Issues

Patience

Alison's POV

I slept through the night while snuggled up to Emily. I think that's the first full night's sleep I've had in months.

The warm, bright morning sun through the window gently wakes me from my slumber. I kept my eyes closed, savoring the sound of Emily's rhythmic heart beat.

Suddenly, I feel gentle, small circles forming a track on my hand. The simple gesture brings a smile to my face. Thanks when it hits me.

I quickly sit up in bed and turn my attention to Emily. She's still stiff as stone.

Did I just imagine that? I must have been dreaming because when I look at her now, she's so still.

"Em? Baby... did you just do that" I ask desperately while taking her hand in mine.

"Emily, we're so close. Just please, give me another sign that you're waking up." I stare desperately at her motionless body, just aching for something to happen.

Nothing...

I begin to feel tears build up in my eyes as I helplessly bury my face into Emily's hospital bed and allow my tears to soak the sheets. A initial small cry quickly transforms into a blubbering, hysterical cry. I haven't cried like this since Emily was wheeled into my ER, virtually half dead. Maybe I've been holding it all in, just trying to be strong. But I don't think I can hold on like this for much longer. I need Emily in my life. I've lost all purpose and focus without her.

"Emily, I beg you....if you can hear me.... please give me a sign" I say still crying with my head down on the bed, holding onto her hand.

Motionless....

I begin to sob even harder and start to hyperventilate as I allow all of my pent up emotions flow through me.

She's never going to wake up. I've lost her. I know that I should have patience, but I don't know if I can do this for much longer before I fall apart. "God why would you allow me to be in so much pain again" I ask aloud.

That's when it happens.... gentle, small tracks forming on my hand.

I lift my head off the bed, completely in shock. As I look down at my hand, I see Emily's finger slowly forming circles on my skin.

"Abby" I yell as loud as I can.

Tearing into the room with a terrified look on her face, Abby says, "What's wrong Alison"?

"Look!" I say excitedly while gesturing towards my hand.

"I'll page Dr. Campbell" she replies while running out of the room.

Placing my hand on her cheek, I continue, "Baby the doctor is coming. Keep trying to come back to me. I can feel it. You're so close. Show me those beautiful eyes".

Emily continues to rub my hand until she suddenly stops.

"No, no, no! Stay with me Em" I yell as I feel her slipping away from me.

"What's happening" Dr. Campbell asks as he approaches Emily's bedside.

"She was slowly rubbing my hand.....I know I wasn't imagining it.... she was coming back to me" I reply looking helpless.

"Okay, Abby, let's run the tests again. Let me assess her Alison. Can you step outside for a moment" he asks politely .

"With all due respect, you know me better than that. I'm not leaving" I reply as I firmly plant myself by her side.

Sighing heavily, he replies, "Fine. Just let me assess her. Please don't get your hopes up".

"Emily. I'm Doctor Campbell. Can you hear me? Can you squeeze my hand" he asks taking her other hand.