Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 5: Breathe

Dani's POV

I shifted in the uncomfortable chair, my back protesting after hours of vigilance. Ally's face was peaceful in sleep, a stark contrast to the turmoil of the past few days.

I glanced at my watch - 10:23 PM. The days seemed endless, each minute crawling by with agonizing slowness.

Kevin had insisted on staying, despite my attempts to send him home. I could see him through the small window, pacing the hallway like a caged animal.

His presence was both comforting and anxiety-inducing; I knew he was as worried as I was.

Joe had reluctantly left for the cafeteria just an hour ago, after days of barely leaving Ally's side. I had practically forced him to go get some food and coffee.

The dark circles under his eyes and his haggard appearance were testament to his dedication and worry.

Despite the complicated situation, I couldn't fault his devotion to Ally. He had been here through it all, holding her hand, talking to her even when she was unconscious, his voice hoarse with unshed tears.

A soft murmur from the bed caught my attention. Ally's brow furrowed, her lips moving soundlessly. A nightmare, perhaps? I leaned forward, gently taking her hand.

"Shh, it's ok," I whispered, "You're safe buba."

Her fingers twitched in mine, and for a moment, I thought she might wake. But then her face smoothed out, and she settled back into sleep. I exhaled slowly, realizing I'd been holding my breath.

The quiet of the room was suddenly shattered by a change in the heart monitor's rhythm. The steady beep became erratic, speeding up alarmingly. I jumped to my feet, my own heart racing to match the frantic pace of the machine.

"Ally?" I called, my voice sharp with fear. No response.

I watched in horror as Ally's chest began to heave, each breath a visible struggle. Her face contorted in pain, lips parting as she gasped for air. The pale blue tinge creeping across her skin sent ice through my veins.

"Help!" I screamed, lunging for the call button.

My fingers scrambled against the plastic, pressing it repeatedly in panic.

"I need a doctor! Please, somebody help!"

The next moments were a blur of motion and sound. The door burst open, a team of nurses flooding into the room. They moved with practiced efficiency, their voices a cacophony of medical jargon I couldn't begin to understand.

"Ma'am, I need you to step back," one nurse said firmly, guiding me away from the bed.

I stumbled backwards, my eyes fixed on Ally's face. A doctor rushed in, shouting orders that barely registered through the roaring in my ears.

"What's happening?" I demanded, my voice breaking, "Please, tell me what's going on!"

But there was no answer, just more frantic activity around the bed. I caught snippets of their conversation - "oxygen levels dropping", "possible pulmonary embolism", "prep for intubation" - each phrase more terrifying than the last.

A firm hand on my arm made me jump. Another doctor had entered the room, his face a mask of concern. He pulled me towards the door, his voice low and urgent.

"Please step outside Ms. Jonas, we need space to work. We will update you regarding her state as soon as we can."

I resisted for a moment, unwilling to leave Ally alone. But the medical team had formed a barrier around her bed, and I knew I was only in the way. Numbly, I allowed the doctor to lead me into the hallway.

As soon as we were outside, my legs gave way. Kevin caught me, lowering us both to the floor. I leaned against the wall, my whole body shaking.

"Oh my god, Dani, are you ok?" Kevin asked, his voice tight with worry, "What happened?"

I shook my head, struggling to find words.

"I don't know," I managed to croak out, "She was sleeping, and then... God, Kevin, she couldn't breathe. She looked so scared."

Kevin wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close. I could feel the rapid beat of his heart, betraying his own fear despite his attempt at calm.

"The doctors are with her now," he said, "They'll take care of her. She's strong, Dani. Remember, she'll pull through this."

I nodded mechanically, wanting desperately to believe him. But the image, the sound of her desperate gasps, were burned into my mind. This couldn't be happening. Not after everything she'd already been through.

A commotion down the hall caught my attention. More doctors were rushing towards Ally's room, pushing a cart laden with equipment. The sight sent a fresh wave of panic through me.

"Joe," I said suddenly, sitting up straight, "He needs to know. He should be here."

Kevin nodded, already reaching for his phone. "I'll call him."

"No," I said, grabbing my own phone with trembling hands, "I'll text him. It'll be faster."

I stared at the screen, my mind blank. How could I possibly convey the gravity of the situation in a text? After several attempts, I finally managed to type out a message:

Joe, get up here now. Something's wrong. Doctors are already aiding Ally.