Hollywood What If Chapter 544
The three actors entered the hospital and found Heath's relatives. Every one of them was worried about Heath's situation.
The three men paused at the doorway. No matter how many times they experienced this, they were still uncomfortable. The atmosphere was too depressing.
Actually, even though it sounded messed up, Warner Brothers and their agents encouraged them to visit Heath once in a while, especially now, when Heath's situation was trending.
This was a form of promotion and also a way to show a positive impression to the public. The fact that the three actors showed up and the people saw them going to the hospital was publicity. They were building the image that they were good people who visited their co-star who was comatose.
Honestly, this was great publicity. People liked kind-hearted actors.
The three nodded at each other and greeted Heath's family.
Heath's mother sat by his bedside. She was gently brushing her son's hair. She had a pale face. She nodded at them and weakly smiled.
Heath's father stood behind her, his hand on her shoulder. The dark bags under his eyes proved the sleepless nights he had endured.
Michelle Williams sat quietly next to them. She was holding Matilda in her lap, whispering comforting words to her daughter. The innocent two-year-old girl was sometimes asking when her dad would wake up. She thought Heath was just sleeping.
Heath and Michelle Williams were in a serious relationship. Their relationship started during the filming of Brokeback Mountain. She starred in movies such as Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine, My Week with Marilyn, Manchester by the Sea, and many more.
The two had a daughter named Matilda Rose Ledger.
"…"
Honestly, the three actors were not that close to Heath or to his relatives. They were just co-workers, after all. However, this was a way to promote their movie, so they had to visit Heath.
Christian Bale cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence. "How… how is he today?"
Heath's father looked at him, his eyes hollow. "No change," he whispered.
"The doctors said… it's a waiting game now."
Their expressions didn't seem good. Even the three actors felt the negative vibes in the room… This was awkward.
However, every one of them hoped that Heath would wake up. None of them wanted to see a person suffer.
Particularly Christian Bale, he was with Kazir and Scarlett when they discovered Heath's overdose. After what he experienced and what Heath experienced, he was hoping for good news.
Anyway, the actors talked to the relatives to ease up the situation. They had to stay in the room for at least half an hour to show their sincerity. After that, they would leave through the front entrance of the hospital so that people would see them. Yeah, they were farming publicity.
As the room fell into another silence, only Heath's breathing could be heard.
Suddenly, Heath's fingers twitched. His eyelids fluttered, just barely.
"Heath?" his mother gasped. She dropped the comb she had been using to brush Heath's hair.
Michelle's eyes widened. She also saw it.
"Oh my God… Heath?"
"…"
Heath Ledger's eyes slowly opened, unfocused at first. Everyone was silent for a second. Then, Christian Bale immediately came out of the room to call the nurses and doctors.
"I'm gonna call the doctors!"
Heath blinked his eyes. His eyelids were heavy, but he could see. His gaze drifted before settling on his daughter. His lips moved, and he weakly smiled.
Then, the family started crying in happiness.
Heath's father choked back a sob while his mother cried as she hugged her son.
Heath woke up.
......
...
...
The camera cut to the modern newsroom, where a newscaster sat at a polished white desk, papers neatly arranged in front of her… These papers were just props, by the way, because the newscaster only read the teleprompter behind the camera.
The headline of the segment was: "HEATH LEDGER AWAKENS. A MIRACLE IN HOSPITAL."
They always use caps lock whenever they write a news headline.
"Good evening. In a heartwarming development that has captivated Hollywood and millions around the world, actor Heath Ledger has awakened from his coma."
"After spending eighteen agonizing days in an unresponsive condition at the hospital, Heath Ledger's eyes have finally opened, marking a miraculous turn in his recovery process."
The 'screen' next to her shifted to live footage of the hospital exterior, where people were celebrating, and some even kissed… The people who kissed were both men. After the success of Brokeback Mountain, many gay fans became devoted supporters of Heath.
The scene then changed to a brief clip showing Heath Ledger's family gathered around his bed.
"Sources confirm that Heath Ledger, known worldwide for his portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight, is now responsive."
"The medical staff reports that while his condition remains serious, his return to consciousness has sparked hope among his family, friends, and fans."
"Ledger's sudden awakening has ignited a wave of relief and celebration, with many calling it a miracle."
A split-screen showed a clip of Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, and Michael Caine outside the hospital, their faces a mix of relief and happiness.
"In related news, Warner Brothers, which has closely monitored Ledger's condition, released a statement expressing joy and support for Heath Ledger."
"The studio noted that while Ledger's recovery is encouraging, they are continuing to work with the hospital to ensure his health. As the story develops, we will bring you further updates on Heath Ledger's progress."
The newscaster paused while fixing the thin stacks of paper in her hands.
"Stay tuned for more updates on this recovery. For now, fans worldwide are rejoicing at the news. The legacy of Heath Ledger's incredible performance in The Dark Knight continues to inspire people."
The camera slowly faded to the network's logo as the segment ended, leaving viewers with a sense of optimism.