When I See You Again

XXVII. Terrible

Lindsey and Lucy went to go see Stevie in her room; Lucy just to see for herself, that her mother was okay and for Lindsey to stay the night. He couldn't just not stay by her side---he needed to be there for her.

As they approached Stevie's room, Lindsey pushed open the door and was met by his sleeping wife on the other side. Her hair fell disheveled on one side of her head and it was lightly twisted. You could tell it had been in one of those caps, to keep it out of the way. She was in a nightgown, with the blanket covering her bottom half. Her hands were beside herself---an IV on the back of her hand. A pulse oximeter on the other hand's finger---a blood pressure wrap connected to that arm as well. She had EKG leaves connected to her chest. Every machine was showing something different things, but how she was functioning---it all seemed normal.

Lindsey let out a light breath---looking at his wife. She just looked so tired, like her body had been fighting for so long. But he was so happy it was able to take and she kept going.

"I just wanted to make sure she was fine. I have to go, dad," Lucy squeezed his hand a little. She had to leave before the hospital closed and she was stuck there. She wouldn't mind, but she needed to eat again and be with her husband---let him know her mom was fine and so he could comfort her.

"Okay, honey---you should get your baby to bed," he turned and whispered to her.

She nodded. Stepping forward, she went to kiss her mother's forehead. "I love you, mama." Coming back, she hugged her dad.

"Sleep well, angel," he kissed the side of her face and embraced her tightly.

She nodded again. "I love you."

"I love you, baby," he pecked her cheek once more, before letting her run off.

Once his daughter had gone, he went to be by his wife's side. He sat down and was careful with her hand. He mostly let his fingers graze over the back of her hand---he didn't want to pick her hand up and accidentally jolt the IV in the back of her hand. He felt really relieved that his wife was okay---asleep, but breathing.

I don't think I could ever live without you, he spoke to her, in his head. I think I would die without you, Stephanie. You are one of the most major and intrical pieces that create me. I feel like the last couple decades were a test to our love and it's as clear as day that we can get through anything. I don't want anything to ever happen to you---I think if something would have happened to you, today---my soul would have been ripped from its shell. I can't live without you, even if you said otherwise. No matter how many fights we have or have had. No matter how volatile our relationship became, or how difficult it could be. I will always be here for you and I will always love you in a way that can never be explained. You are my soul, Stevie.

~

When the next morning arrived, Stevie would be half dazed and still trying to wakeup from the heavy medical treatment.

She opened her eyes, squinting to the light from the window. She woke up, crying silently as she took in the sight of her husband. Her body jerked ever so slighty as she cried.

Lindsey opened his eyes, to see her with a hand plastered to her face. "What's wrong, baby?" he asked---sitting up to try and be of comfort.

"I came so close last night..." she lingered. "I'm in so much pain."

"I'm sorry," he crawled onto the bed, next to her, to hold her. He was near to his own tears as he watched her cry---all his bad thoughts of what ifs came back. "Nothing's gonna happen to you," he kissed the top of her head and allowed her to rest her head on his chest.