Chapter 35: Chapter 35
I was phasing back and forth before the emergency room. I couldn’t think properly as I nibbled my nails. Each second I look at the wall clock. He’s been there for hours, but it feels like an eternity. I couldn’t breathe appropriately, as my heart was pounding each minute, frightened of what I will find out. Medical attendants who walked past me told me to calm down and take a seat. However, I can’t. How can I if Ethan is inside that room battling for his life?
I stopped dead in my tracks, frozen on my spot. My knees are getting frail, and my feet are numb from standing for hours. I needed to sit down, but I would just stand again since my body was stretched. I closed my eyes, praying silently, calling every saint to help Ethan. I know he’s a walking vile, sinful creature, a destruct-able humanoid, but he still incorporates a heart and a soul. I know his light is still there. It’s just secured with thick walls.
Oh god, I don’t know what would happen to me if I lost Ethan. A tear fell, gradually tracing my flesh down to my chin, carefully holding on to the edge so as not to drop on the floor. I sighed, trying to bring back my heart to its normal rhythm. After minutes of having an inner crisis, the door swing opened, making me almost jump in my spot. The doctor came out of the room, settling its face mask.
"Who is Mr. Davis's relative here?"
I stood up straight, settling myself, then raising my hand as if I was called for a recitation. The doctor who performed the surgery looks at my spot, inspecting my face. I know I look a mess right now, but that doesn’t concern him. What I need to know is Ethan’s condition.
“Here, I am his wife, Natasha.” I introduced myself. He sighed relief and then smiled a little, tapping my shoulder.
“He’s steady, for now. Fortunately, we got the bullet out of his spinal cord, which nearly broke due to the sudden impact of the caliber. If he doesn’t watch out for himself, he will lose his normal muscle function.”
He let go of my bear and then explained Ethan’s body. I was happy they didn’t find out anything suspicious about his being. When he left me and told me the charge, I was misplaced for words. He survived, but why am I still frightened? For what reasons? The hair at the back of my head stood up as I was looking at nowhere. Minutes passed, and Ethan was transferred to another room.
I just stood on the side of the bed, observing him closely. There were tubes attached to his mouth and nose. I carefully inspected the channels linked to him. I want to unravel it. Ethan doesn't belong in this room, looking so miserable and delicate. I can't stand this scene. I want to elude him from this place. However, I couldn’t. I slowly sat down on the side of the bed, caressing his face.
The minute I told him about my feelings, he was nearly taken away from me. If I hadn’t taken him to the hospital right away, I don’t know what would have happened to me. I might lose my mood. I might run away from my sanity. I gradually brought down my head to rest it on his chest, feeling his heartbeat pounding. I ought to be grateful he’s lively. I didn’t realize I had fallen asleep on his top when somebody tapped on my head.
“Ma’am? Excuse me.”
A nurse was looking at me when I woke up. I abruptly jolted, then stepped aside, letting her do her work. My cheeks reddened with shame. I was so depleted. I looked at the window beside and saw it was already night. My stomach grumbled. I haven’t eaten anything. I should get out to eat, but no one will watch Ethan. I can’t leave him alone.
“What’s the problem, Ma’am?” the nurse asked, noticing I looked bothered. I smiled at her and then shook my head, dismissing her.
The nurse gestured her head and then strolled out of the room, leaving us. I looked down at Ethan, who was still unconscious. I let out a profound sigh. When he will wake up? I missed him already. I know he’s here, but the emptiness is more prevalent. I fixed his hair that was tousled, which suited him. I kissed his forehead.
“Please wake up, my beloved,” I whispered. Recalling our moments together. I held his hand and then kissed it, hoping something miraculous would happen.
Days have passed. However, he was still asleep. I remained by his side, not leaving in my spot. I haven’t eaten properly. The doctor who performed Ethan’s surgery told me I got more slender. That’s not my main issue. I’m here for Ethan, not for myself. Though I know I should take care of my health, I can’t think straight. What if he wouldn’t wake up? What on the off chance that I’m holding up for nothing all this time?
“Mrs. Davis.”
I looked over my shoulder when a nurse came in. She has given me a sandwich which I confusingly look at. She set it on my hand, smiling at me. Her eyes look...sad for some reason. But why? What for?
“I know you’re waiting for your husband to wake up, Ma’am, but you need to eat and watch your health. We’re worried you might collapse here in the hospital. We are taking care of your spouse. Try going out for a while, unwind yourself, then come back later.” she encourage me, caressing the back of my hand.
I flicker, not knowing how to respond to her advice. I look down at our hands. My tears are shaping. I tried to wipe it away, but it proceeded to flow down like a river stream. I don’t understand why I’m shattering apart. I couldn’t help but blame myself. If I just knew how to communicate with him, none of these wouldn’t happened. He saved me multiple times, and what did I do to repay him? Being a burden. Now, he’s stuck here, battling for his life, whereas I’m roaming free.
“I-I just missed him so much. I just want everything to go back to how it was before.” I expressed more like talking to myself. I hung my head low on the ground, embarrassed of myself.
“It’s okay, Ma’am. I understand what you are feeling. I was once in your shoes before.” her grin grew bigger, recollecting something from her past. She sat down close to me. Silence prevails the whole room, anticipating her to proceed with what she is saying. She looks at nowhere while caressing my hand with her thumb.
“I used to be married. I had a loving husband. He gave me all I ever needed in my life. Time, affection, gifts…his looks are just a bonus.”
“We were married for thirty years, and my life was perfect with him. I gave birth to our children. I still remember how his eyes shone so bright when he held our firstborn child. On that day, I knew I had married the right one. He’s not just a great husband, but also a loving father with our kids.”
“He sounds like a very great guy.” I lauded, and she just squeezed my hand. I didn’t realize her tears were falling, but her voice sounded so veritable that it didn’t crack. I panicked, not knowing what to do, when she halted me, gesturing her head that it was fine.
“Yes, he is. But not everyone has a happy ending in their story.” her voice toned down at the end, releasing a deep breath. She slowly looks down at her fingers. I noticed she was playing with her wedding ring.
“Unfortunately, he endured a rare disease. We called a specialist, and our hearts were crushed and cut into pieces when we found out he only had a year to live. It was heartbreaking, but we endured it. I was so frightened, I didn’t know what to do. What breaks me into pieces is that he accept it. He didn’t get maniacal. He can still pull a smile and show his love for his family, even if he’s suffering.”
She let go of my hand, wiping her tears. I covered my mouth with my palm. I couldn’t imagine she had undergone so much pain. She looks at me, showing me she’s alright, which I find genuine.
“It’s his death anniversary now.” she stood up then motioned her head, signaling me I should look behind. When I turned around, my heart stopped beating when I saw Ethan was awake.
“I’ll leave you two for now. Take care. You two need to continue your story.” she winked at me, then left me dumbfounded.
My eyes didn’t leave on the bed. My legs are trembling severely when I tried to step forward to his spot. Ethan’s eyes are moving around, looking for something when our eyes lock. I smiled, my lips are quivering so dreadful.
“E-ethan, you’re awake.”