Before the Crash

*keyboard typing*

The workday had been a bit boring at times. Sam couldn't wait for the day to be over so he could be with his lover.

*Knock on the door.*

"Yes, it's open. Oh, hey Stephanie, what's up?"

"Are you down for lunch? She asked with a smile.

"Is it lunchtime already? Damn, it is; well, in that case, yes, let's go."

He closes his laptop and walks with her to the cafeteria. Around them, people are chatting and taking their breaks, enjoying the moment, away from work. Soon, their conversation drifted to anything but office matters.

....

Lunchtime was over, and it was time to get back to work.

"Yeah, I can totally see that." She said with a small laugh.

"What? You don't see me as a chef? I dunno if I should be offended or not, but I'll take it.

As he walked, he checked his phone, just as it rang. A hospital number. He froze and could feel how his heart was racing; with shaky hands, he answered it.

"H-hello?"

"Hey, this is Nurse Lola from Leaf Hospital. There was a brief pause. "I'm speaking with Sam, correct?"

His heart is still racing; the pause makes him more nervous, and with a quiet, nervous voice, he replies.

"Yes, it's Sam."

"There's been an accident. Your girlfriend has been involved."

And with that, a single sentence, his entire world shattered. He nearly collapsed. No, no, this can't be happening. It has to be a dream. Any second now he would wake up, laughing with Stephanie. But Lola's voice brought him back to reality.

"How bad is it?"

"Is she okay?"

"She's stable. It would be best if you came in so we could discuss things face to face and give you more details." She said gently.

"Yes, of course, I'll leave right away."

The call ended. His hands were still shaking as he tried to pull himself together enough to explain to Stephanie what had happened. His words were choked, but she understood immediately.

"I got this." She assured him.

"I'll let our boss know just go." She continued.

Sam rushed outside to his car. His hands were still a little bit shaky as he started the engine and pulled out of the driveway. He tries to go within the speed limit, gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white. This isn't real.

This morning, they were laughing and making plans for today. She was fine. Now, instead of going back home to her, he was racing to the hospital. And worst part is, he doesn't know what condition she was in.

....

Sam burst into the hospital breathless.

"Where is she?"

"I need answers; anything!"

Lola approached him calmly. "Come with me." She said, motioning him to follow.

"Sit, please," Lola said with a gentle voice.

Sam sank into the chair, taking small, deep breaths, trying to force himself to calm down. He knew that now, at least, he was in a place where he could get answers.

"How is she?"

"As I mentioned earlier, she's stable for now; the doctor will give you more information soon, but she will make it."

Sam exhaled slowly, the smallest relief setting in his chest.

"If you feel calm enough, you can wait for the doctor in the waiting room. He'll explain everything. Lola said with a smile.

"Yes, I'm okay. And I'm sorry for my behavior earlier; it's just that she's my everything, and this scared the hell out of me."

"No, no, it's totally okay. I can understand the situation is terriyfing." She reassures him.

He smiled. "Thank you for everything."

Sam stood up and left the room. As he walked towards the waiting room, his body was still tense, but at least the worst shaking had stopped. No more racing heart or sweaty palms.

As he sat down, something caught his attention--a man he had never seen before. He stared at the mystery man for a moment before shaking it off. Probably here for someone else. Until the man spoke.

His voice was quiet, almost lost in murmurs of the waitingroom It was quiet, but Sam was certain he said, I'm sorry."

Sam's eyes snapped towards him. His pulse is spiking. But before he could ask what he meant, the man was gone. Puzzled, Sam tried to shake it off. "I just need news about her; nothing else matters."

Still, something about the way the man left bothers him. Before he could think about it too much, the doctor walks towards him.

"Sam, right?" Dr. Peter asked in a rough voice

Sam immediately stood up.

"Yeah."

"Please follow me," Peter replies

They entered the doctor's small office. It was comfortable but ordinary, just like any other hospital office.. Sam sat down and waits. His heart began racing once more. Even though Sam knew she was safe, anxiety still was kicking in.

"So, how is she?"

"Sleeping right now because of the medication. She has bruises, a broken arm, and she also hit her head. Recovery can take a few weeks." Dr. Peter explained.

Sam let out a shaky breath; the words terrified him--but at the same time, he felt an overwhelming sense of relief. She's hurt but alive.

"Can I see her?"

"Yes, of course, follow me." Dr. Peter replied with a smile

....

The only noise was the steady beeping of the machines. Sam nearly collapsed the moment he saw her. All the emotions--the panic, the fear, the helplessness--flooded back in. He pulled himself together just enough to sit beside her, gently taking her hand in his.

Dr. Peter stepped out, closing the door behind him.

Sam's eyes remained on her peaceful face. The mystery man's words still haunted him. But right now, none of that matters, because now sitting at her bedside, he could finally let go. The tears started before he could stop them.

Through quiet sobs, he tried to speak, but no words would come. Then, just as he thought he was alone in this moment of saddnes--- he felt it. a weak and small squeeze against his fingers. His breath caught in his throat. She's awake.

"Babe?"

(TO BE CONTINUED)