There are a lot of parts to this story, so it's taking some time to get everything in line for the awakening and the recovery. I appreciate your patience and your comments!

Chapter 21

Before leaving the hospital, Sam checked in on Callen. The only noticeable sound in the room was the monitor, but when Sam stood next to Callen's bed, he could see his partner's gentle, regular breathing. The doctors had removed him from the ventilator several hours earlier in preparation for the awakening procedure and because all signs indicated that there was no danger of his breathing function shutting down. Sam watched him silently for a few minutes and then leaned down. He whispered, "I'm here for you, G. I always will be," and left.

Sam didn't go back to work when he left the hospital. He called Hetty and explained that he would be taking the rest of the day off and probably tomorrow. Awakening from a coma wasn't like flipping a light switch; it could take hours. Whatever Callen needed, Sam would be there and Hetty expected no less.

After calling Hetty and giving her the latest news, Sam drove over to Anna's to give her an update. He was going to leave out some of the specific details Dr. Marchand had shared with him: the worst possible outcomes and what Callen might experience during the process since Sam wasn't sure how much Callen had shared with Anna about his past. When he arrived, Arkady opened the door. He greeted Sam soberly, and Sam admitted to himself that Arkady looked even more tired and worn than he felt.

"Please come in, Sam," Arkady said and stepped aside so that Sam could enter.

Anna came to the door when she heard Sam's name. He could tell she probably hadn't slept at all the night before, but she made an effort to act as though she was doing alright.

"Can I get you some coffee, Sam?" she asked as she greeted him warmly.

"No, thank you, Anna," he replied and then they all made their way into the living room. Sam glanced at Arkady and then turned his attention to Anna. "I wanted to come by and let you know that I spoke to the doctor this morning and everything is a go for later today."

"That's good," Arkady said with some animation and smiled at Anna. She ignored him and focused on Sam.

"What did the doctor say about Callen's condition or what to expect when he wakes up?"

"To be honest, he said that every situation is as individual as the patient."

"Well," Arkady said looking from Sam to Anna, "we know that Callen is strong and a fighter."

Sam had not seen Arkady this worried since Anna had been kidnapped by Karpozev, and for the first time, he felt genuine friendship for him. Arkady might be the most annoying man he'd ever met, but his affection and concern for Callen were real. Sam smiled at him, "You're right about that, Arkady. He's both." He turned back to Anna, "I think his chances are good, Anna." Sam couldn't stay. It was hard to not tell her everything the doctor had shared with him because she made no effort to hide her worry, her fear, or her love for Callen, and when this was over, Sam still wanted her to be able to trust him—especially if she was going to be part of Callen's life. He made his way back to the front door. "I have to go, but I will call you when I have any more news."

"Sam, you'll call me before they start to wake Callen?" she asked in a voice that was almost a plea.

"Of course," he answered as he reached out and laid a hand gently on her shoulder. "I'll call you right before."

"And if anything goes wrong?"

"Yes, if anything goes wrong—but I don't expect anything will."

"Thanks, Sam," she said as Arkady put his arm around her shoulders and she opened the door for Sam. Arkady held out his other hand to Sam who took it.

"Thank you, Sam," he said with feeling. "When Callen wakes up, tell him I will come and see him."

Sam looked at Anna and grinned, "That will help him recover quickly." Arkady looked at him slightly perplexed, but Sam continued, "He will be very happy to see you, Arkady." Arkady smiled broadly, and Sam left with Arkady still hugging Anna who didn't seem to mind his act of fatherly affection at all.

xxxxxx

There were hours to go before the procedure, but Sam wasn't going back to work, and he didn't want to go home, so he went to Venice. He didn't understand Callen's attraction to Venice. Callen said it stimulated him, but Sam thought he liked it because he could disappear into the crowd, become anonymous. Callen loved anonymity; he hated being the center of attention. Maybe, Sam reasoned, that was because when he was in foster homes, being the center of attention was the same as being a target. The more nobody noticed you, the safer you were. Whatever the reason, Callen always felt at home in Venice—despite his personal history with the place. As he walked along the boardwalk taking in the variety of sights and sounds, avoiding the skaters and bicyclists, and stopping now and then to check out some vintage merchandise or watch a street performer, Sam reflected on his partnership of more than ten years with G which, no matter what happened today, would not be ending anytime soon.

xxxxxx

Sam arrived at the hospital at 4:31 that afternoon. He had packed some protein bars, fruit, and bottles of water because he knew he might not be leaving Callen's room for hours once the procedure began. Before settling in, he had a few phone calls to make, so he stepped out to the waiting area.

"Aiden?"

"Hey, Dad. What's up?"

"Does something have to be up? Can't a dad call his kids just to see how they're doing?"

"Sure," Aiden laughed. "No law against that." Then his voice became more subdued. "We're both fine, really."

"You looking out for Kam?"

"Of course. If I wasn't, I know who would be on my case, and I wouldn't be fine then, would I?" Aiden said.

Even though Aiden had shown remarkable strength since Michelle's death, Sam worried about possible adverse effects that would manifest themselves as he grew older. But right now, he just had a message for them—and he had to lie. It wasn't the first time he'd had to lie to his children because of his work, but he hated it. And he was sure Aiden was old enough now to recognize his dad was lying when he did. "I'm not worried. I know your sister's in good hands."

"So, why did you call, Dad?"

"I called to let you and Kam know that I'm going to be on an assignment for a few days, two or three probably, and I won't be available unless it's an emergency." Sam knew Aiden needed more details. "There's no danger; we're not even leaving town. We just won't have phone access."

"You and Uncle Callen?"

"Yes."

"Good," Aiden said, "he'll keep you out of trouble."

"Make sure," Sam instructed him, "you explain to your sister that I won't be in any danger. Ever. I don't want either of you to worry."

"Okay, I got it, Dad. I'll make sure Kam understands. We'll both be fine."

"If you do need to reach me for any reason—and I mean any reason, Aiden—call Miss Lange. She'll be able to get in touch with me. You have her number?"

"I do, but we'll be fine. Don't worry about us." In the background, Sam heard a chime. "Meal call. Say hi to Uncle Callen. Love you."

"Love you, too," Sam said as Aiden ended the call.

Sam also called Hetty and Anna just to let them know that everything was on schedule and that he'd call them as soon as there was any news. As he hung up from speaking with Anna, Callen's father entered the waiting area. Sam walked over and greeted him. When Sam asked him if he wanted to be in the room with Callen, he declined. He was content to stay in the waiting area.

Sam spoke with him a little longer and then returned to Callen's room. It was almost 5:00. When he entered the room, the doctor and nurse were already present and preparing a new IV for Callen. Sam took a seat quietly and waited.