Barbarians Blood

Chapter 20

Sawyer felt someone holding his hand. Then he heard voices. He heard Eleanor and Willow talking. Their conversation came and went. But as he got more feeling back in his body the clearer their conversation got. 

"You changed him for the better," Eleanor said," he listens to reason now, and you've changed too."

"I highly doubt that," Willow said.

Did Willow really think she didn't change? He can remember when he first saw life flash in her eyes. When she first started out she didnt have any life in her eyes. They were dull, but now even after all the shit she went through her eyes were vibrant with life.

"It's true, you would keep quiet and would role over trying to please people," Eleanor said," being around him, you've grown a backbone."

He was happy to hear that someone else saw the change in Willow.

Then he saw a light. Out of all the black darkness, he finally saw a change in color. In front of him, the black turned to grey, and the grey turned to white. Walking towards it Sawyer became more aware. He finally could feel blankets on top of him, his bed under him. The smell of the ocean,  hear the waves splash against the boat.

"W-Willow," he croaked.

He stirred, and tried opening his eyes. It was a slow process, but he managed to get his eyes to open. He stared up at the ceiling. His mind felt foggy and took him a moment to register that there were people staring at him.

"Welcome back," Eleanor said.

He dragged his eyes from the ceiling to Eleanor.

"We were worried about you," Eleanor said," now that your awake I need to make sure you are alright."

He watched as she flashed a light in his face. She then held each of his hands and told him to squeeze. He did. Then she went to his feet and told him to move his toes, and push against her hands with his feet. He did. Finally, she seemed satisfied.

"Everything looks to be good," Eleanor said," I'll just leave you two alone and let the others know the good news."

He watched as she walked out of the room and closed the open door behind her. Finally, he turned his attention to Willow. She sat beside his bed tears threatening to spill.

"A-are you okay?" Sawyer asked sitting up. His throat was dry, and it hurt a little when he spoke.

"You've been out for a month," Willow cried," I thought you'd never wake up."

Instinctively Sawyer reached out and helped Willow on the bed. He pulled her close to him and held her tightly.

"I would never leave you," Sawyer said ignoring the pain in his throat," I will always find a way back to you."

Willow didn't say anything, she just held tightly onto him and cried. They stayed like that for a while. But a knock at the door caught his attention.

"Inter," Sawyer said.

He stared down at Willow. She had cried herself to sleep and he didn't have the heart to move her. Eleanor walked into the room with a tray of food and water.

"Would you like some help moving her so you can eat?" Eleanor asked.

He nodded. Eleanor sat the tray of food down on his desk. She walked over and helped him pry Willow off him and laid her down beside him. She then grabbed the tray and handed it off to him.

"I'll be back later to take that," Eleanor said and then left.

Sawyer looked down at the tray of food and saw a bowl of oatmeal. As he slowly ate he couldn't help but take notice of the sound of the ocean. It was much calmer than the waters near the islands he grew up on. Once he was done eating he quietly got out of bed and went to get a shower. He felt dirty. Stepping into the shower he let the hot water spray him. He just stood there for what felt like an eternity before he turned off the shower and stepped out.