Aaron’s nostrils flare, and I know that wasn’t the answer he was hoping to hear, but again, I don’t give a shit right now. Sincewe arrived at the hospital, he has barely spoken. He seems more distant than usual, and I understand why—he’s worried about his best friend. Plus whatever else he’s got going on at work that seems to be eating away at him. But I’m his sister; he doesn’t need to treat me like everyone else. I wish, just once, he would open up to me.
We used to be close, and now…I’m not so sure anymore.
“I need to talk to you, and we’re just waiting right now.”
At that moment, the metal door beside the nurses’ station swings open, and two women in white coats step out. As they walk toward us, my heart sinks, knowing this is the news we’ve all been waiting for.
“Is there a family member here for Dominik Lewis?”
Silence.
They’re all his family. Everyone in this room cares about him in some way.
“I’m listed as his emergency contact. Aaron Jackson.”
The doctor nods and approaches without verifying. The room falls deathly silent, as if everyone is holding their breath.
“Mr. Lewis sustained a significant head injury, resulting in a concussion. Since he lost consciousness, we conducted a comprehensive assessment and found no signs of a brain bleed or major head trauma. However, he needs rest over the next few weeks and must be monitored closely. Does he live alone?”
“He does,” Aaron replies.
“He will need to stay with someone or find outpatient care.”
The words leave my mouth before I fully process them. “I’ll stay with him.”
“And you are?” the other doctor asks.
“I’m his girlfriend.” My voice is strong, almost unrecognizable to me.
The taller brunette doctor smiles as if recalling something. “Zoe. He’s been asking for you. The nurses will need to go over some things with you before Mr. Lewis is discharged.”
They know my name?
He’s been asking for you.
Which means…it means he’s awake.
I’m so relieved, I could cry all over again, but I don’t. I just nod and thank them for the news.
“When can we see him?” Tristan asks.
“He’s being transferred now. A few of you can see him at a time. It’s important not to overwhelm him. He’s still a bit confused and might drift in and out of sleep. He needs lots of rest.”
Small chatter fills the room. Aaron and Tristan ask questions. One doctor walks off while the other answers patiently. I try to listen, but after knowing he’s going to be okay, I start to zone out. Going over today from the start, highlighting every detail I can remember.
Aaron saw how I reacted. The entire stadium did. And he heard that Dom was asking for me while he was in there. Out of all the people Dom knows, he asked for me.
Knowing this shouldn’t make me so unbelievably happy, but it does. It feels like a high, a welcome one after hours of worrying.
That’s all it is though. Relief that my brother isn’t losing his best friend. Relief that Dominik will be okay in a few weeks and can get back to his games, his life…to playing hockey.
Yeah, that’s what this is. Relief.
Keep telling yourself that.
Aaronand I are the first to see Dominik.
Nervousness courses through my entire body as we make our way down the hallway toward his room. Rounding the corner, Aaron pauses, looking behind us before gripping my arm to stop me.
