Page 58 of Chaotic Curse
She gives me an understanding nod.“That’s the spirit.It takes time.And patience.If you ever need to talk about it or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me.”
“Thank you, Dr.Flynn,” I say.
As she walks into Eagle’s room, I turn to Daniela.“Why don’t you wait out here?My mother is in with him.”
“Okay,” Daniela says, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.“I’ll be right here when you’re done.”
Taking a deep breath, I push open the door to Eagle’s room.The sight of my brother lying unconscious on the hospital bed hits me just as hard as it did the first time, but I force a smile on my face as I approach my mother.
“Hey, Mom,” I greet her, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
“Hawk,” she says simply.
Dr.Flynn takes a look at the chart on the computer.
“She’s been at it since morning,” I tell her, nodding toward my mother.
Dr.Flynn gives me a sympathetic look before looking at Eagle’s monitors.
For a moment, we sit in silence, the sterile smell of the hospital filling the room.My mother’s fingers are entwined with Eagle’s, her gaze never leaving his face.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she finally says, her voice barely a whisper.“He needs us.”
“We’re not going anywhere,” I reply, reaching out to squeeze her shoulder.“Neither is Eagle.He’s going to fight through this.”
She smiles, tears welling in her eyes.“I know he will.But it’s hard, Hawk.Seeing him like this.”
“I know,” I whisper, struggling with my own emotions.“But we have to stay strong.For him.”
“That’s the best thing you can do for him,” Dr.Flynn says.“That and talk to him.Remind him that you’re near and that you’re fighting for him.”She finishes at the monitors.“His vitals are stable.I have every reason to remain hopeful.”
The doctor’s words are a balm, soothing over some of the raw fear that’s been gnawing at me.I nod, managing a small smile.“Thank you, Dr.Flynn.”
She nods in return.“I’ll be back to check on him in the morning.Remember, if you need anything, just call.”
As she leaves, I grab a chair and sit on Eagle’s other side.It’s strange, seeing him so still, so vulnerable.
“Hey, buddy,” I murmur, reaching out to grasp his hand.
His skin is cool under my touch.I squeeze, hoping against hope that he might squeeze back.
“You’re going to beat this, you hear me?”I wipe a single tear off my cheek.“You’re not allowed to bow out yet.”I turn to my mother.“You need to take a break.Go get something to eat.”
She wipes her eyes.“I can’t.”
“You can, Mom.You’re no good to Eagle if you don’t take care of yourself.”
That gets to her.
Of course it does.She’d do anything for Eagle.
I tamp down my envy over her loving Eagle more than she loves me.
Right now, I’ll do anything for him as well.Especially since it’s on me—at least in part—that he’s here.
Once Mom leaves, Daniela comes in.
She takes my mother’s vacated spot.“You should eat something too, Hawk.”
