The Flames of Medicine

22

Luke POV:

I hear someone crying but I can't see who.

My eyes are heavy and my head feels like it's floating on water.

I assess my damage and realize I can't move much or feel much for that matter, other than pain.

I feel more awake now as I move my eyes around in the darkness of my head.

"What am I doing wrong? What am I doing wrong? Why won't he wake up? It's been a month. He -- he won't open his eyes, he won't react --"

I know that voice.

God why can't I open my eyes. I'm tired and want to keep sleeping but something is telling me to wake up.

"Ashton, you're not doing anything wrong."

Ashton. I know him.

That other voice, I know it too...

Calum.

Ashton and Calum, I know them. I get a feeling of emotion thinking about them.

"His injuries were extensive. Hell, he died on the ambulance and on the table twice. He needs time to recover and you need to process this. Talk to us Ashton."

Michael.

My brothers.

I'm here. I'm okay.

god, I need to open my eyes.

The darkness feels so heavy but I refuse to give up.

I'm waking up damn it.

come on eyes. open.

"You've bottled it up and it's affecting your outlook on this. You know we trust you 1000% with his health."

I do. I trust you guys.

"And you know damn well that Luke trusts you with, literally his whole life. So --"

"I do--"

the room went silent, which I was grateful for because damn, my throat burns with just those 2 words.

"I trust all of you..."

I hear a couple of gasps as I try to blink, but I'm blinded by a bright light. I hear shuffling and the brightness dims significantly and my eye lids are more relaxed.

I feel a couple hands on my arms and another checking the annoying machine that wouldn't shut up.

"mmm--"

"take it easy Luke, you're okay, just let your body wake up on it's own, don't fight it"

I think I nodded.

I tried to nod at least, I don't know if I actually moved my head though.

The darkness is overtaking me again but I manage to open my eyes a little more and I see 3 faces that I missed seeing.

I missed you guys.

"I mmm..."

I feel tears brimming my eyes at the thought that I get to see them again. Even with the room dark, It's still too bright for me and I can't keep them open long enough to look at them directly.

"shhh, you're okay Lu. The medicine can make you groggy.  I'm weaning you off it so you still have some in your system. Get some rest and we'll be here when you wake up again. You'll feel better"

I shut my eyes and let the darkness take me again. I feel a tear stream down my cheek but someone dries it for me and I feel someone running their hand through my hair relaxing me instantly, causing me to give the slightest smile as I give in to the now peaceful slumber.