Jane stood at the window of the little room watching Maura sleep. The fluorescent lights and stark white sheets only emphasised the paleness of Maura's skin and the dark circles beneath her eyes. How was it possible for her to look so ill, so tired when she had done very little but sleep for the last two weeks.
The second Jane had realised where she was and what had happened she had wanted to rush to Maura's side. Tell her it was all going to be all right. Tell her she was sorry. But most importantly to tell her how it felt in those moments after the accident, when she thought she had lost her. She needed To Tell her how much she loved her. Angela had pushed her back to the bed, tears streaming down her face as she told Jane what had happened. "It's bad Janie, real bad". She had held her as she told her how Maura had suffered brain damage and her memory had been severely effected. "She doesn't remember anyone Janie, not even her own mother."
Jane had been terrified of what would happen when she next saw Maura. She had avoided it for almost a week but now as she stood at the window seeing how frail and vulnerable Maura looked she needed to be beside her. She walked determinedly into the room and sat herself on the cold plastic chair taking Maura's hand in her own. She Clutched Maura's hand as she watched her chest slowly rise and fall, convincing herself it wasn't over yet. She was still here. Even if she didn't remember her, Jane would never leave her side. She loved her. It had taken her a near death experience to realise it but she would never doubt it again. She would not waste time worrying if it was reciprocated, worrying what people would think. She would devote herself to this woman. Jane closed her eyes inhaling deeply focusing on the warmth of Maura's hand in hers.
"Jane" Jane eyes snapped open brimming with tears as she realised the voice had come from Maura. Hope rose within her and the dread that had been weighing on her, ever since she heard the news, vanished.
"You remember me?"
"Well of course I do. You're my wife."
Maura smiled widely and Jane felt the smile spread across her own face. She leant in cupping Maura's cheek as she kissed her gently.
"Of course sweetie". It wasn't true but what did it matter. It was all Jane had ever wanted and they could make it happen soon enough.
"Hey, how's it going?" Frankie popped his head round the door of the hospital room giving Jane an encouraging smile. Maura's eyes pulled away from Jane's as she spoke, panic rising in her voice
"who are you?"
"It's alright. It's Frankie." Jane stroked Maura's palm with her thumb drawing Maura's attention back to her. "My brother".
Maura's previously bright eyes seemed dull and unfocused. "And who are you?"
