AWAITING HIS AWAKENING 2
After breakfast, they went back to Jack's father's room. The nurses had set up a chair beside the bed, and Jack sat down, his hand resting on his father's chest. His father's body was still, but there was something about the way he lay there that made Jack feel hopeful.
Lily stood behind him, her hand on his shoulder once again. They waited, watching as the hours ticked by.
Occasionally, a nurse would come in and check on his father, adjusting his medication and monitoring his vital signs.
As the day wore on, Jack's anxiety began to grow. What if his father never woke up? What if he was in a coma forever?
Lily must have sensed his worry because she leaned down and whispered in his ear. "He's going to wake up, Jack. The doctor said so. And even if it takes a while, we'll be here with you every step of the way."
Jack turned to look at her, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Lily. I don't know what I would do without you."
The words came out more suddenly than he had intended, and Lily looked taken aback for a moment. But then she smiled, her eyes shining with something that might have been happiness.
"Don't worry about it, Jack. That's what couples do for each other, I think?" Her face clouded with uncertainty.
Jack smiled back at her, feeling oddly comforted by her presence. Maybe, just maybe, this whole pretend relationship thing was turning into something real. And with Lily by his side, he knew that anything was possible. He was consumed with feelings.
As the day turned into night, Jack stayed all night at his father's side, He imagined that his father's body began to stir. His fingers twitched, and his eyes fluttered open. Jack jumped up, his heart feeling like it was about to burst with joy.
"Dad! Dad, can you hear me?" he said, his eyes fixed on his father's.
There was no response at first, and Jack's heart sank. But then, his father's eyes focused on him, and he smiled weakly.
"Jack. What are you doing here?"
Jack leaned down, feeling a rush of emotion. "Dad. You're awake."
His father smiled weakly again. "Yes. Yes, I am. And I have so much to tell you."
But his father never did, it was all hallucination. He was instantly thrown into a deep slumber due to the exhaustion on his body.