Chapter 45: In Coma 2
987words
I dressed early, just as dawn broke, and quietly headed out. Everleigh was still asleep, and I didn't want to wake her, especially considering her condition.
'Son?" my mother called, stopping me at the door. She wheeled herself closer.
'Good morning, Mom," I greeted her.
'Good morning. Where are you going so early? It's not time for work," she said, her concerned eyes locking on mine.
'I know, but I have an appointment and need to leave early to beat the traffic. You know how weekdays are in Pasay, right?" I replied, hoping she would believe the lie.
She sighed. 'Even so, you don't have to leave this early. Anyway, see you when you get back," she said. I kissed her forehead and stepped outside.
A few minutes later, I arrived at Scarlett's hospital ward. She was still in a coma, and her mother looked just as distressed as when I had last seen her. She sat with sorrowful eyes, watching over Scarlett. I wondered if she had slept at all.
'She will be fine," I said, moving closer and placing a hand on her shoulder. She sniffed, wiping her tears.
'I'm scared, son," she sobbed. 'I lost her once. I can't lose her again."
'I know. You won't lose her. She will pull through," I assured her, trying to sound hopeful even though I wasn't sure. The doctor had said only a miracle could bring her back, and I was holding on to that. 'You should go home now, Aunt. I will stay with her."
She shook her head. 'I don't want to leave. I want to be here when she wakes up. I can't leave her side."
'I understand, Aunt, but you need to rest. I will call you if there is any change," I insisted gently.
She looked at me, her eyes filled with doubt. 'Are you sure?"
'I'm sure. Let me handle this," I said firmly.
'Alright," she agreed reluctantly. She stood, picking up a small shopping bag from the locker beside the bed. She kissed Scarlett's forehead before leaving. 'I will be back later. Take care."
I took her seat, holding Scarlett's hand and kissing her knuckles. 'Seeing you like this scares me, Scarlett. I hate to admit it, but I miss the fiery version of you. At least then, you were strong, healthy, and grumpy most of the time. I don't want to see you like this. Please come back to us."
Two days later, I stood in front of the mirror, folding the sleeves of my shirt. Scarlett was still in a coma, and I needed to be with her.
Everleigh entered, carrying a lunch bag. 'Look what I got for you," she smiled, placing the bag on the vanity table in front of me.
'What's this?" I asked as she started fixing my collar.
'I packed some food for you."
'Food? Why?"
'Because every time you visit Scarlett, you hardly eat before coming back. So, today, I decided to prepare something for you. Isn't that sweet?" she said cheerfully.
'It's surprising. You don't even know how to cook," I teased, and she playfully cuffed me on the shoulder before sitting on the bed. I turned to face her.
'I didn't cook it. I just packed it nicely," she said, making me chuckle. This woman always surprised me. 'The cook made it, but I told her what to prepare. I supervised everything."
'So, you did most of the work, huh?" I asked sarcastically, picking up my car keys.
'Of course! You should appreciate the effort. It's not easy supervising in the kitchen for so long. And when Scarlett wakes up, you can share the food with her."
'You are not serious, are you? You expect me to take this lunch bag to the hospital?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
She laughed. 'Stop joking, Nathan."
'I'm serious. I'm not taking food to the hospital and eating there. That's ridiculous," I shook my head, heading for the door.
'It's fine. No problem," she said, turning to lie face down on the bed. She started crying softly.
'Are you serious right now?" I asked, but she didn't respond.
'Fine. I will take it with me," I finally gave in, and she sat up immediately, her face lighting up.
'Thank you!" she laughed, quickly wiping her tears. She handed me the food. 'Tell Scarlett I will come visit her soon."
'You are unbelievable," I said, opening the door.
'I love you too!" she called as I closed the door behind me. I shook my head, smiling.
I arrived at the hospital quickly. There was no way I was taking that lunch bag inside like a kid going to school. I left it in the car before heading in.
Kristine and her mother were there, talking sadly. They both looked up as I entered.
'You smell so nice, Mr. Nathan. I think my baby likes your fragrance," Kristine said, leaning in to sniff my shirt. I stepped back, confused.
'What's wrong with you, Kristine?" her mother scolded. 'I'm so sorry, Nathan. She didn't mean it that way."
'I'm serious, Mother. He smells nice. Come, Mr. Nathan, stand beside me," Kristine said, pulling at my hand. I gently withdrew my hand, careful not to upset her.
'Don't mind her, son. It's the pregnancy hormones. I apologize," her mother explained.
'It's alright, I understand," I said, though I didn't. I could only hope Everleigh wouldn't start acting the same way because of pregnancy hormones.
Suddenly, my eyes were drawn to Scarlett's hand as her fingers twitched. 'Scarlett?" I moved closer, my heart racing.
'What happened?" Kristine and her mother asked in unison.
'I think I saw her finger move," I said, my voice filled with hope. 'Scarlett, can you hear us?" I asked, but there was no response. Her hand grew cold, and fear gripped me. 'Scarlett," I gasped, terrified that the worst had happened.
