Chapter 192
Dr. Smith noticed the urgency in her eyes, “Lady Sylvia, don’t worry. Mr. Francis just woke up. He is only asleep. Try talking to him. Hold his hand, Lady Sylvia.”
“Okay.” Sylvia lifted her trembling hand and gently grasped Francis’s.
Before she could speak, tears rolled down her cheeks, her voice barely a whisper, “Fran, my child, it’s Grandma. I’m here to see you.”
The room fell silent, everyone holding their breath, eyes fixed on Francis, anxious not to miss any response.
Finally, Francis’s eyelids fluttered, slowly opening. His gaze settled on Sylvia first, then to see Gilbert standing beside Sylvia.
“Fran,” Gilbert stepped closer so Francis could see him. “It’s me, Gilbert. Grandma and I are here to visit you.”
A moment passed, and tears welled in Francis’s eyes, rolling down his cheeks as his eyelids drooped again.
Sylvia could no longer hold back, her grip on Francis’s hand tightening as she sobbed. “My Francis, my dear Francis!”
Worried for Sylvia, Gilbert supported her. “Grandma, don’t cry. It’ll make Fran feel worse seeing you upset.”
Hearing that, Sylvia tried to stop her tears. But Francis’s reaction was far from what she had expected. So, she sought out Dr. Smith, her eyes pleading for an explanation. Wasn’t Francis supposed to be awake? Awake, but only just opening his eyes?
Since they had arrived, Francis hadn’t spoken a single word.
Dr. Smith understood her concern and explained, “Lady Sylvia, please don’t worry. It’s like this when someone wakes up after a long coma.”
After all, Francis had been in a vegetative state for years. Now that he was conscious, it was like starting from scratch. Francis just regained consciousness. But he was like a child again, learning to speak, walk, and even perform basic self–care tasks.”
Chapter 192
Dr. Smith comforted her. “Sylvia, rest assured, things will get better.”
“Oh.” Sylvia sighed in relief, gently patting Francis’s hand. “You hear that? It’ll be okay. We won’t rush it.”
Though Francis couldn’t speak and blinking was a struggle, the tears kept
coming.
Knowing he understood, Sylvia’s heart ached as she cried, “Tired, huh? I’m sorry, dear, for disturbing your sleep so late. Go to sleep. Grandma’s here with
you.”
“And me,” Gilbert added. “I’m here too, staying with you, Fran.”
Unable to speak, Francis slowly closed his eyes.
After ensuring Francis was asleep, Gilbert escorted Sylvia outside, where Dr.
Smith awaited to discuss Francis’s condition.
“Give it to me straight.” Stern and imposing, Sylvia still carried the presence of a matriarch of the Johnson family. “Can Francis become normal again?”
“That’s…” Dr. Smith hesitated, then spoke honestly, “I can’t guarantee a hundred percent. There are no absolutes in medicine. And treatment effects vary from person to person…”
Seeing Sylvia’s face darken, Dr. Smith quickly added, “I can only promise to do my utmost for Mr. Francis. Lady Sylvia, we must keep faith.”
Dr. Smith looked at Gilbert, seeking support.
Gilbert felt the weight of his family’s hopes on his shoulders. With Francis yet to recover, the Johnson family’s future rested with him.