Never Let Go

Chapter 75: In Good Hands

Maya stares at the Tree Of Life pendant, clutching it in her hands and rubbing it nervously. Her bottom lip trembles and she begins to cry again.

I'm trying to be as strong and positive as I can for her, but it's so hard. I'm a nervous wreck, but I don't want to show her that. I need to be the one to tell her that everything is going to be ok.

"Maya." I frown and hold her hand tightly.

"I'm so scared." She whispers.

Her frightened sad eyes look into mine and my heart breaks.

"I know, baby." I quickly wipe a tear from my eye and force a little smile. "But, you'll be ok. You're in good hands."

"I don't think I can do this." She shakes her head as her breathing becomes more rapid.

She's already had one panic attack on the way here...

"It's ok." I said softly and quickly sit next to her on the hospital bed. "Take deep breaths."

"N-no... I can't..." She keeps shaking her head, becoming more and more worked up.

"Maya, look at me." I place my hands on her cheeks and turn her head to look at me.

Her breathing is erratic. She clutches on to my arms while I do my best to try and calm her down.

"It's ok, 6 breaths at a time, remember? Copy me."

Her wide, worried eyes stare into mine and I begin to do the breathing exercises with her. Thankfully, she starts to calm down a little bit and her breathing slowly returns to normal.

"That's it." I nod and gently wipe away her tears with my thumb. "Everything is going to be ok."

"But, what if something goes wrong?" She squeaks.

"Baby, the nurses and doctors know what they're doing. You'll be alright, and you won't feel a thing."

She nods slowly, but the tears keep falling. I wrap my arms around her, pulling her in for a hug. I want to keep her safe and protected... I really wish this didn't have to happen. It's the day we've both been dreading. I keep her held in my arms while she let's out her emotions and cries quietly. I'm scared right now, but I can't imagine how scary this must be for her. All of this must be so overwhelming, and the surgery is a lot for her to go through. Maya's life will forever be changed when she wakes up from the operation.

I swallow the lump in my throat and clench my jaw, forcing back my emotions.

"It's alright." I said soothingly as I rock her back and forth and kiss her head. "The sooner the operation is over, the sooner you'll start to get better."

She nods and sniffs as she wipes her eyes.

"Look." I said taking hold of her arm.

I stroke my thumb over the bird tattoo on her wrist, making her lift her head up from my chest.

"I know you're scared, but just look at the tattoo. I'll be with you. And I'll be right here when you wake up."

"Yeah." She whispers, showing a tiny smile.

I wrap my arms around her and she rests her head back onto my chest, taking in a deep breath as she shuts her eyes.

"I feel stupid in this hospital gown." She mumbles.

"Stupid?" I make a face.

"Yeah... and it reminds me of being back at the loony bin."

I roll my eyes and shake my head.