Random Frames. (Englot)

Healing Touch (3/3)

Daaddeaw held Charlotte as they made their way to Engfa's room. They saw Mrs. Waraha and the eldest sitting outside, waiting.

"The doctors came by to check on her. Char, you should go in and see her." Mrs. Waraha advised.

Charlotte turned to look at the closed door. Her heart beating fast, not ready to see Engfa's state but she knew she had to be there for Engfa. It was her turn. Engfa had always been there for her when she needed her. Now, Engfa needed her. She gulped and nodded. She gave Daaddeaw a reassuring glance before placing her hand on the doorknob. She took a breath and released it as she opened the door.

In the sterile environment of the room, Engfa lay motionless, her body confined to the confines of the hospital bed. Her face appeared serene, cleaner from when Charlotte saw her. She could see Engfa's beautiful face despite the blacks and blues. Charlotte walked closer to the bed as she studied Engfa's body. Tubes and wires connected her to various medical devices, silently monitoring their vital signs and providing life-sustaining support. The rhythmic beeping of machines filled the air, a constant reminder of the fragile state Engfa was in.

Charlotte cried quietly. She was not used to seeing Engfa silent, and fragile. She saw Engfa's chest rising and falling in a mechanical dance, aided by the steady flow of oxygen from the respirator. She sat on the chair by the bed and reached out to hold Engfa's soft hands. It was warm yet very cold. She lifted her hand to her lips and kissed it.

"P'Fa... I'm here." Charlotte informed, silently praying that Engfa could hear her.

Charlotte offered her silent prayers, grasping at the flicker of response that might indicate Engfa's eventual awakening.

It has been a few days since Engfa was put in a medically induced coma. It was a temporary coma to allow her body to recover on its own. The good news was Engfa was breathing on her own and is out of the ICU. Charlotte, her eyes heavy with exhaustion, exited the bathroom with a bowl of warm water. She set the bowl on the table, before dipping a soft cloth into a bowl of warm water, wringing it out before delicately wiping down Engfa's body. Each stroke was tender, an act of care and tenderness that surpassed the boundaries of mere duty. As the cloth glided over Engfa's skin, Charlotte's touch was both meticulous and soothing, as if imbuing each motion with the spoken words of love and healing.

Engfa's body, now cleansed and refreshed, appeared more serene, as if responding to the healing touch. Charlotte's gaze never wavered from Engfa's face, studying every contour, every line, as if etching the image deeply into her heart.

In that quiet moment, as Charlotte completed her task, she paused, leaning in to press a gentle kiss on Engfa's forehead.

"I'll be back, baby." Charlotte whispered her promise of return.

She picked up the bowl and was about to head back to the bathroom when a faint sound reached her ears. She stopped in her tracks, her heart skipping a beat.

In the midst of the silence, she heard.

"Nuu..."

She turned quickly towards the bed, quickly putting aside the bowl and rushed to Engfa's side. Her hands were trembling with a mix of anticipation and hope, Charlotte leaned in close. Engfa's eyes fluttered open, struggling to focus on Charlotte's face. The sight brought tears of joy and relief to Charlotte's eyes as she gently clasped Engfa's hand.

"P'Fa... You're awake." Charlotte whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of overwhelming emotions. "I'm here na... You're going to be okay. I need to call the doctor."

Charlotte rushed to get the nurses and doctor who had taken care of Engfa, the whole time she was there. Charlotte rushed back to Engfa's side.

"Nuu..." Engfa's voice was hoarse.