"Elle" David said, entering the ICU.
Elle, with a red and tear streaked face, motioned to her parents and led them towards the small ICU office. The Laurents and David walked in.
"Hello" The doctor said, shaking David's hand. "In Maddy's documents you're listed as the healthcare power of attorney, so I wasn't able to give information without you being here"
David nodded as if to acknowledge the doctor's statement.
"Maddy's pneumonia is.... pretty miraculously... clearing up rapidly"
David's eyes widened.
"So she's not going to die?"
The doctor hesitated.
"Well... she's still critical. But she has definitely passed a huge hurdle."
David nodded. The doctor gave more specifics, and everyone perked up just a little bit. After some hugging, the Laurents exited the room. David trailed behind a bit.
"How are you doing, David? I heard you have a little one at home?" The doctor asked.
David smiled, turning around.
"I'm doing ok. And yeah, her name is Cecelia"
"What a cute name" The doctor said. "How's she doing?"
"She's great. I just found out she was deaf about a week ago"
"Really? My son is deaf"
"Really?"
"Yes, is Cecelia eligible for the cochlear implant?"
"I'm not sure yet"
"Can I give you advice not as a doctor?"
"Of course"
"Don't make that decision for her. Let her decide when she's old enough."
David nodded.
"That's what I was thinking"
"A deaf child is the biggest blessing you will ever have, trust me on that"
David smiled.
"Oh, I already know"
"Good" The doctor smiled. "I'll give you another update when I have one. Take care of yourself ok David?"
"I will"
Maddy's pneumonia had set her back a bit in terms of being able to wake up from her coma. At this point, a week after her pneumonia had began to clear, everything was a waiting game. Waiting for a sign in either direction. The doctor entered the room and asked to speak to David, who nodded and followed the doctor out into the hallway.
"So we did some more electrode tests" The doctor began.
David's breath caught in his throat.
"Maddy seems to have regained the strength to breathe. We're thinking of taking her out of the coma within the next few hours"
David grinned.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes. We're going to start weaning her off of the medication now, and she'll wake up naturally."
David called the Laurents, who had all gone back home/to college, telling them the news. He decided to wait to tell his friends until he saw them later. David sat next to Maddy reading a book he had bought on ASL and practicing along. About three hours later, he heard Maddy stir. She opened her eyes. She was still unable to speak, or move much, but David talked to her, promising to her that everything was ok and that she was awake and on the upswing, finally. He ended up staying overnight, waiting until Mr. Laurent arrived back. He went home in the morning to find his friends all perched in his living room, as they had been the last time he left. They had clearly been staying at his house, all looking disheveled and wearing pajamas. All he had told them was that he couldn't leave the hospital, but hadn't given any specifics. This wasn't an announcement that he wanted to give via text.
