So close Yet So far

Chapter 5 : Dilemma

A soft morning, golden lights filtered through the curtains fall into Sarang's eyes. Doctor Johan stood next to her, monitoring her vitals.

Dr. Johan (surprised): "Miss Sarang? Can you hear me?"

Sarang (weakly) :"Yes, I can hear you... Where am I?"

Dr. Johan:"You're in the hospital, Miss Sarang.You've been in a coma for several weeks."

Sarang(confused) :"Weeks? What happened?"

Dr. Johan: "You were involved in a serious car accident. It's been a challenging journey, but we're glad to see you awake."

Sarang (struggling to remember) :"I... I don't remember much."

Dr. Johan: "That's normal after such a traumatic event. Take your time."

Sarang was facing difficulty to assimilate that situation around her. She was sub conscious. She could here only few things and that too sounds fainted.

Dr. Johan( To Sarang's parents ): "Mr. and Mrs . Forger,we need to discuss her current state. The coma and brain injury have taken a toll on her brain, and we've noticed concerning signs of brain damage."

Sarang's Mother(anxiously): "What does that mean, doctor?"

Dr. Johan: "It means her brain has suffered significant damage, and despite waking up, there's a high chance that she may never regain full cognitive function. We need to run more tests to determine the extent of the damage. And there is high possibility to be brain dead.

Sarang(teary-eyed) :"I... I don't understand. What's going to happen to me?"

Dr.  Johan : "We'll do everything we can to provide you with the best care, but it's essential to discuss your options with your family. They need to be involved in any decisions regarding your treatment".

Sarang's family had many discussions with the medical team about her quality of life and the possibility of long-term care options. The doctors explained that the extent of her brain damage made a full recovery unlikely, and her condition was likely to remain stable or worsen over time.

Sarang who was unsure about her fate called her mother to write a letter to Lucian on her behalf.It was indeed a difficult time for all of them.

In time, Sarang's health gradually deteriorated, and she became more dependent on medical interventions to sustain her life.She struggled with memory loss, difficulty in processing information, and an inability to perform daily tasks.She was totally bedridden.

As weeks turned into month, Sarang lost all hopes.For the last time, she desired to paint and to ease her suffering, the medical staff provided her canvas, colors, brushes.She drew the portrait of her loved ones, among them one was of Lucian.

Ray who was sleeping peacefully could see these glimpses but suddenly Halsey whispered in his ears.

Halsey(whispering) :"You mean the world to me."

Then she leaned closer to Ray,her lips  meeting to Ray's lips in a tender kiss.

Ray who was still in the realm of Sarang's  life, felt an unease from sudden intimation.

He pushed Halsey back unknowingly.

Halsey's expression suddenly turned into frustration and hurt.

Halsey(firmly) :"Ray, we need to talk about what happened. I can't ignore it any longer."

Ray (defensively) :"I don't know what you're talking about, Halsey.I am sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you.

Halsey: It's not about today. You've been avoiding the issue for weeks. The way you've been treating me, it's not fair."