Penultimate chapter, and a shorter one because it flows better.
60 hours after he had come out of surgery they began weaning him off the sedation. 12 hours after that they removed the breathing tube and Scott began to breathe on his own.
They took it in turns to sit and talk to Scott, two hours at a time, so that there was always someone with him. John read to him. Virgil sang. Gordon told bad jokes. Alan apologised and begged.
Scott's heart rate went up with Alan's pleading, but he didn't wake.
Ruth regaled her grandson about some of his old friends back in Kansas and what they were doing now. She'd not long been back from a visit home. Tin-Tin talked about the latest jet engine Tracy Industries was developing.
Jeff talked about his hopes for the future. That Scott would be there, and Kaya, and that they'd make a go of things. He talked about clearing some land further into the jungle and building them their own accommodation.
Kaya chatted about everything. Her job, some funny anecdotes of the people and animals she came across. How much she regretted their last meeting. How much she loved him.
But nothing seemed to stir him.
Jeff used the time to his advantage. He took each of his sons out individually for long walks and copious amounts of coffee – or tea, in John's case. Explaining over and over just what had happened between Scott and himself, how and why he had chosen so badly, reassuring them all that they would all be able to welcome partners onto the island.
Alan had been the hardest. He had been so despondent over everything. Jeff knew he had spoiled the boy more than his brothers, and this had driven home to him just how far he had been willing to accommodate Alan but no-one else. Why his other boys had never called him out over his favouritism he did not know. So, Jeff spent a lot of time with them all, talking in ways that he hadn't done in years.
Only Scott could really help Alan, though.
Three more days. Three days where the hospital staff said they were very happy with his progress and reminded them all to be patient. Scott had had a nasty head injury and who knew what that would do. His injuries, while healing, would take a long time to get over completely. But, all in all, they were very happy with his progress.
The doctor patted Jeff's hand and told him to be patient.
Jeff wasn't used to being patient.
The doc was right, there were some signs of Scott coming around. Conversations became more animated, more upbeat. Everyone wanted to be the one who would wake Scott.
Kaya held his hand in both of hers, lifting it up to bestow a kiss, then holding them against her cheek. She sighed. Placing Scott's hand down but still holding it, she leaned over and gently kissed his lips.
'I love you, Scott Tracy. Please wake up, we have much to discuss.'
And she was rewarded with a tightening of his fingers in her hand.