Stay Alive

Truce

Tyler, Jenna, and Josh waited at the hospital all night. They couldn't see Alyssa yet. While they waited, Tyler called his parents and siblings. He also called Brendon and Alyssa's friends. Brendon was immediately on his way. Alyssa's friends would come the following afternoon.

Brendon arrived at the hospital around 9 a.m the next morning. They waited together some more before the doctor finally said, "You can come see her now."

The doctor showed them to Alyssa's room, then left to give them privacy. Alyssa was laying on her bed. There was an IV in her right arm and her old scars were visible. Tyler sat in the chair next to the bed. Jenna stood beside him. Josh and Brendon were on the other side of the bed.

It was quiet in the room for a while. Everyone was lost in their own thoughts. After an hour, Brendon placed a card on the side table before walking out. Josh stayed for another minute before following Brendon. Jenna left after Josh. Tyler remained in the room. He held his sister's hand.

Her eyes remained closed for another moment. Then, her eyes slowly opened. Alyssa looked at her surroundings. Tyler smiled and tried to hold back tears. "Hey sweetie..." He said, wiping his eyes.

Alyssa turned her head to him. "Oh. Hi Tyler," Alyssa spoke softly and tried to sit up.

Tyler held her hand and helped her up. Tyler chose his words carefully. "We've been worried about you. How are you feeling?"

"I'm just tired and sore," Alyssa looked away from Tyler.

"Okay...how are you feeling emotionally?" Tyler wondered.

Alyssa hesitated, "I'm not sure. I just feel empty."

Tyler nodded and tried to think of what else he could say. Alyssa looked at the side table and took the card. "Who is this from?" She asked.

Tyler smiled, "Open it and you'll find out."

Alyssa took the card and read it-

Dear my favorite niece,

I think about you a lot and I love you so much. I'm always here for you. I hope you recover quickly.

Love,
Uncle Brendon

It was a short card. But Alyssa loved it. "Is Uncle Brendon still here?" She asked.

"Yeah. He's outside with Josh and Jenna," said Tyler.

Tyler got up and walked out of the room. Alyssa could see him standing in the hallway. He waved and came back in the room. Jenna and the boys walked in. Brendon gave Alyssa a hug. "Thank you for the card, Uncle Brendon. It cheered me up," she said.

"Aw I'm glad," Brendon grinned.

Jenna gave Alyssa a bouquet of flowers. They were all sorts of colors. Some were yellow, others were a light blue. A pink flower was in the middle.

After Alyssa talked to Jenna, Josh came up to her side. He looked down and put his hands in his pockets. "Alyssa...I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I shouldn't have left you alone," He said.

Alyssa shook her head, "No Josh. You don't need to apologize."

"I'm just...so glad that you're okay," Josh tried to smile.

Alyssa reached up and hugged Josh. It wasn't his fault. Not at all...

That afternoon, Alyssa's friends came to see her. They stayed until about 6 p.m. When they had to leave, Jenna walked them out to Hannah's mom's car. They all came to the hospital together. Josh left to take Brendon back to the airport. Brendon had gotten a ride from a taxi that morning but he couldn't get one back. Tyler was alone with Alyssa.

Alyssa hadn't told anyone yet, but she felt bad... They were so worried and Alyssa didn't want them to worry. "I'm sorry Tyler," she said, holding back tears.

"Hey, it's going to be alright-" Tyler began.

"No. I-I shouldn't have done that. I shouldn't have...I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Alyssa cried.

Tyler held her close as she cried. Through tears, she said, "It's just...before I met you and Josh, I'd always be listening to your music and it's what reminded me to stay alive. But I couldn't even try to stay alive anymore and I'm sorry. I feel like I let you down."

She cried into his shirt. Tyler gently rubbed her back. Alyssa's cries softened and Tyler didn't let go of her. Instead, he sang-

Now, the night is coming to an end
Oooohhhh
The sun will rise and we will try again
Oooohhhh
Stay Alive
Stay Alive
For me
You will die, but now your life is free
Take pride in what is sure to die

I will fear the night again
Oooohhhh
I hope I'm not my only friend
Oooohhhh
Stay Alive
Stay Alive
For me
You will die, but now your life is free
Take pride in what is sure to die...

Alyssa fell asleep to her brother's voice.