Page 51 of Rising Star

“Yes. And Sam, thank you for spending the day. I’m aware you’re dealing with a tight schedule.”

“There’s no place else I’d rather be.”

I walked to Madison and leaned in to whisper, “Heal my love. I’ll be here tomorrow.”

As I made my exit, I called out, “Night,” waving my hand over my shoulder.

16

SAM

“Wanna hear the song I came up with on my way here? It’s not done, but it sounds good. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. I wrote it for you,” I said as I sat in the chair next to the bed.

It’d been three days since the accident. Madison was still on the ventilator due to the fact she had to go through another round of surgery for her leg later today. Less extensive this time. Her doctor explained the nerve damage would be mind-numbing for quite some time and they preferred to keep her asleep for as long as possible to avoid her suffering because, once awake, the painkillers wouldn’t do a good job for the pain. After the full repair her leg had undergone, they were hopeful for her recovery. Madison’s life wasn’t in danger anymore, and I held onto this piece of information to get through my days. Late last night, they moved her from the isolation ICU to a regular ICU room, one with a large window spread on one wall because I knew that was what she’d wish for. To see the daylight when she’d wake up. Because the sky always dazzled her.

Nights and days.

I hummed the melody to a song I’d only rehearsed in my head so far.

Once I got to the chorus and last verse, I took a deep inhale to be able to deliver the words that meant so much to me, and I hoped she could hear even in her sleep.

…Come back to me, come back to me

I’m half the man I should be

When you’re not here

The sky is darker

The colors faded

And my heart is lost

Come back to me, come back to me

Here and now, I don’t wanna live without you

There’s something I gotta tell you (yes, there’s something I gotta tell you)

There’s something I can’t keep to myself anymore (no, baby, I gotta tell you)

I’m in love with you.

I cleared my throat and breathed out. “What do you think? I won’t perform it at the concert. I’ll record it, but it’ll be yours. I called it ‘Maddie.’ It’s yours,” I repeated, about to break down. “And so is my heart.”

Tears rushed to my eyes. For the longest time, I let them flow. Once I regained enough composure, I sang to the woman I loved. All the songs she loved. Including the one we danced to, that time in my kitchen. I had no clue if she could hear my love through the lyrics, but I hoped she did. Because it prevented darkness from enveloping me and my brain from going crazy.

“Nurses should be here soon,” I told her. “To prep you for surgery. I’ll be waiting for you when you get back. I know we’re asking a lot from you these days. The girls are making you Get Well cards every day. I swear you’ll have the biggest collection when you get out of here. Justine demanded we find you a prince who could kiss you to help you wake up.” I smiled at the memory of my baby girl speaking the words. “I told her I’ll see what I can do. I wish I could heal you with just one kiss, Maddie.”

Madison’s parents joined me, cutting short my confessions.

“Mr. Stevens,” her father greeted me.

I moved to my feet. “Please call me Sam.”

Mrs. Prescott neared her daughter and whispered words of love to her.

“When are they coming to get her?” Mr. Prescott asked.