(William Faulkner is an American who wrote a book called "The Sound and the Fury."
There is no sound. There is only fury.
This will not be my only update for the day. Won't that be fun!
Alright, let's get this sappy chapter over with...
Let's begin.
Markus, Val, Derek, Angie, Secretary Anderson © Nintendo
Starbucks © Starbucks)
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Caught Unaware
Chapter Six- Waiting
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"It's been two days already, and neither of them are awake yet..."
"Well, remember when I passed out after first using the Healing Touch? I was out for three days... and before he died, Secretary Anderson was asleep for three days as well."
"True... and considering the operation, it's not that big of a surprise..."
"His heart rate is regular, and he isn't completely dependent on the oxygen machine. I think, considering the circumstances... he'll be okay. We just need to keep an eye on him to make sure his condition doesn't deteriorate."
"Right..."
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Her dark eyes slowly opened...
Angie's slightly surprised expression was the first thing she saw.
"Ah, Valerie, you're awake..."
"Unh...?"
Valerie's hand slowly rose to her eyes, rubbing the drowsiness out of them as she slowly sat up.
"Where am I...?"
"After the operation, you just... collapsed," Angie explained gently. "You've been asleep for three days."
"O-oh..."
After a brief moment of relaxation, Valerie was suddenly seized by panic.
"W-wait!! Where's Markus-- how is he?!"
Angie paused briefly, then slowly pointed to the bed adjacent to Val's.
The dark-haired surgeon spun her head around--
Markus lay on the hospital bed, unconscious. The heart monitor beeped slowly and rhythmically; his chest slowly rose and fell as air filled and left his lungs.
"Markus? Markus?!"
"Val, relax," Angie spoke softly, her calm voice slowly soothing the panicking brunette woman. "He hasn't woken up yet... but he's doing well. He should wake up in a day or two..."
Val couldn't help but relax briefly, despite her worries.
"Alright. ...thank you, Angie... what time is it?"
"Uhh... three thirteen, why?"
"...I have to go get something... I'll be back soon."
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A little over an hour later, Val returned, two red cardboard cups in her hands.
"Hey, Markus... can you hear me?"
She was greeted by silence, save for the beeping of the machines.
"I went to Starbucks... if you wake up and it's cold, you don't get to complain, because it's my treat, alright? And you will drink it... no exceptions."
Now Val was sure he would wake up soon...
Markus never turned down free food.
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Except, maybe, for this once...
Val walked into the room at nine thirteen in the morning, once again carrying two cups of coffee-- just as she had done for the past three days.
The only sound that welcomed her was the machines and their monotonous tones; the only sight that greeted her was Markus still sleeping, the coffee from previous days next to his bedside, untouched.
"...Markus, it's not nice of you to be making me worry like this," Val frowned, sitting down and placing the peppermint mocha on the endtable. "It's been six days since the operation... do you think maybe it's time to wake up now?"
Of course, he ignored her.
"...it's nine fifteen now... you overslept again Markus. ...you need to get back on schedule... before everyone starts thinking that you're--"
Val stopped; tears threatened to fall from her brown eyes...
"...th-that you're... well... never going... t-to wake up..."
She couldn't help it; she broke into soft sobs, tears slowly rolling down her dark cheeks.
"...Markus, just... w-wake up already..."
Her crying eventually subsided; Val slowly wiped the remaining tears from her reddened eyes...
She could see Markus' lips slowly moving.
"...M-Markus...?"
Whatever he was saying, it was far too soft for Val to hear; she leaned in closer, trying to hear his disjointed murmurings...
"...wake up already...? I've... been awake... what took you so long... to get the coffee, Val...?"
Another wave of tears overtook Val as she began to laugh.
"Damn you, Markus... you say nothing for a week, and then the first thing out of your mouth is you complaining about how slow I am?!"
A quiet chuckle escaped Markus' lips as he slowly opened his dark eyes, tiredly looking up at Val.
"Of course... how are you, Val...? It's been a while... since I saw you..."
A nervous smile played at Valerie's lips as she sat upright once again, wiping the moisture away from her eyes.
"I-I'm fine... I'll be better once you're back to normal, but given the situation..."
"Well, I'm awake now... that's a step in the right direction... isn't it? So why are you still worrying...?"
Markus' nonchalant attitude irritated Valerie to no end; couldn't he take anything seriously when she was upset?
"Well then, Markus- for that thoughtful comment, I refuse to bring you any more coffee until you drink all the mochas I've brought you so far, starting with the oldest."
"Oh, that's harsh... denying a recovering man his fresh caffeine..."
As he tiredly reached for the cup closest to him, Val couldn't help but smile...
It wouldn't be long before things were back to normal.
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(End chapter six.
Typing up these chapters makes me feel sane again.
Please review!)