A/N- medical stuff is not my forte, please excuse any mistakes!

5 Hours Later:

Sarah's POV

Sarah shifted in her chair as the door to the waiting room opened and a doctor walked in. She didn't know who the doctor was, and since there were other people in the waiting room now, it didn't cross her mind that it was Jess' doctor. She dropped her head and began leafing through her magazine for the second time.

"Excuse me, I'm looking for Sarah Allen," came a voice that could only belong to the doctor.

Sarah put her magazine down. "I'm Sarah," she said. "Is this about Jess?"

"I'm Doctor Lansing. I'll be the primary doctor for Mr LaCroix. You are listed as Mr LaCroix's emergency contact."

"I'm aware, he told me about the change a few months ago. Please tell me you have good news." Sarah got up and walked over to where the doctor was standing, noticing Tali had joined them.

"Should we talk in front of her?" Doctor Lansing whispered, nodding at Tali.

"Tali is Jess' daughter. Whatever you have to say, she can hear, because I know Jess would not want us hiding things from her."

"Very well. First, I can tell you that Mr LaCroix is out of surgery. We just settled him in his room up here, so you can see him very soon. The surgery went well, though Mr LaCroix isn't out of the woods yet. We have him heavily sedated for the time being."

"So, he's still in a coma?"

"Yes. We can't risk him waking up and moving his head before the wound has a chance to start healing. Any movement, small or big, could make the injury reopen if it doesn't get a chance to heal."

"How long before you can wake him up?"

"My best guess at this moment is at least three days, maybe more."

Sarah took a deep breath. "Is there going to be permanent damage?" she finally asked.

"I don't believe so. We were able to successfully repair the damaged muscle and artery, and we were able to manipulate the muscle in surgery to ensure it will still retain elasticity. Mr LaCroix should be able to move as normal, though he might need some physical therapy down the road."

"Will he be able to talk?" Tali asked. "Will I be able to have conversations with my dad?"

"Definitely. It might take a few days for your dad to be able to talk properly, but he will be able to talk with you." Dr Lansing smiled. "You know, I think he might even heal faster if you're with him, Tali."

"I have no intention of leaving my dad. You won't be able to make me leave him."

The doctor smiled a little, amused. "Nobody would try to make you leave. If they do, they will have to answer to me."

"I want to be with my dad. Now."

" I need just a few more minutes, and then I will let you see your dad."

Sarah took Tali's hand and they followed the doctor together. As they rounded a corner and stopped outside Jess' room, she felt her heart break. Tali was crying silently, and she couldn't blame the child- Jess didn't look like himself in the hospital bed, surrounded by machines and covered in way too many tubes and wires for her to count. A white bandage stood out even against the pale skin on Jess' neck, and was in full view.

"Tali, we don't have to go in there," said Sarah softly, though she knew that the teenager wouldn't let her fear get the best of her.

"I have to, Sarah," whispered Tali. "I need to be with dad."

"I know." Sarah took Tali's hand again. "Let's go."

Walking into the hospital room was the hardest thing Sarah could ever remember doing. It wasn't that she didn't want to be there- she most definitely did- but being unable to do anything more than sit next to the bed, for just ten minutes, was unbearable. She wanted to hold on and not let go, but they had all been warned that the only person allowed to touch Jess was Tali, and only because she was his daughter. None of the medical staff wanted to risk making Tali angry with them.

"Daddy," said Tali quietly, pulling Sarah from her thoughts. "Daddy, if you can hear me, I want to tell you I love you. I miss you. Please don't leave me."

Sarah felt tears filling her eyes as Tali spoke. She felt so terrible for the girl, having already lost one parent. She didn't need to lose another, and she certainly didn't need to be spending all her time in the hospital.

"Honey, do you want me to get you anything?" Sarah finally asked. "I'll have to go in a minute, but I can bring you something to eat or drink if you want."

Tali shook her head. "No, thank you. I think I just want to sit here for a while."

"Okay. I'll be in the waiting room if you need anything."

Sarah walked to the door, then turned back. Tali has settled in her chair, legs curled up beneath her, and she was whispering to herself. Sarah had a feeling that maybe Tali was praying, and so she left without another word, not wanting to interrupt.