Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 78 - A ray of hope

Elektra's pov: 

The stairs loomed before me, and every step was a struggle. My body protested, weak from exhaustion, but I pushed forward. My focus was singular: Alex. Reaching the second floor felt like an eternity, but I finally stood in front of a wooden door with a brass nameplate that read: Dr. James Brown.

I knocked, my knuckles rapping against the door, and waited with bated breath. A deep voice called out from inside. "Come in."

I stepped into the room, the air filled with the faint scent of coffee and paper. Dr. Brown, a man in his late forties with sharp features and glasses perched on his nose, looked up from a file on his desk.

-"Good morning, Doctor," I said, my voice steadier than I expected.

-"Good morning, miss," he replied, offering a polite nod. "How can I help you?"

-"I'm Elektra Rivers," I began, the words rushing out. "I'm here about one of your patients in the ICU—Alexander. He's in 125 room. He's my..." I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "He's very important to me."

Dr. Brown leaned back slightly, his expression measured. "Ah, the man in 125," he said, recognition flashing across his face. "Are you a relative of his?"

-"Actually, I'm his girlfriend," I replied, my voice steady but laced with urgency.

Dr. Brown raised an eyebrow, his expression softening slightly. "I see. Well, the patient is in stable condition overall. His body has suffered numerous scratches and minor injuries, but nothing life-threatening."

Relief flooded through me, but his next words brought my heart back to my throat.

-"However, he's currently in a coma. He lost consciousness shortly after being brought here and hasn't woken up yet."

-"A coma?" I whispered, the word slicing through me like a blade. "But why is he still in the ICU if his injuries aren't critical?"

-"It's precautionary," Dr. Brown explained. "Though his condition is stable, his body needs time to recover, and we're closely monitoring his vitals to ensure there are no complications."

I hesitated for a moment, then spoke, my voice trembling. "Would it be possible for me to visit him? Just for a few minutes?"

Dr. Brown looked conflicted, his gaze darting away briefly. "I... I really shouldn't—"

-"Please, Doctor," I interrupted, my eyes pleading with him. "It'll only be a moment. I need to see him."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright," he relented. "I'll call a nurse to accompany you. But it must be brief."

-"Thank you, Doctor," I said, my voice filled with gratitude.

I followed the nurse down the quiet hallway, every step making my heart pound harder. When we reached Alex's room, she handed me a clean gown and a mask. "You'll need to wear these before going in," she instructed.

My fingers trembled as I put them on, my mind racing with thoughts of Alex. Once I was ready, the nurse led me inside.

The sight of him lying on the bed stole the breath from my lungs. His skin was pale, almost ashen, and he lay completely still, the gentle rise and fall of his chest the only sign of life. Wires and tubes connected him to the monitors around the bed, their rhythmic beeping the only sound in the room. I swallowed hard, willing myself not to cry in front of the nurse as she checked his vitals. After a moment, she gave me a small nod and left the room, leaving us alone. I approached his bedside slowly, my steps hesitant and heavy. When I finally sat down in the chair beside him, my hand reached for his instinctively. His fingers were cool against mine, and I brought his hand to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to it.