Damaged Goods

Chapter Ten

"Dan, you have to start showing signs of waking up now," I start with my hand tightly laced with his limp one.

"The Doctors. They are- they are starting the discussion of whether or not you'll ever wake up again. You aren't showing any signs, you aren't doing anything!," inhaling a large gulp of air I carry on.

"A nice nurse called Leanne told me it's not the science behind your life that wakes you up; it's yourself. You have to want to live another day to be able to do so. You can't rely on your body to do it for you babe. I know you can pull through- you are stronger than this. Please just - just do anything! Show a sign even a tiny one!" I wait for the clićhe moment you read or see in those books and films where the guy squeezes your hand.

But it didn't happen.

I wipe the tears I shedded throughout my speech and sit back in my chair staring out the window to the woodland that surrounds the hospital.

It isn't very appealing to the eye with rubbish littered around on the ground, over filling the trash cans and spewed everywhere even circling the trees where people have clearly been to lazy to walk or wheel a further 10 steps to the bin.

In deep thought I don't notice the doors opening and closing. I only realise once a unfamiliar voice perks up.

"Hi, I'm Liz and I am a special doctor that's been referred to Dan's case. I help the relatives decide on what's best for the patient and I guide them through it. Through this process you won't be alone."

Seeing as she seems nice enough I silently nod my head as a guide for her to carry on.

"Normally, it is the relatives decision at the end of the day when the machines should be shut off, but seeing as Dan hasn't got any parents or guardian figures to decide that for him the Doctors are the next best thing..."

I try to take all the information In, unwilling to speak just yet I wait for the next bit.

"As you know it's been over a month now of Dan having no response at all. He has shown no sign of even trying to wake up. So, even though this will be tough it is nearing the time when Doctors have to start evaluating what's best for the patient themselves. Do you understand?"

I just stare at her in total utter shock.

They think they get to decide when he dies? When he stops living his life? When he doesn't have a chance at any of his ambitions or life goals because the doctors who have never met him outside of his coma think it's the right time?!

I know I haven't known him that long, but from just the couple of months I know he would never give up. Never.

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10:03pm

I'm curled up in the most uncomfortable position in the chair I've been sat in for the past month.

My fingers are tracing the bulging veins in his right arm. His hand is so cold. His whole body looks lifeless and dead already.

Tears slide down my cheek as I have the thoughts of earlier today where Liz basically told me I have absolutely no say and soon enough the guy laying right in front of me will be gone.

My tears turn into a sob and soon enough I can't control the salty water droplets that are cascading down my cheeks at a rapid pace.

-Dans' POV-

I can't tell how long it's been.

All I know is it's been a long wait for the girl that's stayed by my side throughout my hospital stay.