It had been 36 hours since the accident and Emma still hadn't woken up. Patrick, who hadn't been home since before the accident, had demanded to see the images. He couldn't officially consult on the case, but he was her father and they couldn't deny him a look at them. After reviewing the images, which showed no swelling or other abnormalities, Patrick was at a loss. Why wouldn't Emma wake up?
Patrick was sitting by Emma's bedside holding her hand and reading her one of her favorite stories when he heard the door open.
"Patrick?"
He smiled when he saw that it was Sabrina. She had been his rock throughout this nightmare even though he knew that she was as worried about Emma as he was. "Hi, Sabrina."
"How's Emma?"
"Still asleep."
"I'm sorry, Patrick. I was hoping for some good news," she said as she came over to stand beside him by Emma's bed. She quietly greeted Emma and then kneeled down to face him.
"I know you don't want to hear this, but maybe you should go home and rest for a bit. I just finished my shift and can drive you."
Patrick shook his head. "No. I'm not leaving her."
"Patrick, Felix is outside and said he would sit with her. You haven't slept or eaten in almost two days. Some food, a hot shower and rest will do you good."
"I need to be here if she wakes up. I can't leave, Sabrina."
Sabrina grabbed his hands in hers and said, "I can tell you're running on empty. You need to get some sleep. You're no good to Emma like this."
Truth be told, Patrick longed to take a hot shower and shut his eyes for a little while in his own bed, but he just couldn't bring himself to leave Emma. "I don't know, Sabrina…"
When Felix walked in, he walked to the other side of Emma's bed and greeted her cheerily, telling her that he'd be looking out for her for a few hours. Then, he said to Patrick. "Go home, get some rest. I'll watch out for the princess and call if there are any changes. I promise."
Sabrina stood up and pulled Patrick up with her. "Come on…"
"Fine, you win. But, only for a few hours and then I'm coming right back here." Patrick leaned down to Emma, gave her a kiss and whispered, "Emma, baby, daddy's gonna run home for a bit; but, Uncle Felix will be here while I'm gone. Be good for him till I come back, okay?"
When they got to Patrick's house, Sabrina unlocked the door and waited while he entered. "So, why don't you sit down and I'll make you something to eat?"
"I'm not hungry," Patrick said as he sat down on the couch.
"Patrick, you need to eat. Then, you can take a hot shower and get some rest, okay?"
Patrick dejectedly put his head in his hands and said, "What if she doesn't wake up, Sabrina? What am I going to do? She's my life."
Sabrina sat down next to Patrick. "Don't say that. She will wake up."
"You don't know that, Sabrina," he said, as tears began streaming down his face.
Sabrina grabbed Patrick, turned him toward her and leaned in closely. "Yes, Patrick, I do. Emma is a fighter and she will beat this." She added, a little angry, "Don't you dare give up on her! She would never give up on you."
They sat there for a few moments, inches apart, staring at each other. And then he kissed her.
