Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 36: Observation

Joe's POV

Finally, after what felt like eternity, a doctor emerged from the room, his expression unreadable.

His face impassive but his eyes scanning the group of anxious faces in the waiting room. Every eye in the room immediately locked onto him, and a tense silence filled the space, the kind that made even breathing feel loud.

I stood up abruptly, my heart pounding in my chest, barely able to contain the anxiety clawing at me.

"Is she ok?" I asked, my voice a mixture of urgency and desperation.

The doctor's gaze shifted from me to the others in the room, before he cleared his throat and spoke.

"She's stable for now. We've done a thorough check. Ally fainted due to a combination of exhaustion and stress, compounded by the impact from the crowd. It's a good sign that she regained consciousness, but there's still reason for caution."

My heart dropped. "The baby...?"

"The baby's heart rate is strong, which is a positive sign. However, given the circumstances, we're keeping her for observation overnight. We want to monitor both her and the baby closely to ensure there are no further complications."

Dani let out a breath, her expression a mix of relief and concern.

"She'll be ok, right?"

"I believe so, but we need to watch her overnight," the doctor continued.

Pri stepped forward, her face a picture of concern.

"Will she be alone? Can Joe stay with her?"

The doctor nodded.

"She won't be alone. We'll have a nurse checking in on her, and Joe, you're welcome to stay with her overnight. She'll need all the support she can get right now."

He gave me a brief but knowing look, as if understanding the weight of what was happening.

"Rest is essential, but I'm sure your presence will help her relax."

I exhaled deeply, my shoulders slumping slightly in relief.

"Thank you doctor."

The doctor gave a small, reassuring smile.

"We'll keep you updated if anything changes, but for now, you can go see her. She's awake, though a little groggy."

Without a word, I moved quickly, heading for the door that led to Ally's room.

The rest of the group stayed behind as I entered Ally's room.

The soft hum of the machines was the only sound, and when I stepped through the door, I saw Ally propped up against the bed, looking pale and exhausted.

"Joe..." Her voice was weak, but there was a warmth in it that immediately eased the tension in his chest, "You came."

I rushed to her side, taking her hand with trembling fingers.

"Of course, I came."

Ally's eyes fluttered as she tried to sit up more, but I placed a gentle hand on her shoulder to stop her, worried she might overexert herself.

"No, don't move too much. The doctor said you need to rest."

"I'm ok," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "The baby's ok... right?"

I nodded, my eyes glossing over with relief.

"The doctor said the baby's heart rate is strong. But we need to stay here tonight, Ally. Just for observation."

"I know," she said, her lips curling into a weak but reassuring smile, "I'm just so tired..."

I stroked her hair gently, my voice thick with emotion.

"I know, baby. I know. Just close your eyes. I'll be right here. You're not alone."

She closed her eyes, sinking into the pillow as she relaxed slightly.

"I'm sorry for worrying you."

I leaned down and kissed her forehead softly.

"You don't have to apologize. Just focus on getting better. I'm not going anywhere."

Ally's breathing deepened, and soon, she had drifted into a light sleep, her face still holding traces of the exhaustion she was feeling.

I didn't want to leave her side, so I settled into the chair next to her bed, my hand still holding hers, my eyes never leaving her face.

—

Third Person POV

Outside the room, the rest of the family stood in the hallway, their backs against the wall, speaking in hushed voices.

Pri looked at Nick. His expression was filled with empathy.

"I know this is hard for all of us," Pri murmured, glancing at all of them, "but they'll get through this. They're strong."

Nick nodded silently.

"I hope so. But it's hard to see Joe like this again.. so vulnerable."

"I think she'll be ok," Dani said, trying to comfort them, though she too was clearly on edge.

Kevin nodded, his hand gripping hers tightly.

"I hope so. They're both so important to me... to all of us."

Pri joined them a moment later, her voice soft.

"They have a long road ahead, but they're not in this alone. We're all here for them."

Kevin nodded, his gaze moving down the hallway toward the room.

"Yeah... I just want Ally to know that."

Back inside, Joe remained vigilantly by her side, watching over Ally as she slept, his heart full of love and fear.

He couldn't imagine a life without her, without their baby.

The next few hours would be filled with uncertainty, but Joe wasn't going anywhere. He would be right here, just as he promised, no matter what happened.