𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 ~ T. Nichols

Aftermath

The ambulance sped through the streets, its sirens wailing as the paramedics worked frantically to stabilise Theo. Inside, the atmosphere was tense, filled with urgency and desperation.

"Stay with me, Theo!" The Paramedic shouted, his hands moving quickly as he assessed the young man's condition. "I can't bring him back, man!" he muttered under his breath, frustration and fear evident in his voice.

"Check for a pulse!" His partner commanded, his hands moving to Theo's wrist, feeling for any sign of life. After a moment of searching, he shook his head, panic rising in his chest. "Fuck. Fuck! All right. Time of death—"

"Wait! Nah, nah, nah!" The other paramedic interrupted, his eyes wide with determination. "This is Theo fucking LaRusso of the Social Scum, man. He's not about to die in my ambulance!"

Without hesitation, he grabbed an adrenaline syringe, the urgency of the moment driving him forward as he thrust it into Theo's chest. "Come on!" he urged, willing the young man to respond.

"Checking pulse again!" The partner shouted, his fingers pressing against Theo's neck. The seconds felt like hours as he searched for any sign of life. "I've got nothing!"

"Come on! Fuck!" The paramedic yelled, frustration boiling over. He grabbed another syringe, determined to fight for Theo's life. With a swift motion, he plunged it through Theo's chest again, desperation fueling his actions.

Suddenly, Theo gasped, his body jolting upright as he registered the pain from the syringes. "Ow!" he exclaimed, confusion flooding his mind as he blinked at the paramedics.

"Yo!" The paramedic shouted, relief flooding through him as he exchanged a triumphant high-five with his partner. "All right!"

But the moment of victory was short-lived. As the initial shock wore off, Theo felt the pain return, his eyes rolling back as he dropped back onto the stretcher, his body struggling to cope with the sudden influx of adrenaline.

"Check again!" The partner yelled, his heart racing as he felt for Theo's pulse once more. This time, he felt it—a weak but distinct heartbeat.

"Got it! He's back!" He shouted, a mix of relief and adrenaline surging through him.

"Keep him stable!" The other instructed, focusing on Theo as they rushed toward the hospital. "We're not losing him. Not today!"

—————

Elise sat in the dimly lit hospital room, the sterile scent of antiseptic mixing with the faint aroma of her coffee. She had made it a ritual to be by Theo's side every day since the accident, her heart heavy with worry and despair. The soft beeping of the heart rate monitor provided a steady rhythm, a reminder that he was still with her, even if he wasn't awake.

Her eyes were drawn to Theo's face, bruises and cuts slowly fading, but the sight of the neck brace was a constant reminder of how precarious his condition remained. He looked so peaceful, as if he were merely sleeping, but the reality was far more frightening. The two weeks spent in this limbo felt like an eternity, each day stretching on as she held on to hope for his recovery.

When she wasn't at the hospital, Elise poured herself into training the Cobra Kai students. Each kick and punch was infused with her frustration, her guilt, and her anger—especially toward Johnny. In her mind, it was his philosophy of mercy that had led Theo to hesitate. She was determined to make sure that his lessons didn't lead to another tragedy.

Just then, the door creaked open, and her brother Pete walked in, his presence a welcome distraction. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as he approached, handing her a cup of coffee. "I thought you could use this," he said softly, his eyes shifting to Theo, concern etched on his face.