Water under the bridge

Part 15: The homecoming

Part 15: The homecoming

He has been in an induced coma for 5 days now. The doctor says it's to give his body rest and the best chance for healing. I know it's true but I'm being selfish, I need to hear his voice, to look into his eyes and to feel his hands on my body.
After he woke up in the monastery I called Abe who had gotten my note and was ready to come and get us. Everything went as smoothly as it could in the hard terrain and pouring rain. A helicopter took us to a hospital in Miami. John was slipping in and out of consciousness the whole time. He kept calling for me. I never left his side, holding his hand the whole time.
I still haven't left him. I don't trust anyone to take care of him. I'm what he needs right now, my love and care will get him through this, I just know it will. He did the same for me when I was in a coma years ago, and I believe that he is the sole reason I came back. So I wash him, shave his morning stubble, change his bandages and tell him about our children and what else is going on.
Abe comes by every day, not only to check on John, but also to be there for me. He told me that he went back to the monastery again to see if there was any kind of evidence or hints as to who might have been there before we came. He also believes that it's not a coincidence that's the place where John's plane crashed. He found some papers and some documents that he is looking deeper into.
To the outside world I must look like I'm strong and keeping it together but in reality I'm breaking apart.
At night I sneak into his bed and curl up next to him, placing my head against his chest and listen to the beat of his heart. That's when I allow myself to be vulnerable, for just a second, and let the fear escape through the tears of my eyes.

The day has finally come after one week. The doctors are going to wake him up. His body has been fighting a serious infection but now they think it's time to bring him back. I'm so excited and nervous I can barely stand the waiting. I fuss over John making sure everything is in order as I tell him that today is the day. "Oh honey I have missed you so much but now the waiting is over for the both of us. I will be right here holding your hand the whole time. You just focus on my voice and wake up, so I can see my very handsome husband again". I fidget with his covers as the doctors walk in. "Mrs Black are you ready to welcome back your husband?" A doctor says with a smile. "More than ready!" I reply, my smile reaching my eyes.

"John..honey..just take it easy, don't open your eyes too fast. Just listen to my voice and feel my hand in yours. Take it nice and slow....I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere so just take your time my love". Her voice is almost hypnotic and it calms me down. A few minutes ago I was very focused. I didn't know where I was or what had happened to me, but hearing her voice made me relax and trust that I'm in good hands, the best hands in the world. I hear beeping and the familiar smell of a hospital. My body is sore and I feel weak...something bad must have happened.
Slowly I begin to open my eyes but the light is just too bright. I hear her tell someone to "dim the light" in a very strict voice. I feel her hand caressing my face and I lean my head against her soft palm. Even though I'm confused, I feel so safe having her be by my side, I know that whatever happened to me, everything is going to be okay..and it's all because of her.
I need to see her face, so again, I slowly open my eyes, this time successfully...and there she is, my beautiful wife with the biggest and brightest smile and tears in her eyes.

I can't stop touching him everywhere as if I'm trying to make sure this is real, that he is really here, awake, with me. I kiss him on his lips, his eyelids, his forehead and his cheeks while I whisper I love you. Oh the love I have for this man...I'm never going to take him or our love for granted. The doctor gives me the time I need before he steps in and does his examination. He tells us that everything looks good and that John's voice will return soon and then he leaves.
I sit next to him on the bed, one hand in his, my other rubbing his chest. We look deeply into each other's eyes and we both see love, gratitude and appreciation.  He takes my hand to his mouth and holds it against his lips as his eyes close. He doesn't need words, I know what he is telling me.
"Honey, do you remember what happened?" I ask him. He shakes his head no. "It's okay darling, it will come to you...You were in a plane crash... but you made it..I found you on an island, you won't believe it but it was actually San Cristobal. You were in bad shape but that doesn't matter now, because here you are, more alive than ever" I smile at him, but I can see confusion in his eyes.