#Chapter 167 Relief

The steady beeping of a heart monitor woke my senses first. Then came the blinding brightness of fluorescent lights bouncing off of pure white walls and the stingingly sterile smell of floor cleaner. Finally, as my vision focused, I saw Andrew sitting back in a chair next to my bed, Jeffrey forever standing guard in the corner closest to the door. “A-Andrew?” I croaked, my throat dry. Andrew lifted his head from his hand. “Crystal?” His face brightened. Ignoring the wires and tubes attached to my wrists, he leapt at me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders in a tight hug. I started to laugh at the pure joy of this act but grimaced at the pain it caused my side. “I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?” he asked, holding me at arm’s length as he examined me. Even with his concern for my pain, his happiness at having me alive shined through his eyes. “Fine. Laughter. Hurt.” “Do you want some water?” He reached for the glass before I even nodded my head. “Take small sips.” I let him guide t