The next time he took some lip-gloss. He pushed open the door to Amber's room and stepped inside. Nothing had changed, except the wilting flowers had been removed. Nina must've taken them yesterday.
He asked himself why he was surprised. Nothing would change, of course.
He sat in the visitor's chair. He wasn't used to speaking out loud to her yet, but for her sake he had to try.
"Hi Ambs. Can you hear me?"
It always started off the same. He took her hand in his and squeezed it tight.
"Squeeze if you can."
Nothing.
"Everyone is so worried about you. Mick's been on the phone asking after you. Mara told him what happened. I wish I hadn't been there. I wish I hadn't seen you fall. If I had left the dining room a second before I would have caught you. I don't want everyone to think it was me though just because I was there. I didn't push you Amber; you remember that, I was at the bottom of the stairs not the top. It was an accident. Your heels, Nina told you to be careful. I can't believe that stupid shoes ruined you like this. Nina can't sleep at night – Fabian's been looking after her. Alfie's beside himself, we all are."
He looked down, gulping back his emotion.
"I just need you to wake up, Ambs. I know that's a big ask right now but I need you to give me a sign."
He dropped her hand and reached into his pocket. He pulled out the long pink tube and unscrewed the top.
"Amber, this person in this bed, it isn't you. I want you to look like the Amber I know and love."
He pulled out the handle and spread the sticky pink liquid across her parted lips. He could feel her shallow breaths on his hand. He paused for a moment to feel them.
It was hope.