You're My Only Direction

Chapter Thirty

Inspired by Home by Dara Maclean and Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol

Louis’ POV

            “Mr. Tomlinson, the surgery was a success,” Harry’s doctor said as I approached him in the hallway outside of Harry’s recovery room.

            “Excellent!” I sighed, grinning at him. “When can I talk to him?”

            “Well…” the doctor muttered, avoiding my eyes. “The surgery was a success; we were able to completely remove the tumor without any noticeable damage. However, the anesthesia from the surgery should have worn off an hour or two ago…so what I’m trying to say is that…he should’ve woken up at least an hour ago…”

            “What does that mean?” I murmured.

            “Harry is in a coma, and, as you already know, he was slipped into the coma before we began the operation. The surgery was successful in removing the cancerous cells, but it can’t pull him out of a coma.”

            “So you’re saying he won’t ever wake up?” I gasped.

            “No, I’m saying that we have done all that we can. The rest is up to him,” the doctor explained with an attempt at a reassuring smile.

            My breath caught and there wasn’t a single thing I could even imagine saying. The doctor looked at me sympathetically and then turned on his heel and strolled away. I collapsed against the firm brick behind me and slid to the floor, resting my head in my hands.

            Harry…

            Niall’s POV

            “I can’t believe that Harry’s in a coma…” I sighed, gazing down at my hands.

            “I’m sure he’ll pull through,” Liam replied, placing a strong hand on my shoulder and giving me a reassuring smile. I attempted one in return but I couldn’t fake it.

            “I mean look at how hard he’s fought to live. He made it through this surgery that he had minimal chance of surviving,” Liam continued, kneeling down in front of my chair. “If he can make it through that, then a coma is no sweat!”

            “I suppose…” I sighed, looking away from him. “But it’s already been two months…”

            “We’ve got to believe that he’ll be okay, Niall,” Liam insisted through clenched teeth, slipping his hand into mine. I glanced back at him. There were tears in his eyes. Aside from Louis, Liam is definitely struggling with this the most.

            I couldn’t help but smile at him; it warmed my heart to think of how strongly he really cared about all of us.

            “You really are Daddy Direction,” I sighed, gently brushing the tears off of his cheek with my thumb.

            He smiled back at me, flushing slightly as his watery eyes lit up.

            Suddenly a thought crossed my mind.

            “Where is Louis? I haven’t seen him in hours…” I said worriedly.

            “I don’t know… Liam replied, glancing around. “Perhaps he’s visiting Harry…?”

            “No, they wouldn’t let anyone in to see him at this hour…I’m going to look for him,” I said, standing up and heading out of the lobby.