The Conjuring 3 - The Devil Made Me Do It - Born of Sin

III

Alexandra woke slowly, her eyelids heavy as if weighted with lead, each breath a quiet battle against the ache that stretched through her body. Five hours had passed, but in her mind, it felt like an eternity suspended in a fog of pain and confusion.

Drew was there, steadfast and quiet, his presence an anchor she didn't realize she needed so badly. His hand was warm, resting gently on hers, steady and reassuring.

The doctors had explained the situation in clinical terms-words like "issue with her brain," "near death," "broken ribs," and "broken wrist" were thrown like fragments around her fragile consciousness. None of it quite made sense yet, but the gravity settled deep in her bones.

They released her with strict orders-no exertion, medication to keep her tethered to life, and a warning that felt more like a curse.

With Drew's steady arm supporting her, Alexandra stood and shuffled out of the room. The hallway stretched before them, sterile and humming softly with distant voices and the beeping of machines. There, just ahead, sat Lorraine, Judy, and Father Gordon-waiting, watching, hearts suspended in quiet prayer.

"Hey," Alexandra whispered, her voice raspy and cracked, as fragile as glass.

Lorraine's head snapped up like a spark had ignited inside her, her eyes flooding with relief and disbelief. "Alex?" she breathed, rising quickly and pulling Alexandra into a tight embrace.

"Last I checked, that was still my name," Alexandra murmured, offering a faint, tired smile. Lorraine returned it, but her eyes glistened with tears, and Alexandra held her close as the older woman's sobs spilled into her shirt.

"Any news on Ed?" Alexandra asked softly as Drew slipped away to fetch water.

Lorraine wiped her eyes, breathing shakily. "Not yet. What about you?"

Alexandra sagged onto a chair beside Judy, who immediately leaned her head against Alexandra's shoulder-a quiet, comforting presence in the storm.

"Uh, few broken ribs, broken wrist, and I had a thing with my brain but they don't know what. I've gotta take pills and I can't exert myself whatsoever," Alexandra explained, voice trembling with the weight of her new reality.

"Is Eddie okay?" Alexandra's voice cracked as she turned to Lorraine.

"He's with my mom," Lorraine offered a small, hopeful smile.

The moment stretched, fragile and tense, until a doctor's voice cut through the quiet.

"Mrs. Warren?" the doctor called, causing everyone to stand.

"He's stabilized. We're going to transfer him to the coronary unit," the doctor informed.

"So it was a heart attack?" Father Gordon asked, brow furrowed with concern.

"Yes, and not a minor one, I'm afraid," the doctor nodded grimly.

"Can we see him?" Alexandra and Judy asked in unison.

"Not yet. We're going to put a stent into his artery, try to get the blood flowing back to his heart," the doctor explained, his eyes grave.

"So, is he going to be alright?" Lorraine whimpered, voice fragile.

Alexandra slipped her hand into Lorraine's, squeezing tightly-a silent promise of strength.

"We're gonna need to run a few more tests before I'm comfortable answering that. I'm sorry," the doctor said, then turned and walked away.

Judy's grip tightened on Alexandra's shirt as tears fell freely down her cheeks, and Alexandra kissed the top of her head, offering what little comfort she could.