Chapter 43: All Better?

"My dear, Keshia, my flight kept on being delayed. I rented a car and my phone battery was dead. I wanted to arrive as soon as possible so I didn't want to stop. Any news? How's my son?"

Nathan's mom was always grounded and calm. The typical example of someone who followed their head rather than their heart. Deep down she was probably as shaken up as Keshia but on the outside; it'd be hard to tell. She could almost appear cold.

"I have great news, Alexandra, I left you tons of messages. He's awake! We can't see him for the moment. They want to run some more tests tomorrow. You don't need to stay here. You can go rest at the house; I'll give you the keys. I'll call you as soon as I hear more."

"Keshia, honey, I can tell you're exhausted. Nathan is my son. I'll be more than happy to stay at the hospital and watch over him. You go home and get some sleep. Nathan needs you strong and rested."

"Yes, but..."

"No buts, Keshia. Go home. Wait for my call or come back in a few hours. I can assure you, I'll let you know if anything comes up."

"Thanks, Alexandra."


There was no arguing with Alexandra. This was both good and bad. Keshia used to feel very little in her presence. Now it wasn't so bad. They hugged and Keshia left the hospital. On her way out, she bumped into Graham.


"Keshia, are you okay? Have you slept at all in the last 48 hours?"

"No, not really. I haven't been home yet."

"Let me drive you. You could definitely use a time out. I haven't heard from you all night. How's Nathan?"

"Well apparently he's awake. I was not allowed to see him yet. They need to run some tests this morning."

"That's good news. He's made it through the worst."

"I doubt it. What about brain damage? Imagine if he's in a vegetative state? Or if he regresses and ends up like a child? I don't think I could deal with it."

"Please, Keshia....Take it one day at a time. You love Nathan, he loves you. You will overcome anything.

There's your stop. I'll go back to the hospital in case there's anything."

"My mother in law is already there....I don't want to be alone. Will you stay a moment please?"

Graham hesitated. Keshia was in a fragile mental state and he didn't want something similar to what happened the other night to repeat itself. But he also understood her need of not being alone.

"Sure. I'll make you a herbal tea and make sure you go to bed."

"Thanks, Graham."