Chapter 11
Jake and Kerry stood outside the room as the neurologist came down to run the EEG. There were still no major changes, no activity where there was needed activity. The neurologist opened the door and motioned for them to come inside as he reached over to disconnect Abby from the vent. There was an eerie silence as they all watched and waited to see what was going to happen now. Jake said a silent prayer for Abby to take that breath, holding her hand as he did. He knew she could do it, she had to do it.
Abby and Tom stood in the corner; as the neurologist began to remove disconnect the vent.
"Once he disconnects, you are free to make your decision, if you decide not to go on, all you have to do is hold you breath"
"What happens if I'm still not sure?"
"Breathe, but understand this, from now on, at any second your decision will have to be made instantaneously. Do you understand?" Abby only nodded and turned her attention back towards all the activity in the room.
Abby watched as the chest of her own body stopped rising and falling with the machine no longer forcing air into her lungs, it was an different feeling watching one's own body slip from the earth. She had to think on this one, it wasn't a simple decision, but seeing Jake standing there holding his own breath as if willing it to go into her body brought a tear to Abby's eye. She never thought that anyone would care for her that much. Abby knew that she only had three minutes, but yet those were three minutes that would change her life forever. She would either breath and they would know she was still in there, or she could stand there and continue to hold her breath and they would all know that she wasn't with them anymore. Abby had never thought about making a decision like this in her entire life and she would never want to have to make it but yet she was here and had to make that decision, the seconds were quickly ticking by.
"Thirty seconds left, please Abby," Jake pleaded, more to himself then anyone in the room, he had said it so quietly, nobody could have possibly heard him, except Abby.
"You heard him Abby, if you don't show them some sign, you die in less then thirty seconds. If this is what you want, just keep it up." Tom had a weird tone to his voice, a tone Abby couldn't identify yet. Her one question was yet to be answered, take a breath or not?
Kerry had her eyes glued to Abby's chest, praying for the familiar rise and fall that would show that they hadn't lost her just yet. She glanced at the clock, Abby had been disconnected from the vent for close to two and a half minutes before, and seconds were ticking by. Then it happened, a very shallow movement. She was breathing on her own, they still had hope, and Abby had given them back hope.
"You said it yourself Dr. Weaver, and you were right. She is a fighter; in all honesty, I didn't think she would breathe for us." Jake ignored what the neurologist was saying, Abby had answered his prayers.
"Thank you," he whispered before grabbing her hand, and leaning back in his chair, continuing the much hated waiting game.