Chapter 14

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by glambert6370

by glambert6370

~Joey's POV~

His head was covered with bandages. A brace held his neck. The bridge of his nose was split, and his lip cracked. A black eye. His left leg was held up. IV's came from each arm. His heart beat and he breathed steadily. You would've though he was dead. Pale skinned. Red cheeks. I was almost scared to go over to him. It was like this was someone who only looked like Daniel. An impostor.

"Mr. Graceffa?" I turned around and saw a doctor. "Take a seat." He motioned for the chair.

I sat down. "What's wrong? Is he okay?" I asked.

"Well, there's no easy way to say this. He's in a coma. We don't know how serious it is. His nose is broken. We put him in a neck brace. He has two broken ribs and his left leg is broken. I wouldn't worry yet. We'll keep an eye on him. If her doesn't wake up or show any signs of improvement within 48 hours, then we'll take this to the next level serious. But he does seem to have normal brain activity. Like I said, it's still too early to tell." The doctor watched for me to have a reaction.

"Can I please have some time alone?"

"Certainly." The doctor left and closed the door. Instantly, I started sobbing. I grabbed Daniel's lifeless hand.

"I'm so sorry baby!" I wailed into his side. "I should've done something." I got up and sat next to Daniel on the bed. I lay down and snuggled up next to him (defiantly not an easy thing to do in a hospital bed). I laid my head on his shoulder and sobbed. How I'd give anything to have him here to pull me close and comfort me. What I'd give to stop him from having gone out. Tears stained his hospital gown; a thing I'm sure he would've commented on. All I could think of was all those horrible stories where people were in comas and never came out of them. Or those times that people paid to keep them alive, when they knew they'd never wake up.

"Mr. Graceffa, can we have a word?" The female officer said, knocking lightly on the door. I kissed Daniel's cheek and walked with her to the two chairs positioned in the far corner of the room. "My name is Stacy Knocks. I'm so sorry." Her eyes were drawn with sadness. The corners were pulled with years of heartache and pain. "I just want you to know, I'm here for you."

"Thank you." I choked back a few tears. "But aren't you not supposed to get caught up with the people in cases?"

"This isn't a case because it's an accident. And I'm not here as a police officer. I'm here as a friend. A year ago, my husband was in a coma from a hit and run accident. I was even called to the scene. He was in a coma for seven months. He didn't... He didn't wake up. And I just want to be here for you; someone who went through it." She paused. "Is he your boyfriend?"

"Yes. But just because he's in a coma doesn't mean he'll die, right?"

"You can't really tell. But I'll keep him in my prayers; and I suggest you do the same." She squeezed my hand. She handed me a card. "This is my number. Feel free to call me anytime, day or night. I'd probably be good for you to go home and get some rest. Surround yourself with friends and family." She said, starting to get up.

"Wait." I called after her. She turned around in the doorway. "Can he hear me?"

"Everyone has a different answer. But I think he can. Talk to him. It gives you, and him, hope." She smiled wearily and walked away. I stood up and walked around the room. Eventually, I walked back over to Daniel. For some reason, talking to him didn't feel like I was actually taking to anyone. It felt like I was alone, muttering to myself.

I curled up on the chair and called whoever I thought was important and told them what had happened. I started to asleep in the chair, all the while gripping Daniel's hand. It was surprising warm. He's hands are always warm. He says it's because his feet get cold. I got up and felt his feet. Cold as ice. I know that it isn't a time to laugh, but that hit me where it was funny. Then, a pain of longing and sadness hit me. A wish he was here to laugh at this with me.