Sullivan had dozed off at some point during the night when he felt a slight twitch from the hand still tightly clasped in his own. He woke up with a start and looked at Esther. Her eyes were open, gazing at him. Under the oxygen mask, her lips moved—she wanted to say something.
Sullivan reached over and removed the mask. He had to lean in before he could hear her whisper.
Her voice was weak and cracking, but he was sure he heard her say, "Bloom."
Sullivan sank back into his seat, offering a small smile. "She's fine."
She didn't seem fully awake. Slowly, she nodded at his reply before closing her eyes again. Sullivan exhaled, feeling the tension leave his shoulders. He had been worried sick, but now that she had woken up, it meant everything was going to be okay.
The next day, when she woke up again, the doctor performed a checkup. Once he was finished, he asked to speak with Sullivan privately. Sullivan led him to his study.
"Is something wrong with her?" he asked.
