Sure enough, a few moments later, Lucas's eyes fluttered open.

Chapter 28

It took a few seconds for Lucas's vision to come into focus. Shortly, he began to become aware of his surroundings. There was a tube in his mouth. Why was there a tube in his mouth? Slowly, he reached for it, wrapping his hands around it. He was set to pull it out, when a hand grabbed his, stopping him. He looked at that hand, his eyes moving up the arm it was attached to, then continuing up the neck, and finally coming to rest on the face. Mom.

"Lucas? Lucas, can you hear me? Do you understand me?" Karen said. Lucas's pulse quickened as his eyes darted around the room. He had not been aware of anyone else in the room. "Lucas, calm down, baby, it's me. It's Mom. I'm here. Do you understand me?"

He gathered his composure, focusing his eyes on his mother. He nodded slowly, as much as the tube in his mouth would allow.

"Lucas, you're in a hospital. You've been here for several days now, and you've given me quite a scare. But you're going to be ok," Karen said reassuringly. She amazed even herself with the degree of calmness evident in her voice.

Lucas pointed to the tube in his mouth, raising his eyebrows to signify his confusion. "Um…" Karen stammered. She turned to Dr. Li, looking for assurance. The doctor stepped forward.

"Mr. Scott, I'm Dr. Li, and I have been in charge of your care since your arrival here. The tube in your mouth has been helping you breathe since you lost consciousness. Now that you've come around, I think that we can remove it. Do you understand me so far?" Dr. Li said. Lucas nodded. "Good. The tube is attached to a ventilator; I am going to turn off the ventilator and detach the tube now. You should be able to breathe on your own, through the tube. This is step one. Do you understand?" Lucas nodded. "Good. If you do not begin to breathe on your own, I will immediately reattach the ventilator. Are you ready?" Again, Lucas nodded.

Dr. Li stepped to the side of the bed and did as he has promised. There was a tense moment before Lucas took his first breath, but as he managed to do so, a wave of calm passed over the room.

"Now for step two," Dr. Li said. "We will remove the tube. I want you to cough forcefully for me. This will not be a pleasant feeling for you, but it will pass soon enough. Do not try to talk immediately, ok? Do you understand?" Lucas nodded. "I will pull the tube out on the count of three. You cough then. One…two…three!" Dr. Li pulled on the tube, removing it as quickly as possible. Lucas choked a bit, as the plastic of the tube scratched his throat, but the fit passed quickly.

"Now you drink some water," Dr. Li said. "It will make you feel better." Karen held a straw to her son's lips, and he slowly drank some of the cool water. Again, he choked a bit, his dry throat unaccustomed to drinking after so long without. After a few sips, however, the water flowed down smoothly.

Lucas looked up at Dr. Li. "Can I talk now?"