Someone like you

Emily

I wake up in hospital to a hand gently rubbing the back of my hand.

Tony.

I squeeze his hand to let him know I know he's there.

"Hey sweetheart" he whispers, gently kissing me on the forehead.

"Hey" I whisper back. My mouth is so dry.

"Can I have a drink?" I croak.

He lets go of my hand and I hear him pouring something into a glass.

He puts the glass into my hand and I take a long sip.

"How are you feeling?" he asks.

"Sore. Very sore. And cold"

I feel him put another blanket over me, tucking me in gently. I have a drip stuck in my hand and it stings like hell. He takes hold of my other hand again and raises it to his lips to kiss it.

"Where are my parents?" I ask.

"They went to get something to eat" he says. "They've been here all day and I just got the call that you were out of surgery. They said I could visit so I did".

"And now the waiting begins" I say.

"I'll be here for you every step of the way" Tony says, pulling me to him for a hug.

"Thank you" I whisper.

I feel so tired, drained I lie back down and I'm soon asleep.

When I wake up next time Tony has gone but my parents are back.

"Hi darling" my mum says, giving me a hug.

"Hi mum" I reply, wishing I could find out if the operation worked. I want to see the face of the woman who gave birth to me, after all this time.

"The specialist is coming by in a couple of hours to take a look" she tells me.

"What time is it?" I ask.

"10 o'clock" she says.

"In the morning?" I ask, shocked I'd slept so long.

"Yes" she says laughing.

I don't think I've ever slept that long!

"Do you know if Tony is coming back today?" I ask shyly.

"He was here all night. He only went about an hour ago and only then because he wanted to get changed. He slept in the chair next to your bed, holding your hand".

I smile at this. He makes me so happy.