Gravensnod (manxman)

Chapter Six

Alexei 

My heart started beating the moment my home came into view, mainly because of all the unknowns that lay inside. Ever since that phone call it felt like I was in a fog and at this point, I might never come out of it. Philo's presence next to me helped lift me out of the deepest part of the fog. Without him I'd be lost, just like I was going to be lost if something were to happen to my father.

When the boat docked I quickly ran inside up to the infirmary. The first thing I noticed was my father's frail body lying on the table. My mother's hand was firmly gripping his before she turned to look at me. She gave me a small smile as Philo and I walked into the room, my body automatically walking over to my father's body.

"How is he?"

"Alright," my mother's voice said. "If it seems like he's still doing well tomorrow they're going to take him out of the coma."

My body sunk down into a chair before I slowly grabbed one of his hands in mine. Philo placed a gentle hand onto my shoulder, making me grab it with my free hand. "How are you doing?" Philo gently asked.

"I'm hanging in there," she sadly said with a smile. "It's hard trying to keep up the positive attitude but that's what we need. I know that he wouldn't want anyone to be upset about this. But that's your father," she said with a small laugh. "I can't even tell you how happy I am that you two are here now. Augustus is grabbing some more coffee right now, he's been on edge ever since your father fell. I know that your father will feel better now having all three of his sons here now."

With that Philo went over and gave her a hug, soft cries suddenly leaving her. My eyes wandered outside as tears stung my own eyes. A little bit later Augustus came back and sat next to me, offering his strength to us. I knew my father was a strong willed person, I knew he could come through this. I just had to keep telling myself that.

*

"Knock, knock," I said while gently knocking on the door before opening it.

I couldn't help but smile when I saw my father slowly turn towards me with a smile. The doctors kept to their word and since his progress was still improving they took him out of the coma this morning. It took a little bit for him to actually wake up but now it seemed like he was okay. He seemed really weak and had some nasty bruises from his fall, but he seemed to be in good spirits. It had somewhat worried me when he requested myself, Philo and Augustus all come talk to him.

Speaking of them, they were already here, chatting with my mom who seemed to be doing a lot better. Everything about her seemed to perk back up when he woke up, which really made me see the love between them. They'd been together for so long and their love had grown over the years. They were really the true definition of true love.

"Sorry I'm late," I said while coming over and sitting next to Philo who gave me a smile as I grabbed his hand. "My meeting ran over."

My father waved that off while saying, "Don't worry about it. I do appreciate you all coming here though."

"What's this about dad?" Augustus asked while looking between our parents.

When he didn't respond I asked, "Is everything okay?"

"It is," he said with a nod. "But your mother and I have been talking. Well, it's mainly been me talking out loud and getting all my thoughts out there." He then took a shaky breath before looking between Philo and myself. "This fall made me feel like I'm not who I was when I took over this country. I don't want something to happen to me and have the people of Gravensnod wondering if their King is alive or not."