She died because of me...but she's alive because of me.
And as he closed his eyes, the tears spilled over again.
Chapter 88
Hospital
Beep.Beep.Beep.
Whoosh.
Beep.Beep.Beep.
Whoosh.
Gray sat in the hospital room, listening to the rhythmic pulse of the machines.It had been days, and he hadn't left Riley's side.
"Are you her husband?"The doctors had asked."Next of kin?"Gray barely remembered his answers, everything blurring together.When did they ask him that?
"We're sorry to say she's fallen into a coma.She suffered from shallow water blackout.Do you know what that is?"The doctor's words were hollow in his ears.He hadn't known what it was, and even now, the explanation didn't quite stick.His vision blurred; his thoughts scattered.What were they saying?
Gray's gaze shifted.The entire team was there, all hovering nearby.But he wasn't in Riley's room anymore.When had they moved him into the lounge?Someone was holding him upright.He turned his head to find Declan, his grip steady.Gray's knees gave way, and he sank into a wheelchair he hadn't noticed was there.
"Sorry, Doctor.We'll explain everything to Gray later," Marta's voice cut through the haze, calm and reassuring in a way Gray couldn't understand.
"Of course," the doctor replied, continuing, "As I was saying, Riley suffered from shallow water blackout.It likely happened because of a combination of the adrenaline, the depth she reached, and her rapid ascent.It's more common than people realize.Our primary concern now is that she technically died, though we don't know for how long.Given that she was successfully resuscitated, we estimate it was less than five minutes."
Gray's mind latched onto the word- died.His heart twisted in his chest.
"But the shock to her system," the doctor continued, "along with the broken ribs and mild hypothermia, created a perfect storm that led to the coma.We don't know when she'll wake up, but the good news is she's breathing on her own.That's a positive sign."
Gray felt a hand on his shoulder."Gray," the doctor said gently, "I know this is overwhelming, but you've been through trauma too.I know you want to go home today, but I recommend staying for a few more days.We can move Riley to a double room, and you can stay with her.Does that sound okay?"
Gray hadn't realized they hadn't released him yet.His body was still shaking, his chest tight from the aftershocks of what had happened.He had almost lost her.
"That would be great, Doc," Declan said, his voice solid as ever, holding Gray's hand firmly."Let us know when we can move him, and we'll get him settled."
Just as the doctor nodded, two frantic figures burst through the doors.
"Where is she?Where's our daughter?"Riley's mother, Sarah, cried, her voice strained and cracking.Her father, pale and stricken, held her up by the waist, both of them looking like they hadn't slept in days.
"Ah, Riley's parents," Doctor Munson said, stepping toward them."I'm Dr.Munson, and I've been caring for your daughter.I'll take you to her and explain everything, but I need to prepare you; she looks worse than she is right now.But she's in expert hands.Gray here saved her life."
At that, Sarah rushed to Gray and cupped his face, her eyes filled with tears."Thank you for saving her.You're her guardian angel."
Before he could respond, they followed the doctor down the hall.
"Come on, mate," Declan said softly, wheeling Gray toward the cafeteria."Let's get you something to eat.You look like a ghost."He could hear Marta and Daniel murmuring their goodbyes, heading back to care for the dolphins.
Gray felt hollow.It had been days since they'd brought Riley to the hospital.Her parents had tried everything to get to the island sooner, even offering money for someone to give up their seat, but no one budged.It wasn't until Lady Thatcher arranged a private plane from Miami that they finally made it.
"Gray," Declan's voice broke through his thoughts."You need to eat something, mate.Riley's going to come out of this, but you've got to take care of yourself too.She's going to need you strong when she wakes up.And she will wake up."
Gray nodded slowly.Declan was right.He needed to be there for her, to be her rock.The thought gave him some resolve.
"Alright," Gray said, managing a faint smile."What's on the menu?"
Declan smiled back; his relief was clear.That was all he needed to see—for now.
