Page 59 of Holding Grace
I did as instructed, sucking very, very carefully once the straw was between my lips, pulling cool water into my mouth and nearly moaning at how wonderful it felt sliding down my parched throat. I took another careful drink, then let go of the straw, not wanting to risk over doing it.
“I...” my voice was hoarse, but at least something came out. “I’m scared to try. My head feels like it’s completely split in two.”
I heard the sound of blinds being closed, then Mercy’s voice said, “I closed the shades if you want to give it a shot. If not, that’s okay. We’re just thrilled you’re awake and talking to us.”
I hated to admit it, but I wasn’t sure how long that was going to last. My head swam and I felt like I might drop back into the darkness at any moment. Not wanting to disappoint them, I clung to consciousness.
I felt a big, warm hand cover mine, then Michael spoke again. “Do you know where you are, Grace?”
Somehow, I did know. Whether it was the smell or the sounds, I had no question. “In a hospital.”
Michael squeezed my hand gently, confirming I was right. “I buzzed your nurse, so he should be on his way in as soon as he can. You just relax, okay?”
“Okay.” I turned my hand in Michael’s until I could hold on. His fingers curled around mine, holding on to me in return. Scared to know, but needing to, I asked, “How long?”
How long had I been here? How long had I been out?
“Almost three days.” Michael’s voice was strained, rough, and he stopped to clear his throat before going on. “You were brought in late Tuesday and it’s Friday afternoon.”
Brought in? I must have...had there been an accident? I knew where I was, but why...?
The answer would have to wait. I felt the darkness creeping in again and knew I couldn’t hold it back.
I tightened my hold on Michael, his hand on mine feeling like my only anchor against floating away completely.
With the last of my effort, I whispered, “Stay?”
And heard Michael’s whisper in return. “Right here, Gracie. I promise I’ll be right here.”
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THE NEXT TIME I WOKE, the pain in my head had dulled to a throbbing, but bearable level. I breathed a sigh of relief that the sharp agony of earlier was no more.
“Welcome back, Grace.”
My lips curved up at the sound of Michael’s voice and I heard his quiet chuckle.
“That’s the best thing I’ve seen in days.”
I felt my cheeks heat a little and wasn’t sure whether to be grateful or not that, whatever my injuries, they apparently hadn’t impacted my propensity to blush around Michael.
“Are the blinds closed?” It seemed like they were – no light or warmth seeped through my eyelids – but I wanted to be sure before I attempted to open my eyes.
“They are, but it’s also dark out. I have the lights dimmed as much as I can in here.”
“Alright, here goes.”
Bracing myself in case this was a bad decision, I inched my eyelids open slowly. I was rewarded with the sight of Michael, sitting in a chair close to my bed, smiling his breath-stealing smile at me.
“There’s my girl,” he said softly, his eyes lit with happiness as they focused on mine. “I was wrong before. Seeing your eyes open – that’s the best thing I’ve seen.”
I smiled back, knowing he was exaggerating yet so glad to see him, too.
“I feel like I might stick around a little longer this time.”
“That’s the best news of all. I’m going to go ahead and buzz your nurse, though. By the time he was able to get in here yesterday, you were already out again.”
Yesterday...so I hadn’t been out as long this time. Another worry answered.