Living Like A Lion-The Year

Chapter 31-They Know, Don't They?

31.They Know, Don't They?

I woke up hours later in a hospital bed. I could see and hear again; plus, I wasn't shaking anymore. Anna slept in the chair beside my bed; so I gently touched her and she woke. “James, I'm so glad that you're finally awake,” she cried as she kissed my hand.

“Me too. Where is John? Is he okay? What has happened?” I asked with a hoarse voice.

“He is here too. Right next to you; well, behind that curtain,” she answered sadly. “He is a lot better, since they removed the collar.”

“I want to see him,” I declared and my voice hurt. I tried to sit up, but she held me down.

“No, James relax. Stay still please,” she cried as he massaged my hand.

“Is there something wrong with me?” I hoarsely asked as I stared into her tear-filled eyes.

“No, dear. You are very weak,” she answered as tears rolled down her cheek.

“What has happened?” I asked again, just rephrasing it this time.

“Well, when you fainted the first time, Bob ran away and Dr. Jason carried you and John inside. Dr. Jason removed John's collar and we sent for an ambulance for him,” she started as she stared at my hand.

“Is he okay?” I asked again.

“John is extremely weak. Weaker than you. Because you are...” she said before whispering, “part lion.” She continued in a normal volume, “You were able to withstand the shocks easier than he did.”

“He will live?” I cried and I tried to sit up again, but she easily held me to the bed.

“Yes. Thanks to you. He will live,” she answered quickly as she glanced behind her at the curtain; then she continued telling the story, “When you fainted the second time, I rode with you to here. The doctors stopped the seizures, but...”

“They know, don't they?” I asked softly, trying not to upset her more. She nodded and I asked, “How did they find out?”

“You changed into a lion, while you slept,” she wept and I raised my hand to touch her face.

“Will they tell?” I cried now to as she gently cradled my hand.

“No, I don't think so,” she answered and I smiled at her. “Now rest dear,” she commanded before she kissed my forehead.

“But I want to see John,” I protested.

“Not now,” she replied as she pulled the covers up and I quickly fell asleep.