Silence in the Storm

Coma.

✅️Bonus POV: Simon "Ghost" Riley

I didn't know where I was or where I've been.
I was feeling heavy, unable to move; my whole self was listless.
Some hubbub here, some overhearing there... But I was never fully present. My consciousness was fluctuating.

I could feel some procedures being made on me... It was eerie. The anesthesiologist had good skills; no pain at all was felt anymore... But I still could feel the skin being cut open, my organs being moved, bones being reconnected... I managed to count 3 pairs of hands dealing with me.
And then I felt that I was being stitched. The needles piercing through the skin; now with a senseless pinch, the stitching line sewing me back in one piece... Everything was so weird... Being on the other side of the medical spectrum was definitely weird.

I couldn't open my eyes or move my limbs... But I was finally conscious. I didn't die.

I was feeling exhausted.
Breathing was laborious; thank the Gods I was on oxygen. At some point, the anesthesia wore off. I felt pain for a moment, but I couldn't move, I couldn't complain, my voice didn't work... But I was able to hear clearly everything that was happening around me and to me.
I heard the door open and shut for the tenth time; it seemed too quiet for a physical presence. The presence walked a few steps and comfortably sat on what would be the visitor's armchair. The sound of the leather being squeezed was noticeable.

My nose finally decided to function, and I smelled a cologne with a familiar scent... Was that Johnny? No. Johnny used a cologne with fruity notes... It was refreshing to smell it. The one in the room had a hint of musk and flowers. Who was it?

Wait...

That menacing raspy voice...

Ghost...?!?

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✅️ Simon "Ghost" Riley; Mazrah Desert, time_unknown.

Fucking hell...
I thought Elise would be dying on me.
Seeing her all patched up, pale and unconscious on that stretcher had sent me to a dark place inside my head that I was already familiar with, but it was always terrifying to return to it. I felt like a piece of shite... I should've protected her at all costs and I have failed. I had no excuses; I really don't deserve her.

- Ghost... How's Elise?

It took me a while to recognize the voice that addressed the question to me. I looked around and noticed Gaz sitting next to me. For how long was I dissociating? I lost touch with reality for several hours. I cracked my neck and tried to respond. My arms were sore.

- ...The new doc patched her back to health.

- I see. Any predictions on her recovery?

- Nothing yet. The new doc has her hands full.

- Understandable. - Gaz sighed loud; he seemed tired. - And how are you faring?

- I'm not relevant, Kyle. My concerns are directed at Elise only.

- Just don't overdo yourself, mate. - he got up from his seat. - It won't do any good if you fall sick while Elise is recovering.

- I'll keep that in mind. You can go now. - I wasn't in the mood to friendly pleasantries.

I wouldn't leave Elise's side for a single second... I'd never forgive myself if she died in the middle of this shitshow of a place.
A headache exploded in my head, such painful annoyance... MacTavish appeared with two cups of coffee and offered one to me. I wasn't in the position of refusing; I was really beaten up.

- ...Thanks.

- No problem, LT. - he pulled a chair and sat in front of me. - I figured you would be spent. Things were ugly out there.