"Chris, how can I be optimistic?" I ask, walking back and forth. "It was you who told me that the operation has a 60% chance of success. That doesn't cheer me up at all."
"Do you feel guilty about the choice you made?"
"What? Of course not! I'd rather know he's alive even though he'll hate me than..." I burst into tears. I can't even say it or imagine my life without Nate. Chris hugs me, trying to calm me down, but the only one who can do that is Nate.
"He's a lucky man. Congratulations on your wedding."
"Thanks."
Alice and my father join me. I'm drinking lousy tea when my dad makes up his mind to talk.
"Go rest, Isabel. We'll stay here."
"No! And I don't want to argue." I throw the glass into the plastic bin and start returning to the room.
"Isabel, be reasonable. He's resting. The hospital will call us if there are any developments."
"Dad, he's my husband. I said I'll be here, and here I'll stay!" I walk toward the room, being careful to not slip on the floor.Damn these heels.
"Izy, I brought you a change of clothes. I figured you’d want to stay with him."
"Thanks, Alice, you’re a sweetheart."
"If you need anything, call me. I'll bring you food and more clothes during the day. Are you sure you don't want to sleep in a bed?"
"My place is next to him, Alice."
"All right, honey,” she says, hugging me before leaving me alone with Nate.
I go to the bathroom to change, putting on a sweatshirt and leggings with sneakers.
Hours go by. Nurses and doctors come to check on him and then leave.
"I'm here, love. You're not alone. We'll get through it together." I kiss him on the forehead.
I feel drained and I rest my head on the bed and fall asleep.
"Mrs. Weister." A deep voice wakes me up.
"Yes," I say, still sleepy.
"Hi, I'm Leon, the physiotherapist. They told me that you were looking for me."
"Yes, sorry. I wanted to ask if something could be done, a leg or muscle massage, after the operation my husband has undergone and especially when it can be started."
"Let me look at the folder,” he says, taking it. "I'm sorry, the surgeon will tell you exactly what treatment plan to follow. And in the case of rehabilitation, it will be long enough."
"Okay, thank you."
"Don’t mention it, madam,” he says before leaving the room.
I approach Nate with tears in my eyes, stroking his hair and face "You’re my life, Nate. Please wake up. I need to look you in the eye and hear you say that everything will be okay. Please, love, I need you." I kiss his forehead and sit back in the chair.
I’m reading a book when his parents finally arrive. "Isabel, is there any news?" his mom asks, hugging me.
"What happened?" asks his father.
"Until I arrived, he had an operation. They removed some splinters from his back."
