chapter 5

For several nights now Emma could only sleep at midnight, give or take a couple of minutes.

She would be exhausted from a long day of work, and an even longer night at the hospital. Still, when she arrived home, got into bed, she would lie there until the time was right and her mind finally slowed down enough in order for her eyes to shut.

On a particular Tuesday, Emma had to rush to the hospital after work. They had kept her late because of an impromptu meeting. Her services were needed to get dinner and coffee. Emma was not pleased.

“What do you mean visiting hours are over? I have…” Emma pulls up her coat sleeve and looks at her watch. “FOUR minutes left.”

The receptionist glares at Emma. She was pushing over time and already running late to pick up her child from the babysitters, who was more than likely going to charge her double. She was not having a pleasant night either.

“Miss. Again, I’m sorry, but visiting hours are over. You can come back tomorrow.” She smiled through her clenched teeth.

“You’re wasting time. If I could just run in, I just want to replace her flowers…”

“Miss.”

“Please, for fuck sake I just want to replace the fucking flowers!” Emma breathes and pulls back slightly.

The receptionist is taken aback. Emma looks at her, afraid of the response and readies herself for repercussion.

“You have two minutes.” The nurse says coolly. She then turns her attention back to her desk to finish up her paper work.

Emma smiles, thankful. She turns and makes a dash down the hallway. She skids to a stop at a room at the end of the corridor. Her footsteps lighten, and she breathes slower as she enters the room.

On one of the end tables a small vase stands alone, wilting flowers inside. Emma goes over to replace them with a small bundle of daisies. After taking a moment to admire the flowers, her attention shifts to the figure in the bed.

Emma sits on the edge and reaches over, taking Jayden’s hand. Just then, for Emma, the silence of the room is filled with the beeping and buzzing of machines. They monitor Jayden’s condition in ways Emma can’t. She can only take Jayden’s hand and hope that, eventually, she would squeeze back.

But no response tonight.

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