“I think she’s waking up,” I tell her, and Shannon walks over, checking her stats.
“C’mon, Dee,” I whisper again, stroking her hair.
When she groans, Shannon smiles. “Won’t be long now, Colt,” she says, and my eyes fill with tears.
I watch Dee’s eyelids start to flicker, causing my heart to flutter. I can’t help but hold onto her hand tightly. She moans again and shifts her body infinitesimally, but I know she moved.
I’m sure of it.
“No, Dee, try to stay still, honey,” Shannon says, putting her hands on Dee’s legs to stop her from moving around. She whimpers, and I suddenly feel like perhaps something is wrong. All my happiness and elation turn to dread immediately.
“Shannon?” I question, and she looks at me and nods.
“It’s okay, Colt. All of this is normal. She’s going to be quite confused when she wakes up. She may even be irritated. Soprepare yourself for that,” Shannon replies, and I slowly dip my head in understanding.
“She’s been through a lot. I can understand a little irritation,” I reply.
Dee’s movements and moaning stop. It seems she’s gone back to sleep, so I sit back down on the chair with her hand in mine, afraid to let go.
“I’ve given her some more pain relief. Hopefully, that helps, but it might make her sleep for a little longer,” Shannon informs, then walks around and pats my shoulder. “You’re doing great, Colt,” she assures before turning and walking out.
I sit, staring at Dee for what feels like hours. My nerves are shot, and I know I need a break, but I’m not leaving her. Not ever.
So I lean back in the chair and shut my eyes, even if just for a moment.
Something shifts.
A subtle movement pulls me back to reality when Dee’s hand stirs in mine. My eyes snap open.
I bolt upright, staring at her. Her eyelids are flickering. My chest tightens, adrenaline surging.
“Dee, I’m right here. Open your eyes if you can hear me,” I plead, voice cracking with hope.
Her fingers squeeze mine. Then—her eyes shoot open.
For a second, I forget to breathe. Those beautiful green eyes lock onto mine, and I’m completely undone. I reach out, gently caressing her cheek as a tear rolls down my face.
“Hey, baby,” I whisper. “Can you hear me?”
Dee continues to stare at me but doesn’t say anything. I gaze at her, pleading with my eyes for her to speak. But she doesn’t.
“Dee?” I whisper before I lean down and kiss her lips. She doesn’t kiss back.
She is lifeless in front of me, but the only difference now is her eyes staring into mine. It gives me an eerie feeling, so I press the call button, my eyes never leaving hers.
“I love you, Dee. I love you so fucking much.” I rest my forehead against hers and look deeply into her eyes, welling up with tears.
Is she in pain?
And why the fuck can’t she talk?
There’s got to be something wrong.
Shannon walks in. “Is she awake?” she asks as she walks over to the bed.
“I don’t know?” I reply honestly and pull my forehead from Dee’s. Her eyes follow me as I straighten. “She’s awake, but she’s not talking. That’s not normal, right?” I whisper so Dee can’t hear me. The last thing I want to do is freak her out more.
Shannon turns to Dee and flashes a light into her eyes. Immediately, Dee shuts her eyes against the brightness but doesn’t protest aloud, and a sinking feeling hits my chest.
