#Chapter 197 – Awake

On the morning of the fifth day, my eyes fly open when I hear a hiss. Victor has his eyes pressed shut, his jaw clenched together. The tube was removed from his throat yesterday and he can breathe on his own now, but he’s been sleeping the entire time I’ve been here. “Oh my god,” I say, leaning forward, grabbing his hand, my own neck and back twinging at the sudden movement from my chair. Victor’s eyes peek open when he hears me. “It’s okay,” he says, his voice scratchy, probably from the intubation. “I just…tried to turn my neck.” “Don’t move,” I say quickly, glancing around. “I’ll get the nurse –“ “No,” he says, tightening his grip on my hand. “Evie, no. Just…” he sighs and his eyes close again. I hold my breath, squeezing his hand back, waiting. “Just…” he says again. “Let me sit with you. For a moment.” I can’t help the trembling smile that crawls over my lips when I hear that. I’m completely exhausted – haven’t been catching more than a few hours of sleep for days – but