The days in the hospital had been an emotional blur for Sang Zhi, but this morning, something miraculous happened. She'd woken up early, as she did every day, and sat beside her mother's bed, her heart heavy with the familiar weight of worry. She was prepared for another silent vigil, her only comfort the soft, rhythmic beeping of the machines that surrounded them.
But then, as the sun's first light filtered into the room, her mother's eyelids fluttered, then opened, and she gazed up with a faint, confused expression.
"Mom?" Sang Zhi whispered, her voice trembling with cautious hope.
Her mother's gaze settled on her, recognition blooming slowly in her eyes. "Sang Zhi…" she murmured, her voice hoarse and barely audible.
Sang Zhi felt tears spring to her eyes, a flood of relief washing over her as she took her mother's hand. "You're awake! I was so scared… I thought…" Her voice broke, and she squeezed her mother's hand tighter, savoring the warmth that she'd feared she'd never feel again.
A nurse passing by noticed her mother's movements and immediately called for the doctor. Within moments, a team was there, guiding Sang Zhi gently aside as they began their examination.
Dr. Liang, her mother's attending physician, approached Sang Zhi with a reassuring smile after the initial assessment. "Your mother's made remarkable progress," he said. "Her vital signs are stable, and from our observations, she appears to have no cognitive impairments."
Sang Zhi's heart surged with gratitude, a weight she'd carried for days finally lifting. "So… she'll be okay?"
The doctor nodded, flipping through his notes. "Her electrocardiogram showed a steady heart rate, and her blood pressure has returned to normal limits. Most importantly, her neurological scans indicated no lasting brain damage. Her Glasgow Coma Scale score is promising, which is very encouraging at this stage."
Sang Zhi felt a surge of relief as Dr. Liang continued, "Her pulse is strong, and she's responding well to sensory tests, which are positive signs. We'll continue to monitor her, but I believe, with time, she'll make a full recovery."
Sang Zhi thanked the doctor, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude. The weight of days spent in worry, exhaustion, and endless nights melted away, replaced by a glimmer of hope. Her mother was coming back to her.
---
A few hours later, Sang Zhi finally returned to her apartment for the first time since the accident. She felt emotionally drained but relieved, grateful that the worst seemed to be over. Dropping her bag by the door, she let herself take in the familiar surroundings, the warmth of her home wrapping around her like a comforting embrace.
After a hot shower, she changed into fresh clothes and sank onto the couch, exhaustion tugging at her. She closed her eyes, letting her body relax for the first time in days, and was just beginning to drift off when her phone buzzed.
It was Xiao Zhan. He'd been a constant presence, supporting her through the hardest days, and she felt a warm gratitude bloom in her heart. She answered the call, and his familiar voice greeted her, filled with a warmth that made her smile.
"How's your mom doing?" he asked, his tone filled with genuine concern.
"She's doing better," Sang Zhi replied, relief softening her voice. "The doctor said she's on the path to recovery. She's… she's going to be okay." She felt the tears prick at her eyes again, a mix of gratitude and sheer relief flooding over her.
"I'm so glad to hear that," Xiao Zhan said, his voice filled with warmth. "You sound more at ease. Have you finally made it home?"
"Yes, just a little while ago," she replied, her voice relaxing. "I was so tired… I think I could sleep for days."
"Then you should. You need to take care of yourself too, Sang Zhi," he said, a gentle tone of concern evident in his voice.
She smiled, touched by his worry. "I'll try. Thank you for everything, Xiao Zhan. I don't know how I would have managed all of this without you."
"I'll always be here for you, Sang Zhi," he replied softly. "Whenever you need me."
She felt a warmth in her chest at his words, a sense of comfort that only he could bring. They spoke for a little while longer, and then, with a promise to talk soon, they ended the call.
Sang Zhi was about to drift into a peaceful sleep when her phone chimed again. This time, it was a call for Xiao Zhan, but instead of Sang Zhi, it was his father on the line.
Xiao Zhan's eyes darkened slightly at the sight of his father's name on the screen. He took a deep breath, glancing around to ensure he had some privacy, and then answered the call. His voice softened as he responded, "Hello, Father."
Whatever was said on the other end made his relaxed demeanor shift. His expression grew tense, and a shadow fell across his features. "I understand," he replied, his voice low, measured, with an edge that was barely concealed.
After a moment, he excused himself, stepping outside to continue the conversation in private, leaving only the sound of the door closing quietly behind him.