PART 2 – CHAPTER 137
LUKE
The room felt heavy with the sterile smell of antiseptic mixed with the soft beeping of machines monitoring Jess’s vitals. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her–bandages wrapping her head, her leg in a cast, tubes running from her arms. She looked fragile, unlike the girl I’d seen sprinting up hills and giving me at run for my money.
she was lying, so still, I had to focus on her chest to make. sure she was breathing.
When we walked in, the nurse said, “She should be able to hear you,” even though it looked like she was fast asleep. Luckily, Jess was breathing on her own, which they said was a good sign.
I kept trying to focus on that. Maybe if she could hear me, would hear my apology.
she
Josh stood on the other side of the bed, holding her hand like it was a lifeline. His jaw was clenched tight, and I knew he was feeling the same thing I was–helpless.
He muttered a “thanks” to the nurse, who stopped for a second. I could see it on her face: She recognized us and didn’t know if now would be the appropriate time to ask. After a few moments, she made the right choice and walked out of the
room.
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I couldn’t move, couldn’t reach for her. All I could think was, “This is my fault.”
If I had been there, if I had pushed harder to stop her from going, she wouldn’t be lying here. I’d failed her. I should’ve protected her like I promised Josh I would. But now… now she was lying here in this hospital bed, and I couldn’t fix it.
Suddenly, Jess stirred, her lips moving, and I thought I heard her say my name. I looked over at Josh. “She called you man. Not me. Take her fucking hand,” Josh breathed, and I sat down next to her.
“Babe. Hi. I’m here,” I whispered, stepping closer and taking her hand gently as if I could wake her with my touch. But she went still again like it never happened. Just a flicker. And then
nothing.
Josh and I just sat there on opposite sides of the bed, neither of us saying anything. I didn’t know how long we stayed like that, but it felt like forever.
Time stretched and collapsed all at once. Watching her sleep was kind of peaceful. I could hear her steady heart rate on the monitor and watch her chest rise and fall. Before I knew it, I was zoned out.
Then, the monitor started beeping faster. The numbers on the screen started jumping, and the steady rhythm became erratic.
I looked at the monitor, my heart pounding in my chest. “What’s happening?” Josh asked, getting up to push the call button.
The beeping grew louder, and then so many alarms went off. Jess’s heart rate was climbing, and my pulse spiked with it.
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s was 1.
The nurse walked in, calm and composed, like another day for her. “Mind just standing back for a moment,” she said, her voice steady. At the same time, it was an instruction–like, get the hell back but with compassion.
But I couldn’t shake the fear clawing at my chest. Josh and I stepped back, giving her space. I wanted to say something, but my throat felt tight. Josh had worry plastered on his face.
The nurse checked Jess’s eyes, flashing a light in them. Her movements were quick and methodical. Her expression changed just slightly, but enough to set off alarms in my head. She called for another nurse.
“Call Dr. Frost. Her one pupil is blown.”
“Blown? What the hell does that mean?” Josh asked, but nobody answered. Everything spiraled out of control.
Jess’s hand shot up, clutching her head, her face twisting in pain. “She’s awake!“I mumbled but then stopped because Jess started screaming. Not just a small sound–a blood–curdling scream that ripped through the air.
“Jess!” I rushed forward, trying to grab her other hand, but more nurses stormed in, pushing us back and forcing us to stand helpless at the edge of the room,
“Something’s wrong. Something’s wrong with her! Why is she screaming?” I shouted, my voice cracking. Josh put a hand on my chest, “Let them do their job. They can help. We can’t,” He said, and for the first time tonight, Josh seemed 100% sober.
The nurses didn’t answer. They were too focused on Jess, and the room was a flurry of movement, doctors and nurses all
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PART 2 – CHAPTER 137
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working together. But I couldn’t see anything except Jess- writhing, screaming, her face contorted in pain.
“Do something!” I yelled again, desperation in my voice. Josh. stood next to me, pale and shaking, his fists clenched at his sides.
The monitor continued its blaring rhythm, and the room was chaotic.
I couldn’t breathe. And all I could thi
