Recovery: A Phan Fiction

Nine

"I'm sorry Mr. Lester." The voice over the phone sounded more monotone and emotionless. Those four simple words coming through the line made my entire world come crashing down around me.

"I-I understand sir. Thank you." Hanging up the call, my arm went limp and the phone fell to the carpet. The sides of my vision blurred and everything began spinning. My body shook as the words sunk in.

Dan Howell has been in a car wreck.

There was a chance he would survive. Thirty percent chance he would live. Seventy percent chance he wouldn't make it out of this coma.

How could you do this to me, Dan? Why would you hurt me like this?

I expected the tears to come but they didn't. Nothing happened. Everything felt numb like everything that meant anything in the world to me was gone. And that may be true.

Because my best friend, my husband, may as well be dead.

...

"Louise, sweetheart. It's wonderful to see you." Phil's mother wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into a lingering hug. "Phil really just needs a friend right now."

I nodded, giving her a weak smile. "I understand. Anything I can do to help out." Mrs. Lester smiled gently as she gestured me into the front door.

"I put some tea on for Phil and myself. Care for a cup?" I nodded politely, glancing over her shoulder as we walked into the brightly lit kitchen. I spotted the top of Phil's head in the living room, his back turned towards me.

"Go on, dear." She gave me a light pat on the back, nodding towards Phil. "He's still a little quiet about everything, so try not to be too stern with him."

I nodded, knowing to tread lightly. Walking into the living room, I saw Phil sitting in his wheelchair looking out the wide window. "Phil?" I quietly spoke, although he still started a bit in surprise.

"Lou? Is that you?" He turned his head, a weak smile stretching across his face. "You look good." I laughed a bit, feeling a little sad as I took his appearance in. Dark bags under his eyes, a tired look of defeat on his face.

"I can't quite say the same for you my friend." He shrugged lightly, turning back to the window.

"I guess I can say there's just a lot to handle right now." He gave a weak smile as I walked around to sit on the sofa beside him. It was amazing how strong he was trying to be. Especially since I knew how much pain he was in.

"Dan's going to be alright, Phil." Damn it! The one topic I'd been trying to avoid. Had to bring it back up.

"Lou, you're probably right. He's so strong, he's overcome so much so why not this?" He continued staring out the window, blinking rapidly to hold back the tears. "Its just... There's always that chance that he won't make it. And until he wakes up from that coma, that chance will always be there."

I nodded slowly, letting his words sink in. He was right.