Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 4: Awake

Ally's POV

"Joe?"

The first thing I felt was pain. Dull, throbbing pain everywhere. Then, sounds began to filter in - a steady beeping, a muffled voice. I tried to open my eyes, but they felt so heavy.

Suddenly, I felt a warm hand grasping mine. "Ally? Ally, can you hear me?"

With immense effort, I forced my eyes open. The world was a blur of harsh light and indistinct shapes. Gradually, Joe's face came into focus, his eyes red-rimmed and filled with worry.

"What..." I tried to speak, but my throat was so dry it hurt.

"You're in the hospital," Joe explained gently, "There was an accident. You've been unconscious for a few days."

Accident.

The word that immediately triggered a flood of memories. The concert. Joe and Sophie kissing. Running out into the street. Bright headlights. Then... nothing.

A sob escaped me as the full weight of everything crashed down.

"Oh God," I whimpered, tears streaming down my face, "I remember... I remember everything."

Joe's face crumpled. "Ally, I'm so sorry. I—"

But I couldn't bear to hear it right now. The physical pain, the emotional turmoil - it was all too much. I turned my head away, wincing at the movement.

"Please," I whispered, "I can't... I can't do this right now."

I heard Joe take a shaky breath.

"Ok," he said softly, "I'll go get the nurse. You don't have to talk about anything until you're ready."

As Joe stepped away, I closed my eyes again, overwhelmed by the rush of emotions. Relief at being alive warred with the heartache of what I'd seen, what had led to this moment.

I felt weak, both physically and emotionally drained.

The nurse came in, speaking in soothing tones as she checked my vitals. I answered her questions mechanically, my mind still reeling.

When she left, I opened my eyes to find Joe standing at the foot of my bed, his expression a mix of concern, relief, and guilt.

"The family's here," he said quietly, "They've been so worried. If you're not up for visitors yet, I can tell them to wait."

I considered for a moment. Part of me wanted to retreat, to hide from everything. Another part craved the comfort of familiar faces.

"Dani," I whispered, "Just Dani for now please."

Joe nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Of course. I'll go get her."

As he turned to leave, I found myself calling out, "Joe?"

He looked back, hope flickering across his face.

"I'm glad you're here," I said softly, surprising even myself, "But I'm not ok."

He nodded, his eyes glistening.

"I know. I'm not going anywhere, Ally. Whatever you need, however long it takes, I'll be here."

As the door closed behind him, I let out a shaky breath. I was alive, but everything had changed. The road to recovery - both physical and emotional - stretched out before me, long and uncertain.

The door opened quietly, and Dani's face appeared, her eyes red-rimmed and filled with a mix of worry and relief.

"Ally?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

"Dani," I managed to croak out, fresh tears welling up at the sight of her.

Dani rushed to my bedside, carefully taking my hand in hers.

"Oh, Ally," she breathed, her own tears spilling over, "I've been so scared. We all have."

I tried to squeeze her hand, but even that small movement sent pain shooting through my arm. Dani noticed my wince and gently stroked my hair instead.

"It's ok," she soothed, "Don't move too much. I'm just so glad you're awake."

For a moment, we just looked at each other, both of us crying silently. Then, the dam broke.

"Dani," I sobbed, my whole body shaking. "It hurts. Everything hurts."

"I know, buba," Dani said, her voice thick with emotion, "I'm so sorry. I'm right here."

"Joe... he..." I couldn't finish the sentence, the memory of what I'd seen was still too raw.

Dani's expression hardened for a moment. "I know. He told us what happened. I was so angry when I found out."

Her admission made me cry harder. "I don't know what to do, Dani. I love him, but... but..."

"Shh," Dani soothed, gently wiping my tears away, "You don't have to figure everything out right now. The most important thing is that you're alive. You're here with us. Everything else, we'll deal with one day at a time, ok?"

I nodded weakly, grateful for her presence, for her unwavering support.

"The girls have been asking about you," Dani said softly after a moment, "Willa and Delphine. They've been so worried. They made you cards."

A fresh wave of emotion hit me at the mention of Joe's daughters. Despite everything, I missed them terribly.

"Can I see them soon?"

Dani smiled gently. "Of course. When you're feeling up to it. They'll be so happy to see you."

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, Dani's presence a balm to my battered heart.

Finally, I managed to whisper, "Thank you for being here."

Dani leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

"Always, Ally. I'm not going anywhere. Rest now," Dani murmured, seeing my eyelids droop, "I'll be here when you wake up."

As I drifted off, I held onto that promise, a lifeline in the storm of uncertainty that lay ahead.