The encounter of a lifetime - Charles Lerclerc

Chapter 55

Emma: How is he doctor?
Doctor: Mr. Leclerc had emergency surgery. He suffered numerous cranial injuries, as well as several broken bones and a punctured lung. Thanks to the speed of the intervention, we were able to treat him and keep him alive. However he had to be put in an artificial coma which will last 5 days. After that he will have to stay a few more days in the hospital so that we can keep an eye on him and you can go home.
Emma: Many thanks doctor for your intervention. Can I go see him?
Doctor: Yes of course, but don't forget that he is in an induced coma because it can be quite disturbing when you enter the room.
Emma: Yes heard. Can my friend come too? Charles is his best friend.
Doctor: Yes no worries.
Emma: Thank you again sir.

I rush to Pierre to tell him the news. We take our things and go to Charles's room.

He is there on his bed. Looks like he's dead. He is connected to tons of machines. Despite the fact that he is not aware of what is happening I can not help but take him in my arms. Of course, I'm very careful not to touch or disconnect any cable when I approach. Knowing that he will recover is all that matters to me. He is alive.

***

Pierre stayed with me for several hours before returning to his hotel. He told me he was going to come back to give me a bag with things so I could stay with Charles. I know that during these 5 days nothing will theoretically happen as he is in his coma, but you never know. I prefer to be with him.

During the long days and nights in the hospital waiting for her to wake up, I have time to think a lot. I know that Charles does an extreme sport which is very dangerous, but before that day I had never really realized all the stakes it could have. I had never had to be confronted with the possibility of death. But I also know that Charles would rather die than have to stop his passion. He lives for this sport and he is ready to make all the sacrifices. I also had time to think about what was going to happen after discharge from the hospital. He certainly won't be able to drive for long enough. He still has them broken sides and a punctured lung as well as a concussion. They're never going to let him fly with these issues. And I dare not even imagine the state Charles will be in when he learns that he can no longer drive, at least for a while. It's going to be very complicated.

***

Today is the d day. It is today that Charles must wake up. I got all dressed up today to "welcome" him. I'm next to his bed holding his hand, eagerly awaiting the moment he opens his eyes. Nurses come and go to find out where things are.

After a good hour I feel his hand move in mine. He is waking up.

Charles: Wooow I have a terrible headache. Where am I? What happened?
Emma: Oh Charles you're awake. I am so happy. You are in the hospital, you had an accident with your formula one and you had to be rushed to the hospital. As you had a lot of injuries they had to put you in a coma for 5 days. But everything is fine now.
Charles: Excuse me but who are you?

At the hearing of these words my heart breaks into 10,000 pieces. He forgot who I am. I knew people could forget part of their lives when they were in a coma, but I never thought that could happen.

Emma: I...I...

Tears are starting to roll down my cheeks.

Charles: No Emma stop stop I'm kidding I know very well who you are. I just wanted to prank you.
Emma: Damn you're really stupid. You scared me so much.
Charles: Sorry mon amour I had to. I may never again have the opportunity to make you believe that I forgot about you after I fell into a coma.

After his superb joke he takes me in his arms. I feel that during the next week to see the next month I will not let go. I need to be close to him after this horrific vision I had of my life without him.

It's almost time to eat, so I decide to leave the hospital to get us some good things. I ate sandwich species all week, I want a good meal and my darling needs it too.

***

We can finally get out of the hospital. I do our business and we wait for the doctor for the last check.

Doctor: Hello how are you today?
Charles: It's much better.
Doctor: So today you will be able to go out, but first I have to give you some recommendations.
Charles: Go ahead, I'm listening.
Doctor: So already you will have to continue to rest well at home. You can of course fly home but avoid flying as much as possible for a few weeks. Then in terms of sport, I know that you are Formula One drivers but you will have to take a break.
Charles: What do you mean by break? How long?
Doctor: Well it will be a stop of any type of sport for 6 weeks, and a stop of formula one for 3 months.
Charles: 3 MONTHS?!
Doctor: Yes I know that's not what you would have liked to hear but unfortunately it will be necessary for your health.
Charles: Um...yes...I...I understand.

The doctor continues these checks and leaves. We take our things and head to the hotel. I feel that the next 3 months are going to be complicated...

*****