POV: Saval
The clock in the hospital room showed three in the morning. The steady sound of the heart monitor was the only heartbeat keeping me on my feet. Semiel lay motionless, the white bandage on his side stark against his pale skin. Keep breathing, please, I repeated in my mind, a plea that refused to fade.
The police had come hours earlier. They asked me quick questions, but I never let go of Semiel's hand. Mia and David provided the details; I just nodded, my eyes fixed on his face.
—We have Santiago in custody,— an officer said when she returned to the doorway.— And Xavier too. He confessed to helping plan the escape. They'll both face serious charges.
All I could muster was a whispered "thank you." None of it mattered if Semiel didn't wake up.
Mia entered quietly, a cup of coffee in her hand.— You haven't moved in hours,— she whispered.
—I'm not leaving,— I replied. My voice sounded rough, as if I hadn't used it in ages.
David approached, placing a hand on my shoulder.— We can take turns if you want to rest.
I shook my head.— No. If he opens his eyes, I want the first thing he sees to be me.
Mia set the coffee on the table.— We know you love him. He knows it too.
I fell silent, watching the slight rise and fall of his chest. Remember our walks, the laughter during streams, the early mornings talking about nothing and everything. Come back to that, Semiel. Come back to me.
The night dragged on. Every sound from the hallway made me tense. Outside, the city continued, but for me, only this room existed.
Mia and David finally said goodbye, promising to return at dawn. Before leaving, Mia turned back.— You're not alone. Call us if anything happens.
—Thank you,— I said, my voice barely a whisper.
When I was alone, I moved my chair closer to the bed. I took his warm hand and rested my forehead against it.— I'm staying right here, Semiel. No matter how long it takes. I'll wait for you forever.
The monitor marked a steady rhythm, like a pulse of hope. Outside, the sky began to lighten, and with the first rays of daylight, I felt that promise become a part of me:
Until you wake, I'll be here.
I'm Forever on Hold.