Page 98 of The Fighter
“Let’s have him sit up.” Finn raised the bed up and it gave me my first glimpse of Magni’s face. His beard was gone and his right side was covered with a protective layer of some kind.
“Here, do you want some water?” Magni’s right eye was covered but his left was looking down at Mila, who was placing a small ball of water by his lips. Slowly he opened his mouth and she pushed the ball inside.
“Oh, that’s okay, babe.” Laura got up and dried away the water that ran down his chin.
Another hoarse sound came from Magni and it made me grab Leo’s hand and whisper to him. “He’s trying to speak.”
Leo squeezed my hand and leaned in so he could see a bit through the door opening as well.
“Magni, do you know who we are?” Khan asked.
Magni didn’t answer but turned his head and then a long, pained sound cut into my heart.
“Yes, you lost some of your arm. You were in an accident. A drone crash. Do you remember?” Finn’s voice was soft and sympathetic.
Magni made a low and throaty sound. It was clear he was trying to speak but I didn’t understand.
Finn continued, “I’m sorry, friend. There was no way to save your left arm and for a while the doctors here doubted you would survive, but we told them how strong you are and you proved us right.”
Magni’s left eye was darting around the room. “Do you remember us?” Khan repeated.
“What’s my name?” I could see Mila’s sleeve as she leaned in and caressed Magni’s face.
Another low guttural sound came from Magni, but it was close enough to, “Mila” that I sighed with relief.
“And me, do you remember me?” Laura’s voice was breaking.
“Laura.”
Mila and Laura were sobbing with joy.
“We were so scared you wouldn’t be able to recognize us.” Erika kissed his forehead.
“My eye.” His right hand lifted to the part of his face that was wrapped up. “I can’t see…?”
The doctor leaned in and pulled Magni’s hand down. “It’s better if you don’t touch it. The left side of your face was injured during the crash and it needs to heal. The operation went well, and we’re hopeful that we saved enough of your nerves that you’ll regain at least some vision in your right eye. For now, it needs to remain covered though.”
Magni groaned.
“It was a bad crash, brother. As Finn said, it’s a miracle that you’re waking up at all. It’s going to be a long road to recovery, but you’ll get there and we’ll help you.”
Magni’s good eye darted around. “Leo,” he muttered.
“That’s right. Leo was with you in the drone. Do you remember now?” Finn asked.
“Is he okay?”
Leo squeezed my hand when we heard Magni asking about him.
“Yes, Dad. Leo was injured too, but he’s right outside the door. He told me you saved his life.”
Magni gave a hoarse cough and sunk back in his bed with a sigh.
Finn placed a hand on his left shoulder. “We know you’re tired and we’ll let you sleep in a minute. Just know that it’s a good sign that you remember the crash and that you recognize us.”
“That’s right,” the doctor agreed. “When you feel better, we would like to do some tests, and later we can talk about robotic limbs for your arm and legs.”
“My legs?” Magni looked up at the doctor.
