says, her voice 
slightly too cheerful.

Plankton nods, 
his antennae barely 
moving. "Where's 
your stuff?"
Hanna gestures 
to the suitcase 
behind her. "Just 
this," she says, her 
smile still in place.
"So uh, where do 
I put it?" Karen points 
to the couch. "You 
can leave it there for 
now," she says. "We'll 
find you a place 
to stay."

Hanna's eyes 
light up. "Thank 
you," she says, her 
voice filled with 
gratitude. Plankton 
shifts his weight 
on his crutches, 
his expression 
still unreadable.

"So, Plankton," 
Hanna says, her 
voice bright. "What 
kind of things do 
you like to do around 
h-here?" Plankton 
glances at her, 
his antennae twitching. 
"Not much," he says, 
his voice tight.
Karen gives him 
a knowing look. "Plankton 
can be a bit of a 
homebody," she says, 
her voice gentle.

Hanna nods, her 
eyes still wide 
with curiosity. 
"Oh, I see," she 
says. "Well, I'm 
s-sure we'll find 
something fun 
to do together-er.."

Plankton's antennae 
quiver. Karen 
shoots him a look. 
Plankton sighs,  
begrudging.

Hanna looks 
between them, 
her smile still 
in place. "Well, I-I'm 
sure we'll g-get along," 
she says. Plankton 
rolls his eye, his 
discomfort palpable.

Karen clears 
her throat, trying 
to ease the 
tension. "Why don't we 
all sit down?"
she suggests, her 
voice bright.

Hanna nods eagerly, 
her eyes still on 
Plankton. He 
reluctantly follows, 
his crutches tapping 
against the floor. 
They settle into the 
living room, Plankton 
carefully placing 
his casted leg 
on the coffee table.

The silence 
hangs heavy for a 
moment before 
Hanna jumps in. "So, 
w-what’s your favorite 
hobby, P-Plankton?" she asks, 
her voice a mix of 
eagerness and nerves.
Plankton looks at 
her, his eye 
narrowing. "My favorite 
hobby?" he repeats.
"Yes," she says, 
awkwardly. "What do 
you like to do i-in 
your free t-time?"

Plankton's antennae 
wobble slightly. "Things," 
Plankton says, his voice 
clipped. "Just...things."

Hanna nods, her smile 
still in place despite 
his curtness. "Oh," she 
says. "Well, I lo-ove to 
read a-and cook. Do 
you like t-to read?"

Plankton's antennae 
still, his eye blinking, his 
tone flat. "I guess so," he 
says.

Hanna's smile falters 
for a split second before 
she recovers. "Great," 
she says, her voice 
cheery. "Maybe w-we 
c-can swap book 
recommendations later.."
Hanna's eyes dart to 
his cast quickly before 
snapping back up to 
his face. Plankton 
notices the glance, his 
expression unreadable.
Karen watches the 
interaction with a 
mixture of amusement 
and concern. She 
knows Hanna's intentions 
are pure, but Plankton's 
pride is not easily 
soothed.

Hanna jumps to her 
feet. "Would you 
like to talk about
anything specific?" she 
asks, her voice 
perky.

Plankton considers 
for a moment before 
shaking his head. "No, 
just...things," he says, 
his voice trailing off.
Hanna nods, her 
cheerfulness unflagging. 
"Well, I've been 
reading this amazing 
book on jellyfish 
migration patterns," she 
says, her eyes 
sparkling. "Did you know 
that jellyfish can 
travel for thousands of 
miles?"

Karen watches as 
Plankton's eye twitches. 
"That's...fascinating," 
he says, his tone 
devoid of enthusiasm. 
Hanna doesn't 
seem to notice, her 
excitement bubbling over. 
"It really is," she says. 
"They're such 
wonderful creatures.
Have you gone jellyfishing?"
Plankton's antennae 
quiver. He shakes his 
head. "Can't say 
I really have," he says, 
his voice flat.

Hanna nods, her 
smile never wavering. 
"It's something you 
have to try," she says. 
"Unless your le- I mean,
unless you'd rather not?"
Hanna blushes, trying to
force a chuckle. Plankton
shifts his weight 
on the crutches, 
his patience wearing 
thin. Karen sighs 
silently, watching 
the awkward exchange.

new kneesurgery hannacore 11

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 12


Karen knows 
he's trying to be 
polite, but it's clear 
his tolerance is waning.
This isn't how she 
wanted Hanna to 
meet Plankton. She'd 
hoped for a more 
harmonious introduction, 
but with his current 
mood and the cast 
looming over the room, 
it's clear that's not 
going to happen.

"So, Hanna," 
she says, her 
voice cutting through 
the tension. "Why don't 
we get you settled 
in?" Hanna's smile 
doesn't falter. "Okay," 
she says, her eyes 
sliding to Plankton's 
cast again before 
quickly looking away.

Karen leads Hanna 
to the guest room, 
leaving Plankton 
alone with his 
thoughts. He stares 
at the wall, his 
antennas drooping.
Karen knows Plankton isn't one 
for strangers, and his 
current condition 
has made him even more 
prickly.

In the guest room, 
Hanna sets down 
her suitcase, 
her smile fading 
slightly as Karen 
closes the door. 
"I'm so sorry," 
Hanna says, her eyes 
filled with 
apology. "I didn't kno—"

Karen waves her 
apology away. "It's 
okay," she says, 
her voice warm. "He's 
just a bit...sensitive 
right now."
Hanna nods. 
"Can I ask
you something, Karen?" 
Her voice is 
soft, tentative. 
"How did he...? Like
why's he in a ca--"

Karen cuts her off with 
a gentle smile. 
"It's a long story," 
she says. "But basically, 
he had an accident. It's 
just going to take 
some time." She looks 
at Hanna, her eyes 
filled with warmth. 
"And a little patience."

Hanna nods, 
understanding. "I 
see," she says. "I'm 
sorry, I didn't mean to 
make him uncomfortable."

Karen gives her a 
reassuring pat on 
the shoulder. "You 
didn't," she says. "He's 
just a bit...sensitive 
about it." Hanna nods, 
looking down at 
the floor.

"But why does 
he have to wear 
that cast?" 
she asks, her voice 
hushed. Karen sighs. 
"It just helps 
his leg heal after 
surgery..."
"He had surgery?"
Hanna asks.
"Yes," Karen 
explains patiently. 
"He had a pretty 
bad break, so the 
doctors had to 
do some fixing."

Hanna's eyes 
widen with 
sympathy. "Oh no!" 
she exclaims. "Was 
it...painful
for him during 
the surgery? Did
he feel pain..."

Karen's smile 
softens. "He's okay
now," she assures 
her friend. "They 
gave him something 
so he didn't feel 
anything. They put him 
to sleep so he wouldn't 
feel anything."
Hanna's eyes 
widen. "Oh, like a 
nap?" she asks, 
her voice high with 
curiosity. Karen 
nods. "Sort of, but 
not really. It's just a 
way to keep him 
comfortable during 
the surgery. It's a bit more 
complex than that," 
she says. "But yes,
it's like a deep sleep."

Hanna nods, 
her curiosity 
far from sated. "So, 
how did he break it?" 
she asks. Karen's 
eyes dart to the 
door, checking 
that Plankton isn't 
listening. "It was a 
little accident," she 
says, her voice 
low. "A...mishap.
He tripped and hit a rock."

Hanna's eyes 
widen. "Oh, no!" 
she says, her voice 
filled with concern. 
"Was it bad?" 
Karen nods. "It was 
pretty serious," 
she admits. "But he's 
going to be okay. The 
cast will keep his 
leg stable while it heals.
He'll be in it for about
a month."

Hanna looks 
thoughtful. "A month," 
she repeats. "That's 
a long time." 
Karen nods. "It is, 
but he's strong. 
He'll get through it.
Why don't we go back
to the living room?"

Hanna nods, her 
expression serious. 
They walk back to 
find Plankton sitting 
on the couch, his 
leg propped up on 
a pillow. He looks 
up as they enter, his 
expression unreadable.
"So, what's the plan 
for the day?" Hanna asks, 
trying to lighten 
the mood as they 
re-enter the living 
room.

Karen glances at 
Plankton, who 
simply shrugs his 
shoulders. "Well, 
we usually keep 
it pretty low-key 
around here," she says, 
forcing a smile.

Hanna's eyes light up. 
"Oh, I don't mind," 
she says. "I'm happy 
just to help out."
Plankton's antennae 
twitch. "Help out?" 
he asks, his voice 
sharp. Karen sighs. 
"Plankton, Hanna's 
going to stay with 
us for a bit," she 
says gently. "And we 
could use the extra 
hand."

Hanna's smile 
doesn't waver. "It's 
no trouble," she says. 
"I'm happy to help 
with anything." Plankton 
looks at her, his 
expression skeptical.

"Is that so?" he 
says, his voice 
cautious. Karen nods. 
"We could use the 
help," she repeats. 
"But what if I don't 
want to do anything?" 
Plankton asks, his 
tone challenging.

Hanna's smile 
remains unbroken. 
"Then I'll just keep 
you company," she says. 
Her eyes flicker 
to the cast again, 
and Plankton feels 
his antennae stiffen.

"Great," he says 
sarcastically. "A babysitter."
Hanna's smile falters 
slightly. "I'm not a 
babysitter," she says, 
some defensiveness 
creeping into her voice. 
"I just want to help."

Plankton sighs, 
his antennae drooping. 
"Fine," he says. "But I 
can take care of myself."

Hanna nods, her 
cheerfulness bubbling 
back up. "Of course, 
Plankton," she says. 
"But it's always 
nice to have 
someone to ta-"

Her words are 
interrupted by 
Plankton's groan. 
"Look, I appreciate 
the offer," he says, 
cutting her off. 
"But I don't need a 
babysitter." His eye 
narrows. "Underst--"

"I know you don't need 
one," Hanna says quickly, 
her voice earnest. 
"But it's nice to have 
company, right?"

Karen nods, her smile 
slightly strained. "Exactly," 
she says. "And Hanna's 
good company."
"I suppose," he says 
begrudgingly. Hanna's 
smile brightens. "Great!"
she says, her voice 
chirpy. "What should 
we do first?"

Plankton sighs. 
"I don't know," he says. 
"How about a game?"
Hanna suggests.

Karen nods. 
"That sounds 
fun," she says, 
trying to keep the 
peace. "Why don't 
we play something 
easy?"

Plankton grunts 
his assent, his 
eye scanning the 
shelves for a game. 
He settles on a 
card game.
"This one," he says.

Hanna claps her 
hands together. "Perfect!" 
she says, her 
excitement contagious. 
Karen brings over 
the card game, setting 
it up on the coffee 
table. Plankton's 
leg sticks out, the cast 
a stark reminder of his 
current limitations.

Karen smiles. "Let's
move to the floor
to sit on," she says.
With a grumble, 
Plankton shifts to 
the floor, his cast 
scraping against 
the rug. Hanna 
and Karen follow, 
sitting cross-legged.

Hanna picks up 
the cards, her 
fingers deftly shuffling 
them. "What's the 
game?" she asks, her 
eyes sparkling with 
eagerness. Plankton 
rolls his eye. "It's 
War," he says. "You know, 
the one where you 
just slap down 
the card with 
the highest number?"
Hanna nods, 
understanding. "Oh, 
I love that one!" she 
says. Karen gives 
Plankton a look, 
silently willing him 
to be nicer. He 
sighs, his antennae 
drooping slightly.
"Fine," he says. "Let's 
start." 

new kneesurgery hannacore 12

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 20


The first 
sign of 
movement was 
his antennae. 
They twitched 
slightly, then 
more vigorously. 
His eye cracked 
open, looking 
around the room 
in a daze.

"Wha- what happened?"
Plankton croaked, 
his voice 
slurred. Karen 
and Hanna 
exchanged glances, 
both smiling 
nervously. "Remember 
you've just had a 
procedure," Karen 
explained. "The doctor 
removed the excess 
bone glue." Plankton's 
eye widened. 
"Oh," he said, 
his mind still 
fuzzy from the 
sedative.

He looked 
around, taking 
in the 
white-walled room 
and the 
beeping machines. 
"Where am I?" 
he slurred, his 
eye droopy. Hanna 
chuckled. "You're 
still at the 
hospital, Plankton," 
she said. "In the 
recovery room." 
Plankton's gaze 
shifted to 
his bandaged leg, 
his expression 
still confused.

"What's going on?" 
he murmured, his 
hand reaching 
for the bandage. 
Karen gently 
guided his hand 
back. "It's all right," 
she assured him. 
"You're okay."

Plankton's eye 
focused on 
Hanna, then 
Karen again. 
"What's with the 
crutches?" he 
asked, his voice 
still groggy.
"You broke your leg, 
remember?" Hanna 
prompted, trying 
not to laugh. 
Plankton's antennae 
twitched as he 
processed the 
information.
"Oh yeah," he 
mumbled, his 
eyelid drooping.

Karen chuckled 
softly. "Looks like 
the doctor was 
right," she said 
to Hanna, who 
nodded. "Let's 
see what else he 
has in store."

Plankton's eye 
flitted around 
the room, his 
brain clearly 
still foggy from 
the anesthesia. 
"Is that... is 
that a jellyfish?" 
he slurred, 
pointing to a 
lamp in the 
corner. Karen 
laughed, shaking 
her head.
"No, Plankton," 
she said, 
gently patting his 
hand. "It's just a 
lamp." Hanna 
covered her 
mouth to stifle 
her giggles. Plankton 
frowned, his 
thoughts still 
scattered.
"Why are we 
laughing at me?" 
he asked, sounding 
slightly hurt. 
Karen leaned in, 
her smile 
reassuring. "It's just 
the medicine, 
sweetie. You're 
saying funny 
things," she said, 
keeping her voice 
soft. Plankton 
scowled, his 
cheeks reddening.

"Well, I don't 
think it's funny," 
he grumbled, his 
leg shifting 
slightly under 
the bandage. Hanna 
moved closer, 
her eyes 
dancing with 
mirth. "We're not 
laughing at you," 
she assured him. 
"We're just happy 
you're okay."

Plankton's 
frown deepened, 
his thoughts 
still jumbled. "But 
what if I say 
something I don't 
mean?" he 
asked, his voice 
weak. Karen 
squeezed his hand. 
"We know it's 
not you," she said. 
"It's the medicine."
Hanna nodded. 
"You're safe 
with us," she 
promised. "We won't 
judge you."

A nurse 
came in, 
checking his 
monitors. "Looks 
like you're 
coming around," 
she said, her 
voice cheerful. 
"How's the 
pain?" Plankton's 
expression grew 
serious. "It's 
bearable," he 
managed. The nurse 
smiled. "Good. We'll 
let you go home with
Karen, and Hanna, with just
your crutches; whenever
you're ready."

As the nurse 
left, Plankton 
turned to Karen. "So, 
what did I miss?" 
he asked, his 
eye half-closed. 
Hanna couldn't 
help but laugh. 
"You've been 
asleep," she 
replied. "But don't 
worry, we've got 
everything under 
control." Plankton 
frowned, trying 
to remember. "Let's 
get you home," Karen 
said, her voice 
soothing. Hanna 
gathered their 
things as Karen 
helped Plankton
towards the exit. 
The sun was 
now fully up, 
its warm rays 
filtering through 
the hospital's 
large windows.

In the car, 
Plankton leaned 
back, his 
bandaged leg 
sticking out. 
"So, who's driving 
me home?" he 
asked, his voice 
slightly slurred. 
"I am," Karen 
said, her eyes 
on the road. 
"And Hanna's 
coming with.
She's gonna sit
in the back with you."

Plankton's eye 
flitted to the 
rearview mirror. 
"Hey, Hanna," he 
slurred. "You look 
okay today." 
Hanna blushed, 
her cheeks 
flushing pink. "Th-thank you, 
Plankton," she 
stammered. "But you're 
the one who 
just had surgery." 
He chuckled, 
his laugh 
sounding strange 
in the quiet car. 
"I know," he said. 
"But you're always 
so... so... cheerful.
But don't tell my
wife Karen!" Karen's 
grip tightened 
on the steering 
wheel, trying 
not to laugh. 
Hanna smiled.

Plankton's 
head lolled to 
the side, his 
eye still 
half-open. "What 
was surgery like?" 
Hanna asked, 
trying to keep 
the conversation 
going. He took a 
moment to 
consider her 
question, then 
his expression 
brightened with 
a loopy smile. 
"It was like, poof!" 
he exclaimed, 
his hands 
gesturing wildly. 
"The doctor made 
me float!" He 
laughed at his 
own silliness, 
his eye
half-lidded with 
sleep. "Plankton, you 
were asleep the 
whole time," Karen 
reminded him.

"No, no," 
Plankton 
insisted, his 
voice gaining 
volume. "I swear! 
Suddenly my leg 
was fixed!"
Hanna couldn't 
help but join 
his laughter, 
while Karen's 
smile grew.

"Okay, okay," 
Hanna said, 
wiping a tear 
from her eye. 
"We believe you," 
she assured him.
"You're quite the 
storyteller, even 
under the influence 
of anesthesia." Plankton's 
laughter subsided as his
eyelid drooped 
again. His
head nodded 
slightly, his 
eye blinking 
slowly. Hanna 
watched him. "Hey, 
I'm not tired." He
says, to which
Hanna chuckled 
softly. "Well Plankton,
let's just see about tha-"

He was out 
cold before 
she could 
finish her sentence
as her words
were cut off by 
his sudden 
snore, his head 
lolling against 
the car seat as his 
eye closed fully. Karen
glanced back 
at him in the 
rearview mirror, 
her smile 
warm. "Looks like 
you've had enough 
excitement for 
one day," she 
said. Hanna nodded, 
her gaze lingering 
on Plankton's 
bandaged leg.

With his snores 
echoing, they 
arrived home.
Karen parked 
carefully in the 
garage.
"We're home," 
she announced.
Hanna 
unbuckled 
his seatbelt. 
"Let's get him 
up," Karen 
instructed, 
turning around
to face her sleeping
husband, for Plankton's 
snores grew 
louder. Gently, they 
nudged him. "Plankton, 
it's time to wake 
up," Hanna 
coaxed. His 
eye fluttered 
open. "We're home," 
she whispered. 
He nodded 
slowly, his 
eyelid drooping. 
"Kay," he 
mumbled.

They both 
moved to 
help him out of 
the car, 
his crutches 
waiting by 
his side. 
Plankton leaned 
heavily on 
them, his cast 
leg feeling like 
a weight. Hanna 
offered her 
hand for 
support, which 
he took 
gratefully. His 
eye kept 
closing, his 
body fighting 
the urge to 
sleep. Karen 
guided him 
towards the 
house, her arm 
around his 
wobbling figure.
They managed 
to navigate 
the short 
distance to 
the couch, 
his crutches 
scraping 
the floor 
with each 
step. "Almost 
there," Karen 
encouraged, her 
voice gentle. 
"Just a 
little more."

With a 
final heave, 
they got him 
safely on the 
couch, 
his bandaged leg 
sticking out. 
Hanna 
grabbed a pillow 
and tucked 
it under his 
leg, her 
movements 
careful. Plankton 
sighed, his 
body sinking 
into the 
soft cushions. 
"Thanks, Hanna," 
he murmured. 
"No problem," 
she said, her 
voice light.
Karen fluffed up 
the pillows 
and made 
sure he was 
comfortable before 
sitting beside 
him. "Movie 
night," she 
announced, her 
eyes twinkling. 
Plankton nodded, 
as Hanna sat on
the other side of him.

The movie 
started playing, 
the room 
bathing in the 
glow of the 
television. 
He looked over 
at Hanna, 
his antennae 
waving slightly. 
"Hey, look, that's 
my leg stand," 
he said, his 
eye half-closed. 
Karen couldn't 
help but laugh.

Plankton 
attempted to 
reposition himself 
on the couch, 
his bandaged leg 
thumping against 
the cushions. "Whoa, 
this thing's like a 
log," he 
slurred, trying 
to lift it with 
his arms. 
Hanna giggled. "Let 
us help," she 
offered, taking 
his crutches 
and leaning them 
against the coffee
table.

The movie played 
on, a gentle hum 
of background 
noise. Plankton's 
head bobbed 
slightly, his 
eyelid drooping 
as he fought 
the pull of 
sleep. Karen 
noticed and 
shifted closer, 
placing a 
hand on his 
shoulder. "You 
okay?" she 
whispered. He 
nodded. "Mmhmm," 
he murmured, 
his antennae 
barely moving. 
"Just... I'm really 
ti-"

Suddenly, his 
head lolled 
back and he 
was out again. 
Hanna's laughter 
filled the room. 
"Looks like the 
medicine's 
still got him," she 
said, smiling. 
Karen nodded, 
her hand 
still on his 
shoulder. "Poor 
thing," she 
whispered. 
They watched 
the rest of the 
movie in a 
comfortable 
silence, the 
sound of 
Plankton's snores 
providing a 
soothing 
backdrop to their 
evening.

new kneesurgery hannacore 20

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 15


After a moment, 
Hanna reaches 
over, placing 
a handful of 
puzzle pieces 
within his 
reach. "Here, let's 
make it fair," she says, 
smiling at him. He
nods.

But as Plankton
picks up a piece
she jumps in, 
snatching a
piece from his 
hand before 
he can. "I ca--"

He cuts her off.
"Oh, boo hoo! You 
know what? Why don't 
you just do the whole 
thing yourself?" He grabs his
puzzle pieces and 
throws them at her, 
his eye flashing as he
gets his crutches and
leaves the room.
The door slams 
shut.

"I'm sorry," Hanna 
whimpers, her 
eyes filling with 
tears again.
Karen sighs, 
picking up the 
scattered puzzle 
pieces. "Give him 
some space," she says, 
placing a hand on 
Hanna's shoulder. "He's 
just overwhelmed."
Hanna nods, 
wiping at her 
eyes. "I know," she 
says, her voice 
small. "But I just 
wanted to help."

In the bedroom, 
Karen enters, 
the door opening 
slowly. "You okay?" 
she asks him, her voice 
soft.

Plankton's antennae 
twitch with anger. 
"I'm fine," he says, 
his voice clipped. 
He's sitting on 
the edge of the 
bed, his cast 
reflecting the 
dim light. Karen 
sits down beside him, 
her hand resting 
on his back. "You know, 
Hanna means well," 
she says.

Plankton turns to 
face her, his 
eye blazing. "I don't 
care if she does!" 
he cries. "I just 
want her to leave me 
alone!" His antennae 
wave in frustration,
visibly upset.

Karen sighs. "You 
know she's only 
trying to help," she 
says gently. "But 
I understand you're 
feeling overwhelmed.
It's hard to accept 
help, especially when 
you're used to 
being so independent."

Plankton looks 
away, his antennae 
still trembling. "I 
don't need her-"
Karen cuts him 
off. "Would you
like me to get
your meds?"
Plankton nods 
stiffly. "Yeah," he
mutters. Karen
stands, her eyes 
filled with 
understanding. "I'll 
be right back."

The door clicks 
closed behind 
her, leaving 
Plankton alone with 
his thoughts. He 
rubbed his cast.
Meanwhile, Hanna 
notices Karen 
opening the 
cabinet with 
the medical 
supplies.

Her curiosity 
piqued, she can't 
help but peek 
over, watching 
as Karen carefully 
selects a bottle. "What's 
that?" she asks 
softly. Karen looks 
up, a small 
smile playing on 
her lips. "It's for 
Plankton's pain," 
she says, holding 
up the bottle.
"It's a prescription 
painkiller," Karen 
explains. "It can 
help him manage 
his leg pain, but 
it makes him a bit 
drowsy."

Hanna nods, 
taking in the 
information. "Can 
I do anything?" 
she asks, her 
voice hopeful. Karen 
thinks for a moment.
"You can get water
for him."
Hanna nods as 
she fills a glass.

In the bedroom, 
Karen returns with 
the medication and 
Hanna with the water.
They find Plankton 
still sitting on the 
edge of the bed.
"Here you go," 
Karen says, 
handing him 
the pills as Hanna
watches with a
tentative smile, handing
Karen the water.

Plankton takes the 
medication, his 
expression tight. 
He downs it with 
the water, his 
throat working. "Thanks," 
he says gruffly to
Karen.

Hanna notices his
wheelchair that's
been parked
next to the bed before
looking at Plankton
again, trying to smile
at him. "You don't
have to stare," he says,
his voice low and
dangerous. "I-I-I-I…" Hanna
protests, her eyes 
quickly darting around, but
unable to avert her gaze.

Plankton's antennae 
twitch in annoyance. 
"What do you 
want?" he snaps. 
"I just-I just 
thought you might 
need some company," 
Hanna stammers, 
her hands fidgeting 
nervously. "I don't need 
anything," he says, 
his voice cold. "Especially 
not from you." Hanna's 
smile falters, and 
she takes a step 
back. "I-I just want to 
be here for you," 
she says, her voice 
shaking. Plankton 
scowls.

He can feel his 
temper rising, his 
tiny fists clenching. 
"What part of 
'leave me alone' 
don't you understand?" 
he spits. "I don't 
need your pity."
Hanna's eyes 
widen, and she 
swallows hard. "It's 
not pity," she says 
quickly. "I just...I 
care about you.
And I underst--"

But Plankton isn't 
listening. "You don't 
understand anything," 
he says, his voice 
getting louder. "You're 
just a know-it-all!"
Plankton turns 
away, his antennae 
quivering. "I don't 
want you here," he says 
firmly. "Just go."
Hanna falters. "But
please, Plankto-"

He swings back 
around, his 
eye blazing. "I don't 
want your friendship," 
he says harshly. "Not 
now, not ever. Do 
you hear me? We're 
not friends, and 
we never will be." Hanna's 
face falls, and she 
takes a step back. 
Tears spill down her 
cheeks. "I'm sorry," she 
whispers. "I didn't 
mean to—"

"Just go!" 
Plankton yells, 
his antennae 
waving erratically. 
"Get OU-"

But Karen 
interrupts him 
sharply, standing 
between them. 
"That's enough," 
she says firmly. 
Her voice is 
calm, but the 
authority is clear.

Hanna's eyes 
are wide with 
shock and pain, 
and Plankton 
looks at her 
before turning 
his gaze to 
Karen, his eye
now welling up
with tears.

Karen sighs, 
picking up 
his hand. "I
think we all 
just need some
time," she says, 
squeezing it gently.
Plankton nods, 
his antennae 
still quivering. "Why 
can't she just 
understand?" he 
whimpers. Karen 
sits beside him, 
her expression 
softening. "She's 
trying," she says. 
"We all are."
Hanna, standing 
in the doorway, 
wipes her 
tears away. Karen
turns to her.
"Hanna, can you 
please give us 
a moment?" she 
asks. Hanna 
nods, her eyes 
red but her 
face composed.
She backs away, 
closing the 
door quietly.
Karen turns to 
Plankton, her 
face filled with 
compassion. "You're 
going through a 
lot right now," she 
says gently. "And 
it's okay." He sniffles, 
his antennae drooping.

The medication 
starts to kick in, 
his eyelid 
drooping slightly. 
"But I don't feel 
brave," he says. 
"You are," she 
insists. "Now, try 
and get some 
rest. It's getting late."
With a nod, 
Plankton lies 
back, his cast 
sticking out awkwardly. 
Karen adjusts the 
pillows around 
his leg, her 
hands gentle.

Outside the 
bedroom, she 
finds Hanna 
sitting on the 
couch, her face 
a mask of hurt.
"Hanna," Karen 
begins gently, 
sitting beside 
her. "I know 
you're trying 
to help, but 
Plankton's just 
not ready to 
accept it yet."
Hanna nods, 
sniffing. "But I 
just want to 
make things 
better," she 
whispers. Karen 
smiles, squeezing 
her hand. "And 
you will," she 
says firmly. "But 
right now, he needs 
his space. It's not 
about you," she 
reassures Hanna. "It's 
about his fear of 
being vulnerable." 
Hanna nods. 
"I get it," she 
says, though 
her voice is 
still shaky. "But 
what can I do without 
smothering him?" Karen 
thinks for a 
moment. "Why don't 
we all get a good
night sleep?"

new kneesurgery hannacore 15

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 5


In the living room, Plankton 
sits in his wheelchair, his
leg sticking out, the cast 
still a stark white. His 
face is a mask of pain, his
eye squinted. He takes a 
deep breath, trying to 
rein in his frustration as
Sandy and Karen reenter.
Sandy's eyes are red,
but she smiles weakly at him.
"I brought you some water,"
she says, her voice small.
Plankton's antennae droop,
his anger at Sandy still lurking.

Karen notices the 
tension immediately. "Why 
don't you tell us about the 
surgery?" she suggests, 
trying to ease the 
atmosphere. Plankton looks 
up, his eye narrowed. "What's 
to tell?" he snaps. Karen 
sits beside him, her hand 
on his shoulder. "Anything 
you remember might help 
us understand."

Sandy nods, her voice 
gentle. "We're just worried 
about you, Plank..."
But Plankton's had enough.
"Sandy, I don't need your pity!" he 
snaps.

The room goes still, the 
tension thick. Karen's heart 
breaks for her friend, and 
she can see the hurt in 
Sandy's eyes. But she knows
this isn't about pity; it's about
fear and frustration, about
being confined and unable 
to do the things he loves.

Sandy takes a deep breath, 
wiping at her eyes. "I'm not 
just curious," she says, 
finding her voice. "I care 
about you. Both of you. And 
I want to he-"

But Plankton's had enough. 
"I don't need your help!"
he snaps, the frustration 
boiling over. Karen's eyes
widen at his outburst. 
Sandy flinches.

Karen's voice is calm
but firm. "Plankton, she's just 
trying to help."
Sandy nods, her eyes 
shiny with unshed tears.
"I'm her-" "I KNOW!" Plankton cuts 
her off, his voice harsh.

The room is silent, the 
air thick with Plankton's 
frustration. Karen can see the 
pain in Sandy's eyes, but 
she knows this is about 
his pride, about not 
wanting to be seen as weak.

"Look," Sandy starts again, 
her voice softer this time. 
"I know yo-"

Plankton's antennae 
twitch with aggravation. 
"I said I don't need 
your help!" he snaps, his 
voice echoing off the walls.
Karen's eyes fill with 
concern as she watches her 
friend shrink back, her eyes 
glistening with unshed tears.

Sandy opens her mouth 
to protest, but Karen 
shakes her head almost 
imperceptibly. She knows 
Plankton's temper, knows that 
right now, he's in pain and 
not in the mood for talk.

"Okay," Sandy says, her 
voice barely a whisper. "I'll 
just...go." She turns to leave, 
but Karen's hand on her arm 
stops her. "Let me talk to you," Karen 
says gently. Sandy nods, 
wiping at her eyes.

In the kitchen, Karen 
explains. "He's just...he's 
not used to being so 
dependent. He's always 
been the one in charge, the 
one taking care of things. I
can tell when Plankton's in 
pain, even when he doesn't 
say anything. He's stubborn,
but he's also scared. But I also
know he just needs a moment,
when he gets like this. It's not 
you, Sandy. It's just...his way."

Sandy nods, her eyes 
still on the floor. "I get it.
It's just...I want to help."
Karen squeezes her hand. 
"And you are. You being here
means the world to me. But 
right now, he needs some space."
Sandy nods, wiping at her
cheeks. "Okay."

They return to the living 
room, where Plankton sits 
silently. "Hey," Karen says softly, 
sitting down beside him.
Sandy sits on the edge 
of the couch, her hands 
in her lap.

"I know this is tough," Karen 
says, her voice gentle. "But we're 
here for you." Plankton 
nods, his antennae still 
quivering slightly.
Sandy's eyes are 
full of regret, but she 
doesn't speak, giving 
Plankton space. Plankton 
shifts in his chair, 
his cast making it 
difficult to get comfortable. 
Sandy clears her throat. "Is there 
anything I can do to help?" 
Her voice is tentative, hopeful.
Karen looks at her 
gratefully.

"Why don't you help me get 
his leg elevated?" Karen 
suggests. "It might make 
it more comfortable for him." 
Sandy nods, eager to do 
anything to help. Together, 
they manage to get a pillow 
under Plankton's leg, 
supporting the cast. His 
sigh of relief is palpable.
"Thanks," he murmurs, 
his eye still half-closed. 
Sandy's smile is 
genuine. "Anything for you, 
Plankton."
 
Karen notices Sandy's curiosity 
still evident. "Why don't 
you tell us what you remember 
about the surgery?" Karen 
prompts him. Sandy's eyes 
light up. "Did you feel anyth-"
"SANDY," Plankton snaps, 
his antennae standing tall. 
But Plankton's not ready 
to forgive her. "It's none of 
your business," he repeats, 
his voice cold.

Sandy's face falls, and 
she nods, retreating to the 
edge of the couch. Karen 
squeezes Plankton's shoulder. 
"Remember, love, we're here 
to support you. That means 
asking questions, too." Plankton 
sighs, his antennae 
drooping, his frustration 
evident. Karen knows
his pride is taking a hit.
"Fine," he says. "They had to give me
some kind of...of glue, I guess,
that makes bones stick 
together. And then they put 
this cast on." His hand 
gestures to his leg, 
his voice filled with 
resentment.

Sandy's curiosity is 
piqued. "How does 
it feel to fall aslee—"

But Plankton's had enough. 
"I don't want to talk 
about it," he says, cutting 
her off. His eye closes 
tightly, a tear escaping.
Sandy's face falls, her 
words forgotten as she 
watches her friend in 
pain. Karen squeezes his 
hand gently. "It's okay, 
love," she whispers. "You don't 
have to talk if you don't 
want to." Sandy's eyes are 
glistening with unshed tears, 
and she bites her bottom 
lip, looking away. Karen 
knows he's trying to 
keep a brave face, but it's 
clear he's struggling.

Finally, Sandy breaks the 
silence. "Why don't we do 
something else? Maybe 
play some board games?"

Plankton's antennae 
perk up slightly, his 
eye opening a bit wider. 
"That...sounds okay." 
Karen smiles. "Great. I'll 
get you closer, on the 
floor."

They manage to move 
the coffee table and 
his chair so that 
his leg can be propped 
up comfortably. Sandy 
brings over a board game, 
as Karen helps him out
of the wheelchair and onto
the floor.

Plankton's eye lights up 
slightly at the sight 
of the game, a 
tiny spark of his usual 
excitement showing 
through the pain. 
Sandy starts setting 
up, her movements 
quick and precise, 
desperate to make 
amends.

Sandy notices him
flinching, his hand 
gripping the cast 
over his leg. "Do you 
need a-" "I'm fine," Plankton 
interjects quickly, 
his voice strained. 
Karen nods, 
understanding his 
desire for normalcy.

They start playing the 
game, Plankton's mind 
focused on the 
strategy. His eye 
twitches with every 
move, his antennae 
perked with competitive 
spirit. Sandy's eyes are on 
his face, watching 
his every reaction. 
They play in a 
comfortable silence, the 
only sounds the shuffling 
of game pieces and 
Plankton's occasional 
grunts. The game is a 
distraction, but not 
enough to fully 
ease the tension. 
Sandy keeps glancing
at him, her movements 
slow and careful. Karen 
watches them both, her 
heart aching for her 
husband's pain and her 
friend's regret.

As the game goes on, 
Plankton's eyelid starts to 
droop again, his hand 
shaking slightly as he 
moves his piece. Karen 
notices and stops him. 
"Why don't we take a 
break?" she suggests.
Sandy nods in 
agreement, setting her 
piece down. Karen helps 
him stand on his
good leg as she reaches
for his crutches, handing 
them to him. He takes them 
reluctantly, leaning heavily 
on them as he hobbles 
to the couch.

The room is silent 
for a moment before 
Sandy speaks. "Can I 
get you anything?" she 
asks, her voice tentative.
Plankton sighs, his 
frustration clear. "Just 
leave me alone," he says, 
his voice thick with 
exhaustion. Karen 
swallows hard, feeling 
the weight of his words.
Sandy nods, her eyes 
shimmering with unshed 
tears. "Okay." She stands 
up, collecting the game 
pieces. Karen watches, 
the tension in the room 
palpable. Sandy looks at Karen, 
her gaze questioning. 
Karen nods slightly, 
understanding that Plankton 
needs a moment.

new kneesurgery gamecore 5

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 8


Sandy returns with
Patrick, and Plankton
seems to deflate.
Patrick looks 
around, his gaze 
falling on the cast.

"Hey, Plankton," he 
says, his voice 
loud. "What's with 
the...uh, whatchamacallit?"
He points at the cast.
Sandy winces. "It's for
his leg, Patrick," she says.

But Patrick's 
curiosity isn't deterred.
He squats down, his 
eyes wide. "Can I see?"
Plankton's antennae 
twitch in annoyance. "It's 
a cast, Patrick," he says 
sharply.

Patrick reaches out, his 
finger poking. "Does it tickle?"

Plankton jolts back, 
his antennae standing 
on end. "What are you 
doing?" he snaps.
Sponge Bob watches 
the exchange, his 
concern for Plankton 
growing. He knows 
his friend's temper 
can flare up quickly, 
and he doesn't want 
this visit to cause 
more stress.

"Patrick, maybe we 
should let Plankton 
rest," Sponge Bob 
suggests gently, 
his eyes pleading. 
Patrick looks 
disappointed, his 
hand retreating from the 
cast. "But I just 
wanted to..."

"Patrick," Sandy 
sighs, her voice 
patient. "Let's go play 
with the jellyfish," she 
says, guiding him 
away from Plankton. 
Patrick pouts but 
follows, casting a 
backward glance at 
his cast.

With the 
distraction gone, 
Plankton's mood 
improves marginally. 
He shifts on the 
floor, trying to get 
comfortable. Sponge 
Bob looks at him 
with understanding.

"Is there anything 
I can do to make 
this easier?" he asks. 
Plankton's antennae 
twitch in thought. 
"Could you...help me 
to the wheelchair?"
Sponge Bob nods, 
his spongy hands 
wrapping around the 
wheelchair handles. He 
lifts Plankton 
carefully, mindful 
of his injury.
He helps Plankton 
into the chair, 
his friend wincing 
slightly as he adjusts 
his leg.

Once Plankton's 
comfortable, Sponge 
Bob nods. "I've got an 
idea," he says, his 
eyes bright. "How about 
we go out and get
Kelp shakes," Sponge Bob says, 
his voice filled with 
excitement.

Plankton's antennae 
perk up at the 
suggestion. "Really?" he 
asks, his voice 
weak with hope. "But I 
can't go any-"

"Don't worry," Sponge 
Bob says. He turns to 
Karen. "Is that okay?"
Karen nods, her 
relief at the change 
in Plankton's demeanor 
evident. "That sounds 
like a wonderful 
idea," she says.

As they arrive 
at the Kelp Shake 
restaurant, Sponge 
Bob's cheerful 
demeanor doesn't 
waver. He waves 
hello to Larry the Lobster, 
his enthusiasm contagious.

Plankton, though still 
in pain, tries to 
smile. "Thanks for 
doing this, Sponge Bob,"
he says, his voice 
grateful. "It's 
the least I could do," 
his friend responds, 
his eyes genuine, when
SpongeBob's friend Larry 
comes over. "Hey, Larry!" 
Sponge Bob calls out, 
his voice cheerful,
Larry's gaze 
flicking to Plankton's 
cast.

"Plankton, what's with 
the new look?" Larry asks, 
his tone teasing.
Plankton sighs. "It's 
a cast," he says. "A cast? 
For what?" "For my leg," 
Plankton says, his voice 
flat.

Larry looks at him, 
his smile fading. "Oh man, 
I'm sorry to hear that. 
What happened?"
Plankton sighs, his 
shoulders slumping. 
"We're here for the 
shakes," Sponge Bob 
says, his tone light. 
"Can we get two, 
please?" Larry nods at the
waiter, Larry's eyes 
still on Plankton. "Sure 
thing, Sponge Bob. And 
Plankton, if you ever 
need to talk abou–"
"No, I don't," Plankton 
interrupts, his voice 
sharp.

Sponge Bob's eyes 
widen slightly at his 
friend's tone. 
"Okay, okay," Larry says, 
his claws up. 
"Take it easy, bud..."

The waiter returns with 
the kelp shakes, 
interrupting the 
moment. Sponge Bob 
quickly takes a sip, 
his eyes closing in 
appreciation. "Ah, 
this is just what 
we needed," he says.

Plankton nods, taking 
a cautious sip. "It's 
not bad," he admits, 
his tone more subdued.
The cool, minty 
flavor soothes him 
slightly, and he takes 
another sip, watching 
as Larry goes standing
up so as to leave, when
he accidentally runs into 
the wheelchair, causing 
Plankton's leg to bump
into the table.

"W-whoa, sorry, Plankton!" 
Larry says, his eyes 
wide with alarm. 
Plankton hisses in pain, 
as Sponge Bob quickly 
grabs hold of the 
wheelchair.

"You okay?" Sponge 
Bob asks, his eyes 
filled with concern. 
Plankton nods stiffly, his 
face contorted. "It'll be fine," 
he says through gritted 
teeth. "It was just a 
bump. But it's still sensitive
and now hurt-"

"Let's get you home," 
Sponge Bob says, his 
face etched with worry. 
Plankton nods, 
his grip tightening 
on the armrests of the 
wheelchair as they both
head back home.
Karen sees them return back
also notices Plankton's 
pained expression.

"What happened?" she 
asks, rushing over.
Sponge Bob explains 
quickly, his voice 
filled with apology.
"It was just an accident," 
Plankton says, his voice 
strained. Karen 
moves to get his 
medication. "Here," 
she says, her hand 
shaking slightly as she 
hands him a pill and a 
cup of water.
He takes it gratefully, 
swallowing it down 
without a word. 
Sponge Bob's eyes are 
filled with guilt. 
"I'm sorry," he says, 
his voice barely a whisper.
"It's not your fault," 
Plankton says, his voice 
still tight with pain. 
"It's just...it's hard 
being like this."

Sponge Bob's gaze 
flicks to the cast 
once more. "Is there 
anything else I can do?" 
he asks. Plankton 
sighs. "Just...keep me 
company," he says, 
his antennae drooping.

Sponge Bob nods, his 
spirits visibly lifting. 
"You got it," he says. "How 
about we-"

But before he can 
finish his sentence, 
the door swings open 
and in comes Patrick 
Star, his eyes wide 
with excitement. "Hi!" 
Sponge Bob's heart 
sinks. He knows what's 
coming next.

"Patrick, what are 
you doing here?" Plankton 
snaps, his pain 
obvious.
Patrick's smile 
doesn't fade. "I heard 
about your boo-boo!" he 
says, pointing at the 
cast. "And I brought 
you some jelly!"

Sponge Bob sighs, 
his eyes darting to 
Karen, who gives him a 
tiny nod of encouragement. 
"Thanks, Patrick," he says, 
his voice strained. "But 
right now, Plankton 
needs to rest."

Patrick's expression 
falls, his eyes wide 
and innocent. "But...but 
I just wanted to help 
make him feel better!" 
Plankton's antennae 
twitch with frustration. 
"You can help by 
letting me rest," he 
says, feeling the effects
of the meds kick in.

Patrick nods, his 
head bobbing. "Okay," 
he says. "But what if I sit 
quietly?" Plankton sighs. 
"Fine," he says, his 
exhaustion evident. 
"Just don't touch the cast."

Sponge Bob nods 
gratefully at Patrick, 
his eyes silently 
thanking him. They sit 
quietly Plankton's eye
begins to droop.
"Looks like you're 
getting sleepy," Patrick
teases Plankton.
Plankton opens his 
eye with a glare. "I'm 
not sleepy," he says, 
his eyelid dropping 
again, Karen
watching over them 
from the kitchen.
Sponge Bob and Patrick 
sit down, their 
energy levels 
contrasting with 
Plankton's fatigue.

Plankton's eye
grows heavier, the 
medication doing its 
job. Patrick's gaze 
is on Plankton, who's 
eyelid is fluttering.
"You're totally 
sleepy," Patrick says, 
his voice a mix of 
amusement and concern.
"I'm not," Plankton 
mutters, his voice 
slurred. But it's clear 
that Plankton's fighting 
a losing battle, and
Patrick's now giggling.

Sponge Bob watches 
his friend, his heart 
heavy. He knows 
Plankton's stubbornness 
all too well. He turns 
to Karen, who nods. 
"Why don't you two 
keep him company?" she suggests.
"I'll just be in the kitchen."

Patrick nods, 
his eyes still on 
Plankton. "I'll sit 
right here," he says, 
plonking down next to 
his sleepy friend. Sponge 
Bob sits opposite, 
his eyes never leaving 
Plankton's blinking one.

new kneesurgery planktrickbob 8

＃ＫｎｅｅＳｕｒｇｅｒｙ pt. 3


Sandy pulls out the
guest bed in the next room.
"I'll stay the night," she says.
"You both need rest." Karen
nods. "The doc said he might
be sleepy for a day or to
from the surgery, and also
sent some pain meds for us
which can also cause drowsiness,
and that it's totally fine to let him nap.
We'll give him the pain meds as
needed."

Plankton's snores deepen
as Karen sits beside him,
stroking his antennae as
Sandy goes to the guest
room.

The next morning, the sun
streams through the bedroom
window, casting a warm light
on the bed where Plankton sleeps,
his chest rising and falling
rhythmically.

Karen watches him, his face
relaxed, the tension of the
night before smoothed away by sleep.
His leg, encased in the cast, sticks
out from the blankets. Sandy comes
in after sleeping in the guest room.
"How's he doing?" she asks.
"Resting well. The doctor
said it might take a couple
of days for the anesthesia to
fully wear off."

Plankton shifts
in his sleep, a low 
groan escaping
him. Karen and Sandy
exchange a quick look.
"Plankton?" Sandy whispers, 
concerned.

He opens his eye
slowly, blinking against
the morning light. "What...?"
he mumbles, his voice 
gravelly from sleep.
Karen smiles softly. "It's 
morning, sweetie."
He looks down at 
his cast, the stark white
against the sheets.
"Oh...right." Karen 
understands. "I'll help
you into the wheelchair."

With a grimace, Plankton 
allows her to assist him. 
The movement jolts his leg,
and he hisses in pain. "Careful,"
he murmurs, his eye half-closed.
The nurse had warned them 
about the pain, and Karen's heart
aches at the sight of his 
discomfort.

Once seated in the 
wheelchair, they go
out to the living room.
Karen notices the 
stiffness in his 
movements, the way 
his antennae droop slightly.
"You need anything?"
Sandy asks, her voice 
full of care. Plankton 
battles to stay 
awake.

"Some...chum?" he 
requests. Karen nods, 
heading to the kitchen.
Sandy smiles. "I'll keep
you company," she says, 
sitting down next to him.
Karen returns with a 
bowl of chum and a glass 
of water, setting it on the 
coffee table within his reach.
"Thank you," he murmurs, 
his eye still half-closed.
The chum is lukewarm,
but Plankton doesn't seem
to mind.

"So, what's the plan?"
Sandy asks, her voice
a gentle hum in the 
quiet room.
"Rest," Karen says firmly.
"And lots of it. The doctor
wants him off his leg
for a while."

Plankton nods, his head
lolling. "No...work," he says, 
his voice a sleepy protest.
Karen smiles sadly. "No work,
sweetie. You need to get better."
He sighs, his eye drooping.
"Okay."

Sandy looks at Karen, 
silent understanding passing 
between them. This was going
to be a long process, and they'd
have to be patient with him.
Plankton was not one to sit still.

Karen watches as Plankton
picks at his chum, his 
energy clearly flagging. She 
knew he needed more than 
just rest; he needed mental
stimulation to keep his spirits 
up. "How about we watch
a movie?" she suggests.

His eye lights up, just a 
flicker, but it's enough.
"Sounds good," he says.

They settle on a classic 
underwater adventure film, 
the kind that always makes
them laugh. Karen 
adjusts the wheelchair, ensuring
his leg is comfortable.
Plankton's eyelid flutters as 
the movie starts, his interest
piqued despite his sleepiness.
Between bites of breakfast 
and sips of water, Plankton 
starts to nod off.

The film's heroic theme 
music fills the room, 
the vibrant colors flashing
across the TV screen. Karen
pauses it, noticing his 
eye drift closed. "Why don't
you take a-"

But Plankton waves her 
off, his eye snapping open.
"No, I'm okay. Let's watch."
His determination is
admirable to both Karen
and Sandy, yet it's clear he's
fighting a losing battle.
He's trying so hard
to stay awake, not wanting
to miss a moment of 
his first day of recovery.

Sandy keeps the 
conversation light, talking
about the latest news
while Karen watches her 
husband's energy wane.

"You should take this 
pain pill," Karen suggests 
after a while, holding out 
the bottle. Plankton 
shakes his head stubbornly. 
"No, I don't want to sleep 
all day." Karen sighs, 
knowing it's a battle she'll
have to win. "It's not just
for pain, love. It'll help
you relax." He finally relents, 
swallows the pill with a 
sip of water.

The minutes tick by, and 
Plankton's eyelid grows 
heavier, his head nodding 
against the wheelchair.
"Come on," Karen says 
softly, "Let's get yo--"
Plankton jolts up with a 
start, his antennae springing 
forward. "What? What is it?"
Sandy smiles kindly. "It's 
just us, Plankton. You were 
nodding off." "Oh..."
His voice is faint, and Karen 
can see the effort it takes 
for him to stay conscious.

The TV flickers, the images 
on the screen becoming a 
blurry backdrop to their 
concern. "Why don't we–"

"I'm fine," Plankton insists, 
his voice a slur. Karen
and Sandy exchange a
glance, knowing he's fighting
a losing battle against the 
painkillers' sedative effects.
"You need to rest," Karen
persists, her voice firm yet gentle.
Plankton's eye closes for a brief moment,
then snaps open again. "No, I'm...I'm okay."

But his words are barely 
out when his head lolls back,
his snores a soft counterpoint
to the movie's dramatic score.
Karen reaches over,
stopping the TV with a 
sigh, shaking her head
with a smile at Plankton
still in the wheelchair, 
his head tipped back, 
snoring quietly.
"Looks like he's not
going anywhere for a while,"
Sandy says, her voice
carrying a hint of amusement
as she pulls a blanket
over him, tucking
his stuffed bear under his
arm by the wheelchair's armrest.

They both watch him sleep
for a few moments before
continuing their chat.
The house is filled with the
comforting sounds of their
voices, Plankton's snores,
and the distant hum of the 
refrigerator.

"How are you holding up?"
Sandy asks, her eyes on
Plankton's peaceful face.
"I'm okay," Karen replies,
her voice a whisper in the
stillness of the room.
"But it's hard to see him 
like this."

Sandy nods. "He's a tough 
guy. He'll be okay. And we're 
here to help." Karen nods, 
a grateful smile playing. 

They decide to let Plankton 
sleep for a bit, his body 
needing the rest to recover.
Sandy heads to the 
kitchen to clean up the 
breakfast dishes, while Karen 
reclines on the couch, her eyes 
still on her sleeping husband.
The quiet is a stark contrast
to the chaos of the night before,
yet it's a comforting silence.

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