The Fault in our Stars Alternative

So Close

I struggle to get my eyesight back but when I do, it's my mom. She held my hand and fell asleep. My face starts growing a smile and I squeeze her hand, but I did it too hard because my mother woke up.

"Hey mom" I say with a faint smile.

"Oh gosh, how are you feeling Hazel?!" she asks frantically.

"Okay. Where's Augustus?"

"He went home to sleep. He's been her for 5 days already so he's tired and restless. He'll come by tomorrow morning."

"5 days? That's how long I've been here?"

"Yes, you've been asleep for 3 days. They had you on intense care so you got a lot of drugs and they made you fall asleep."

I look confused because I don't remember much but it's probably the drugs.

"Do you have my phone mom?"

"Yes I do actually." 

She reaches into her old, brown leather bag and looks for it. She has so much stuff in there that it takes her a while to find it. 

I click the button on my phone and the screen lights up. 

1 new voice mail from Augustus Waters

I click on the voicemail icon and it starts to play. 

"Hey Hazel. It's nice to hearing your voice on your voice mail. I miss you and I know you're going through hard times right now but so am I. I need you to survive, just this once, do this favor for me. Please. I love you Hazel Grace." 

I start to tear up and lock my phone and place it between both my hands. I bring my hands to my chest and I let out the tears; my mom looks at me and asks me what's wrong.

My mom leans in and I hug her. I hug her tightly, I don't want to let go because I need her right now. I barely remember anything that happened to me, I haven't seen Augustus yet, and I just want someone to show me affection. 

My mom gets up to get some tissues for me and I wipe my tears away. I bring out my phone again and dial Augustus. 

"Hello?!" he says scared

"Hey Augustus. How are you?" 

I can hear him get excited and sit up from his bed. His voice changes slightly, he sounds happier and it sounds like tears are forming.

"Hazel! How are YOU doing?! I miss you, I've been at the hospital for 5 days. You know, you really chose the wrong day to wake up."

I laugh at his joke, "I know, I'm sorry."

"Do you want me to go see you?" 

"Augustus, you need to sleep. My mom told me you haven't been sleeping and she says that you've been rubbing your leg a lot. Is everything okay?"

He doesn't answer for a few seconds.

"Hazel Grace, I'm on a roller coaster that only goes up."

"Augustus please."

"No Hazel, I'm really fine. I guess I'll wait to see you tomorrow."

"Get some sleep, please. We can have fun tomorrow." 

"Okay."

"Okay" I reply back.

"Well, goodnight Hazel Grace, goodnight." 

He hangs up the phone and I smile. I'll be able to see my boyfriend soon.

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

I look around to see where that sound is coming from. I can't figure it out so I ignore it. A nurse walks in with dinner. On the plate is a medium sized piece of well done meat. It also comes with red jello and a glass of juice. My mom gets up and helps me eat since I don't have all my energy back. After dinner, I end up falling aleep again. 

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.