I was dozing in the uncomfortable bedside chair, roused only by the rhythmic beep of the monitor, when it happened.
It was a small movement, barely perceptible. Her right hand, the one not secured by a cast, twitched. Then, a slow, strained sound escaped her lips, a low, painful moan.
I was instantly, brutally awake. All the blood in my body seemed to rush to my ears, drowning out the hospital noise. I surged forward, gripping the rail, staring at her face.
Her eyelids fluttered, heavy and confused.
They finally lifted, revealing her eyes…hazy, unfocused, but undeniably present. They searched the room, registering the white walls, the machinery, and finally, settling on me.
"Ava," I whispered, the name catching in my throat, thick with relief that was so fierce it was almost painful. "You're back."
She tried to speak, but only a dry, raspy sound emerged. She swallowed hard, her brow furrowed in confusion and the clear haze of pain.
