Chapter 49:
February 3, 2026- Seattle, Washington
"He wasn't supposed to survive."
"What?" Preston asked.
"He wasn't supposed to. Don't get me wrong, I wanted him to. I know he deserved to, but all medical evidence said that he didn't have a chance. Everything said that he wasn't strong enough to pull through this surgery," Dr. Henderson said.
"There are things stronger than any surgeon or piece of medical evidence," Preston said.
"Like a superior power?"
"Like love," he answered before opening the door. Knowing that Dr. Henderson didn't understand, he turned around and looked back, "If it hadn't been for Meredith, I don't think he would have made it."
"Mrs. Shepherd?" Dr. Henderson said, waking Meredith up from her daydreaming. She stood up and walked over to him as her daughters sat up straight in their chairs, grasping onto the arm rests, preparing for what might come.
"Is he okay?" Meredith asked, almost afraid of the possibilities.
"You can see him if you want. He's still a bit groggy, but you can see him," Dr. Henderson said.
"He's okay," Meredith said sighing as a smile grew on her face. "It was successful?"
"You and your husband need to talk to Dr. Burke. I wasn't the surgeon, so I believe that'd be his place," Dr. Henderson said as he turned to lead her towards Derek's room.
Aimee and Celine got up to follow their mother, "Everything's going to be okay?" Celine asked.
"He's okay," Meredith repeated, "He's okay."