Pain.
That's all I feel when I first wake up. Miserable, terrible, painful, pain. There's times I come to be somewhat aware of my surroundings, only to slip back into the dark world of unconsciousness.
"Tom," a voice whispers...a sob. "Tom!"
My eyes snap open. It's bright, so bright. My right hand is being held so tenderly. Who could it possibly be holding it? Where was I? Why I did feel so weak like a tray of jello? And who was that mysterious figure at my side.
Atticus...wait. Atticus!
I gasp, my lungs feel as though they've been submersed in sand for decades. Atticus, my Atticus was there. And holding my hand, nothing could be better.
"Yo-you're awake," he stutters breathlessly. "I was so worried- you've been out of it for nine days. You've were on life support for the first few. I-I," he choked out, "I thought you were going to die! I couldn't bear the thought."
"Atti," I softly say, my voice is so strained from lack of use."I'm alright. I'm here. Everything is going to be okay...wait. Where am I? What happened?"
I see tears start to form in the corners of his eyes. He takes a deep breath, "At Cotton-Ginning 101. I don't know what went wrong, you're the best in the class. But, your arm...it got caught. The doctors tried to fix it, but..."
I look down at my left hand with dread. To my horror, it's completely wrapped in white bandaging. Even though it's covered, I can see how twisted and disfigured it is. "Oh..."
"It'll be okay, I promise," Atticus whispers, gripping my other hand tightly. "I'll take care of you from here on. I won't leave your side."
My heart leaps, Atti...so perfect. So beautiful. I couldn't ask for a greater (future) boyfriend. As much as it sucks to have my hand ruined, it's worth it. For him, I'd do anything.
"Atticus," I say, truly looking at him for the first time. He looks exhausted, like he hasn't slept in several days. "Have you spent the entire week here?" He nods mutely, looking away slightly. I gasp, "Atticus! You shouldn't! You have to take care of yourself, for me, for us! Go home right this instance and get some rest. Go eat and take a long nap, I'll be fine here,"
He opens mouth to protest, but shuts it quickly, knowing it's no use to argue. He nods solemnly, but turns back to me one last time, "Until next time..."
And then, he leans over, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. Without a word, he turns to leave the hospital room.
I didn't get much sleep that night.

We're baaaack! We've been working for months on this chapter, doing research on hospitals and hand surgury to get the most realism. So...the relationship is steaming up! See you in six months or something...

Threes to all of our followers! We love you!

-Dasie and May