everything has changed ➺ charles leclerc

twenty-three - charles

NOVEMBER 24th, 2015

CHARLES WOKE UP WITH A START, his eyes fluttering open. The bright light in the room stung his vision as he blinked, trying to make sense of his surroundings. His head throbbed with pain, and his body felt weak and heavy.

As his gaze settled, he saw the sterile walls of a hospital room, the machines beeping softly in the background. Panic gripped his heart as the memories of the crash flooded back into his mind.

"Angeli," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Where is Angeli?"

A nurse nearby noticed his movement and rushed to his side, a mix of concern and relief on her face. "You're awake, Mr. Leclerc! You've been in a car accident, but don't worry, you're in the hospital. Your friend, Angeli, she's still in a coma. The doctors are doing everything they can for her. Visits are restricted at the moment, but we'll keep you updated on her condition."

Frustration and worry gripped Charles as he absorbed the news. He couldn't fathom the thought of Angeli in such a state, and he felt an urgent need to be by her side.

"No, I have to see her. I need to be there for her," Charles pleaded, his voice filled with desperation.

The nurse remained firm but compassionate. "I understand your concern, Mr. Leclerc, but we must prioritize her care and recovery. Rest assured, the medical team is working diligently. I'll make sure you receive updates regularly."

Charles felt a surge of frustration welling up within him. He couldn't bear the thought of Angeli lying unconscious, fighting for her life, while he was confined to a hospital bed, unable to offer her support.

"I can't just sit here and do nothing!" Charles exclaimed, his voice trembling with a mix of emotions.

The nurse placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "I know it's difficult, but please trust the medical professionals. Rest and allow your body to heal. It's crucial for both you and Angeli."

Torn between his desire to see Angeli and the nurse's plea for patience, Charles reluctantly acquiesced. He understood the importance of his own recovery, but his heart ached for his dear friend.

His mother, who had been dozing in a chair by his bedside, woke up at the sound of his voice. Tears welled up in her eyes as she rushed to his side, embracing him gently.

"Charles, my dear boy, you're awake," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "We've been so worried about you."

Charles clung to his mother, seeking comfort in her familiar embrace. "Maman, I need to see Angeli. I can't bear the thought of her being alone in there."

His mother held him tighter, her voice filled with empathy. "I understand, Charles. We all want to be there for her, but the doctors know what's best for her recovery. Let's have faith in their expertise and focus on your own healing for now."

Charles nodded, his tears mixing with his mother's as they stood locked in a poignant embrace. The weight of his emotions threatened to overwhelm him, but he drew strength from his mother's presence.

"Promise me, maman, that as soon as I'm allowed, we'll go and see her together," Charles pleaded, his voice tinged with both longing and determination.

His mother wiped away her tears and met his gaze with unwavering love. "I promise, my dear Charles. As soon as the doctors give us the green light, we'll be by her side. Until then, we'll keep praying for her recovery and supporting her with all our hearts."

Charles took a deep breath, finding solace in his mother's words. He knew he had to trust the medical professionals and focus on his own recovery to be able to provide the support Angeli needed.