The last sound jolted Gilbert awake as if from a nightmare, his eyes snapping open. A fine sheen of cold sweat coated his forehead and temples. “Gilbert?”
Caroline’s lips parted slightly, disbelief etched across her face.
At this moment, she was the only one in the hospital room.
The nurse had just finished her rounds and gone, while the caregiver and Sherilyn were grabbing a bite in the cafeteria.
“Gilbert! You’re awake?”
Stumbling over, Caroline rushed to his bedside, witnessing with her own eyes Gilbert’s awakening.
Tears welled up, choking her words, “Thank goodness!”
“What happened to me?”
Gilbert frowned, massaging his temples, his head still throbbing.
His last memory was of the New Year’s Eve celebration at Sunset Ridge Community, holding Jenna, watching the fireworks with Sherilyn, and then… Nothing.
Looking around, he realized he was in a hospital.
How did he end up here? Did Sherilyn bring him? She must have been terrified.
“Sherilyn?” Gilbert asked, attempting to rise.
“Take it easy…” Caroline ignored his question, helping him sit up and stuffing a pillow behind him for support.
“You, always so stubborn about going to the hospital… Look where that got you.”
Suddenly, she threw herself into Gilbert’s arms, “Do you have any idea how scared I was? You’ve been in a coma for a week! The doctors said you might never wake up… I’ve been here night and day, afraid to sleep…” Sobbing, she let the tears flow.
“I was terrified you’d end up like Francis, lost to us for years! Thank heavens, you’re awake! You’re okay!”
“Caroline.”
Gilbert looked down at her, his hand reaching out to her shoulder, trying to pull her back, but his arms felt weak from just waking up.
“Don’t cry… I’m alright, aren’t I?” “Yeah…”
At the door, Sherilyn and the
set
hurried over, drawn by the
Ction, thinking.
needed help.
help.
They hadn’t expected to find Gilbert awake!
SWOO
He and Caroline were locked in an emotional embrace, tears streaming down their faces…
The caregiver glanced at Sherilyn, “Ms. Gomez, this…”
Sherilyn remained composed, accustomed to such scenes, and calmly instructed the caregiver. “Please, go inform the doctor.”
“Right away!” The caregiver hurried off.
Sherilyn stood there, observing the emotional scene with a cool detachment before turning to leave.
Gilbert was awake; her presence was no longer needed.
As she turned, Gilbert’s gaze met hers, catching a glimpse of her silhouette.
“Sherilyn!”
Suddenly invigorated, Gilbert pushed Caroline aside and threw off the covers, intending to get out of bed.
Caroline grabbed him, “You’ve just woken up, where do you think you’re going?”
“Sherilyn, I saw Sherilyn!” Gilbert frowned at her, his eyes filled with reproach.
“Why didn’t you tell me Sherilyn was here?”
“What does it matter if she’s here?”
Caroline’s tone turned icy, “Do you think she came
you, she didn’t want to come at all!~~~ You were in a coma for three days, and even when Francis asked, she refused! It was only after grandma begged her that she reluctantly agreed to come!”
regly? Let me tell
“But she came, didn’t she?”
Gilbert managed a bitter smile, “That’s enough for me.”
Stepping onto the floor, he slipped on his shoes, ready to leave.
But the IV needle still attached to his arm.
With a swift motion, Gilbert yanked out the needle!
“Gilbert!”
Caroline stared at him in shock,
“What are you doing? You’ve just et
wokee y
up from a week-long coma; you need treatment! You must be treated!”