Beyond The Fine Line

Chapter XXXVII - Tay

The rhythmic hum of the medical equipment mingled with the gentle patter of rain against the windowpane, creating a serene yet melancholic atmosphere. The soft glow of the monitor screens cast a faint light over the room, their steady beeping blending with the quiet of the night. The occasional rustle of the city outside was barely audible, overshadowed by the constant rain.

Tay's unconscious form was surrounded by machinery that monitored his vital signs and brain activity. After months in a coma, his once bruised and battered face had healed, leaving behind only faint traces of the brutal assault. The room itself reflected the quality of care he received: spacious and well-appointed with polished wooden floors and soft lighting. A large window overlooked the city, now blurred by the falling rain.

An IV line delivered essential nutrients to his body, while a nasal cannula provided a steady oxygen flow. Tay's chest rose and fell with each measured breath, the only indication of life within his still form. In a chair by the door, a bodyguard was reading a book on Kindle, but his gaze often shifted towards the bed. It was a routine shift, part of the round-the-clock watch to ensure their client's safety.

Suddenly, there was a change. Tay's fingers twitched slightly, an almost imperceptible movement that went unnoticed by the machinery. His eyelids fluttered, a subtle but unmistakable sign of awakening. The bodyguard, trained to notice even the most minor details, immediately caught the movement. He reached for the call button and pressed it, summoning medical assistance.

Within moments, the door opened, and a nurse entered, followed closely by a doctor. They moved efficiently, their expressions a mix of hope and professionalism. The nurse checked the IV and oxygen while the doctor focused on Tay's face, gently lifting his eyelids to check his pupil response.

"Can you hear me?" the doctor asked softly, leaning closer. "If you can hear me, try to move your fingers again."

Tay's fingers twitched, this time more deliberately. His eyelids fluttered open, revealing eyes that struggled to focus on the unfamiliar surroundings. The doctor smiled encouragingly.

"That's it... Take your time. You're in a hospital, and you're safe."

Tay's breathing quickened slightly, his gaze darting around the room, but he seemed to register the doctor's words. Slowly, his body began to respond, the long months of stillness giving way to the first tentative movements.

"Do you remember your name?" the doctor asked after a brief examination.

He nodded slightly, and his lips moved, but only a hoarse, unintelligible sound emerged. The nurse quickly poured a glass of water, carefully bringing it to Tay's lips.

"Just take small sips," she instructed gently. "It has been a while since you spoke."

The doctor performed additional tests, checking Tay's reflexes and responsiveness. He shone a small light into Tay's eyes, watching for pupil reactions, and asked him to follow the light with his eyes. He then tested his grip strength by asking him to squeeze his fingers and asked a few questions for an initial assessment of cognitive functions.

"You've been in a coma for a few months," the doctor explained calmly. "You were brought here after a serious assault. Do you remember what happened to you?"

Tay's brow furrowed as he tried to recall the events. His eyes held a mix of confusion and fear, but there was a glimmer of recognition. The memories of the assault flickered through his mind like flashes of a nightmare, vivid yet disjointed.

He was dragged into a dimly lit room, the cold concrete floor harsh against his skin. Multiple figures loomed over him, unbothered to cover their faces. Art stood at the back, unable to even look at him. Demands filled the small space, each question punctuated by a vicious strike. Tay's vision blurred with each blow, but he refused to talk.