Page 19 of Knox
I stepped closer to the bed. Mallory’s face was still bruised. The scratches on her forehead and temple looked worse now that the swelling had gone down, and her arm was still in a cast. The main difference was that she was breathing on her own.
I stood next to Debra and took Mallory’s other hand. “Hey Mal, it’s Crew. I just left Grady with Knox. He’s good and has been asking for you.” Her skin was soft, but her hand didn’ttwitch. I kept my voice steady. “He’s been carrying Bunzy everywhere. Took him to the kitchen this morning and made him a spot on the couch. Says Bunzy wants you to wake up.” She didn’t move. “Your mom said you’ve been squeezing hands today. Can you do that for me?”
Nothing at first. Then I felt the smallest shift. A faint pressure curled through her fingers. Not strong. Just enough to know she was listening.
“She’s doing it.” I looked up. “She’s squeezing my hand.”
Debra stood and leaned in closer. “Mallory, sweetie, it’s okay. We’re here.”
Hank scooted closer too. “You’re doing good, baby girl. Just keep going.”
Mallory’s forehead twitched. Her lips parted a little, and her chest rose and fell again, deeper this time. Then her eyelids fluttered. Once. Then again.
Her eyes opened partway.
Debra reached for her shoulder. “That’s it, sweetie.”
Mallory blinked again. Her focus shifted toward Debra, then to me. She didn’t speak. Didn’t make a sound, but her eyes stayed open.
“She’s looking at us.” Hank placed a hand near his daughter’s head, being careful around the bandage. “You’re okay.”
“She’s really waking up,” Debra whispered, a tear sliding down her cheek.
Mallory tried to move her mouth, but nothing came out. Her lips worked again as she looked up at her mom.
“She’s trying to talk.” I watched her lips move again as she glanced my way.
Her hand shifted against mine again.
“Do you want to see Grady? I can have Knox bring him,” I asked.
She gave the faintest nod of her head.
I let go and pulled my phone from my pocket as I stepped toward the back wall.
“Hey!” he answered.
“She’s awake.” I beamed as I looked back at Mallory in the hospital bed.
“No fucking way.”
“She hasn’t said anything yet, but she’s looking around. She’s more responsive now, and she wants to see Grady.”
“I’m bringing him now.”
I told him the room number and then went to let Mallory know.
Twenty minutes later,the nurse let Grady slip in even though kids weren’t usually allowed in the ICU. He came through the doorway holding Bunzy tight, eyes locked on the bed.
“There she is,” Knox whispered behind him. “Just like I told you.”
Grady walked straight to the side of the bed, climbed into the chair, and reached for his mom’s hand.
Knox stepped up beside me, his arm brushing mine before resting across my shoulders. I let mine fall across his back without looking away from Grady.
“Hi, Mommy.”
Mallory’s eyes found him. She didn’t look away.
