Forever

Chapter 12: Numb, Part 1

"(Y/N), how is he doing?"

You looked up from the half-eaten bagel Anthony had brought you hours ago, meeting the worried gaze looking down at you. You tried to form a cohesive sentence in your mind, but it hurt your chest just to breathe. It had been hours since you arrived at the hospital, crying and delirious over what had happened. It was just all so overwhelming.

Robert put his hand on your shoulder, and said, "They haven't come by in a while. We're trying not to assume the worst. Right, (Y/N)?"

All the force you could muster lead to a simple head nod – if you looked up again, the room would start spinning. But you did it anyways. You had to look at him. He was zoned out – his eyes were staring right at you, unblinking. They were glassy and swollen; he must've stopped crying some time ago. He opened and closed his mouth every few minutes. He blames himself for all of it. He didn't know. He couldn't have. I should go talk to him.

You convinced yourself for what felt like the 15th time that you had to get up, and talk to him, but you just couldn't make yourself get up. Tom was on your left, holding your hand, and Robert on your right, keeping a hand on your shoulder as he texted away on your phone, probably answering family messages, asking if you were okay. You hadn't been able to move for hours – the doctors said you were in shock, and that it would be over soon, but you felt trapped.

You looked over to Tom, who gave you a pressed smile as he gently squeezed your hand – "Hey, (Y/N). You're okay, it'll all be –"

"Why did this happen, Tom? How could this have happened? This is all my fault."

As Tom started to say something to calm you down, a doctor appeared in the hallway, heading towards the waiting room. Tom squeezed your hand as Robert, Anthony, and Chris all stood up.

"What's happening, Dr. Robinson?" You kept your eyes focused on Robert's dress shoes as you heard him talking to the doctor.

"He's in an unstable condition. We've put him in a medically induced coma for the time being, and he'll be placed in the ICU for the moment. Miss (Y/L/N)?"

"She can't talk right now – she's still in shock. Can we give her anything for that? It's been hours since we've been here, and she still can't move or talk,"

"Wh- when can I see him, Dr.?" The words barely made it out of your mouth before you started to gasp for air – it hurt so much, you couldn't look up.

"I'm afraid your visit will have to wait until tomorrow afternoon – we want to give him at least 12 hours before letting anyone up to see him. But, Chadwick will be in Room 1518, in the ICU. I'll have you listed as a family member for visiting hours. I'll be back shortly with some medicine for you."