It was hectic in the Emergency room. Nurses and doctors rushed into the ER, with things such as morphine, oxygen, IV fluids, and even blood bags. The police had even showed up, to collect photos of Mikasa's injuries, and witness reports from Eren and Carla.
It was discovered the person driving the truck was Annie's father. And it was no accident. Only about 20 minutes had passed since they arrived at the hospital.
But to Eren it felt like an eternity. He was sitting beside Carla, his face in his hands, numb. Completely numb.
He couldn't get that image out of his mind...of Mikasa's heart stopping. How she closed her eyes..and died in his arms.
He was able to revive her...and he was so relieved for this. But it didn't change the fact Mikasa was technically dead for several seconds.
And she wasn't out of the woods yet. Eren kept hearing voices from behind the ER doors about her still being in shock, and possible infection in her shoulder wound from all the dirt and stone from the pavement.
Just then, the doors from outside opened.
"EREN!", Armin ran in with Rubi. Eren had called them about 10 minutes ago.
"What the hell happened?! We got your message!", Armin cried, as he and Rubi hurried up to Eren. Eren stood up, trembling.
"She...was hit by a truck. Annie's father's truck. Her ribs are...fractured bad", Eren replied, his voice grim and shaky.
Armin gasped. "Eren!", Rubi cried then. Eren blinked, slightly snapping out of his shock, seeing Rubi was on the verge of a complete break down.
"Rubi...", he said worriedly.
"Please! Tell me Miki is going to be okay!", Rubi grabbed Eren's shoulders then.
"Tell me she's going to make it!", she begged, tears appearing in her eyes. Eren's eyes grew wide...he could hardly face her.
He knew how much Mikasa and Rubi were like sisters. But now...he couldn't even look at Rubi. He clenched his fists.
"I...I...don't know", he said, shakily. Rubi froze, tears streamed down her face. "Eren...what do you mean?", Armin asked, fearfully.
"She...was technically dead in my arms for several seconds...the way she talked...thanking me for saving her, and she smiled...like she knew she was...", Eren shook, actually feeling sick.
He covered his mouth, and actually threw up. "Eren!", Carla cried worriedly, as she hurried to get a nurse. Armin rubbed his friend's back.
"No...Miki...", Rubi shook violently, her heart sinking. "I'm fine...I just...dad said her ribs are fractured badly, and she has a deep wound in her shoulder...", Eren's voice was shaky.
Armin helped his friend up, as Rubi looked towards the ER doors.
"Miki...please...please, hang on! Don't you dare die on us...", Rubi prayed.
The wait felt like forever. Eren, Armin, Rubi and Carla sat in the waiting room. Eren was still the entire time, shaking.
Tears kept forming in his eyes. He re visited what happened in his mind over and over again. How Mikasa was perfectly fine one second, and the next her wounded body flew off a truck...and hit the hard cold pavement, in a pool of blood.
Her scream...it kept replaying in Eren's mind. He should have never let her go across the street...in that moment.
He should have went instead of her. This was all his fault...he should have protected her. Eren gritted his teeth, trembling furiously.
If he would have just been a man and protected her...she wouldn't be laying in a hospital bed, hooked up to God knows how many machines, struggling to stay alive.
Eren suddenly clutched the wooden arms of the chair he was sitting in. He got up. "Eren...?", Carla watched her son worriedly.
Armin, who had been getting a drink of water from the fountain, looked over. Rubi was pacing nonstop by the window, not even noticing Eren at first.
Eren walked up to the wall. He then suddenly slammed his fist into it, leaving a deep dent.
"Eren!", Carla cried worriedly, but she didn't stop him. Rubi jumped, looking over.
"I should have been the one...! NOT HER! This is all my fault...! I should have PROTECTED her!", Eren growled shakily, tears streamed down his face.
"Eren, there was nothing you could have done!", Carla insisted, worriedly.
"Eren, you were able to save her", Armin added. "Miki's strong, Eren...she'll pull through. I know she will...", Rubi said, shakily.
Eren looked down, shaking badly. He couldn't take this.
Hours passed. They felt like years to Eren. The girl he loved was fighting for every breath she took, every second of this.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Grisha came out from the ER.
"Grisha! How is she?", Carla cried, hurrying over. Eren, Armin and Rubi hurried over as well. "Dad, is she okay?!", Eren asked, fearfully.
Grisha sighed, looking exhusated. "She's going to recover...it was close though", he replied.
Eren froze, as he felt a wave of relief overwhelm him. Tears were still in his eyes.
Rubi exhaled, tearfully. "Thank God...", she cried, as she then hugged Armin, sobbing in relief. Armin slightly blushed, but he hugged her back, also looking relieved.
"It's going to take a good six weeks for Mikasa to recover. It was a severe fracture. Her ribs were completely crushed. The wound in her shoulder and the cut on her cheek will leave scars", Grisha began to explain.
"She'll need to stay in the Critical care unit the next 24 hours, and she can't leave the hospital for a good four weeks. She'll need to spend the last two weeks in bed at home. Her treatment will be rest, and morphine", he went on.
"Excuse me, Dr. Jaeger...", Rubi spoke up then, her and Armin had gently broke apart. "Yes, Rubi?", asked Grisha softly.
"Will Miki have permanent damage? My father is a doctor so...", Rubi asked.
"You're correct, Rubi. Any fracture, especially a severe one can lead to ongoing health problems. Because this was such a bad one, she'll most likely get arthritis as young as age 20...", Grisha admitted sadly.
"What else?", Eren asked, fearfully. "She can't train as hard in physical ed anymore, and any sort of strain could cause her pain", Grisha replied.
"Strains as in...?", asked Armin worriedly. "It could be anything, really. Bending down too fast, pulling something, say pushing a heavy piece of furniture...", Grisha gave some examples.
"Childbirth...?", Rubi suddenly asked.
Grisha looked surprised, and even impressed at Rubi's knowledge. "Yes, you're correct. If Mikasa were to ever have kids one day...the strain from giving birth could make her ribs hurt. A lot of people think giving birth only effects the lower parts of the body, but in reality the entire body is under mental and physical strain during the process...", he replied.
Eren looked down...Mikasa would have to live with this for life. He closed his eyes, shaking.
"Dad...please, can I see her?", he asked.
"She's very weak, but yes. You can go in. The rest of you can see her by tomorrow, after she's rested", Grisha replied.
Eren hurried through the ER doors. Armin and Rubi sat back down. Rubi was crying softly in relief, as Armin wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders.
Grisha gently held his wife close, as Carla broke down suddenly. "She's going to be okay...?", Carla asked her husband, needing to double check.
"Yes...Mikasa's strong. She's a fighter. We currently have her on heavy oxygen. She can't breathe properly on her own with that injury", Grisha replied, stroking Carla's hair.
Eren stepped into Mikasa's room. He froze, getting a good look.
The room was dark, almost pitch dark. Grisha must be considering Mikasa's migraines. Mikasa was laying on the hospital bed.
She was on her back, but she was propped up by pillows, plus the bed was adjusted more like a recliner than a bed.
Mikasa had been redressed into a hospital gown, her black hair sprawled out on the white pillow. Her skin was almost as white as her sheets.
She had oxygen tubes in her nostrils, and an IV in her right arm. She was also hooked up to a heart monitor.
It beeped steadily. Mikasa's eyes were closed, her red scarf was folded neatly on the nightstand. She had a bandage around her shoulder, and a small bandage on her cheek.
Her chest moved up and down extremely slowly. It hurt her too much to breathe a lot. Her main source of air at this point was the oxygen tubes.
The IV was giving her fluids, and morphine. Eren slowly walked over, as he choked back a sob.
He quietly sat at her bedside. He then gently took her limp, cold hand in his. "Mikasa...", Eren tearfully kissed her hand, stroking the back of it with his thumb.
"Mikasa...I'm so sorry...", he sobbed softly. Mikasa's limp hand slowly gripped his then, weakly. Eren blinked, his eyes widening.
Mikasa had forced her heavy eyelids open. "E-Er-Eren...", her voice was barely a whisper, as she exhaled shakily.
"Mikasa...! Easy..shhhh, don't talk. Just rest, baby", he soothed her. Mikasa's mind was foggy, and she felt so heavy.
Her eyes were only halfway opened, as she looked around her surroundings weakly. She saw the IV dripping, and heard the beeping on the monitor.
"So...I came back...?", she asked then, her voice hoarse. Eren froze at what she just asked, starring at her.
"You had stopped breathing...I gave you CPR...", he explained, shakily. Mikasa took a shaky breath, as she looked right at Eren then.
"Eren...I saw my parents", she revealed weakly. Eren's heart sunk, as he swallowed hard.
He was speechless. Too weak to keep talking, and seeing the scared to death look on Eren's face, Mikasa gently gave his hand an assuring squeeze.
"Don't worry, Eren...I'm all right now...I'm not going anywhere", she assured him, forcing a very weak smile.
Her cheek stung quite a bit, and her head was throbbing.
Eren looked down. He wiped his eyes, nodding. "You scared me to death, Mika..", he then leaned in, kissing her forehead softly.
"I love you so much...I'm so sorry...I should have protected you. I'm just...so glad you're going to be okay", he said, shakily.
"I love you too, Eren...", Mikasa coughed a bit then, and whimpered. "Eren...stay with me. Please...", she pleaded weakly.
"Of course..! I'm not leaving your side, baby", Eren assured her.
"Could you...hold me?", Mikasa asked, her voice getting weaker and weaker. She was slowly drifting back to sleep.
Eren nodded. He very carefully adjusted so he didn't accidentally pull any of the needles from her arms. The bed was big enough, as he gently lay beside her.
Mikasa carefully shifted onto her side a bit, and nuzzled into his arms. Eren pulled her close, he held her so carefully and gently.
She was so fragile now...like delicate glass.
Mikasa drifted to a sound sleep in his arms, completely exhausted from what she just went through. Eren stroked her hair and rubbed her back lovingly, not taking his eyes off of her.
When morning came, the sun shined into the hospital room. Eren stirred softly, seeing Mikasa was still asleep.
He looked up at the wall clock, to see it was about 8 AM. Mikasa's breathing remained soft and weak. Just then, the door opened.
"How's she doing?", Grisha had entered, looking worried.
"She seems to be resting a bit better", Eren replied. Grisha gently checked Mikasa's IV, and her pulse.
"Her pulse is strong and steady, good sign. She's still very weak though...Eren, you should get something to eat from the cafeteria. A nurse will be bringing Mikasa's breakfast in, if she can eat", Grisha replied.
Eren hesitated, not letting go of Mikasa's limp hand. "You can come right back, Eren", Grisha assured his son.
He could see how worried he was. Eren finally nodded, giving in. He gently stroked Mikasa's hair, kissing her forehead.
When he exited the ER, he saw Armin and Rubi hadn't even left. They had fallen asleep on the seat. Rubi was leaning her head against Armin's shoulder.
Eren gave a tired smile, as he gently patted Armin's shoulder. Armin stirred, and so did Rubi.
"Eren? How's Mikasa?", asked Armin, rubbing his eyes as Rubi stretched.
"She's resting better, but she's still weak", Eren replied. "Did you sleep at all?", asked Rubi.
Eren shrugged. "Did you?", he pointed out. Rubi looked down, nodding. "We better get something to eat. Mikasa needs us to be strong for her", Eren said.
"Can...we see her after?", asked Rubi, worriedly, as she and Armin stood up. "Yeah, I can't guarantee she'll be awake but, sure", Eren replied.
After eating breakfast in the cafeteria, the three went back to the ER. Eren went in first, to see Grisha adjusting Mikasa's oxygen.
To his surprise, and relief Mikasa was awake. "Mikasa!", Eren hurried over to her side, taking her hand.
"Eren...hey", Mikasa said weakly. "How are you feeling, baby?", asked Eren softly, caressing her cheek.
"I've felt better...", admitted Mikasa. She gave a weak smile. Her eyes then looked around the room. "Eren...my scarf...", she began, worriedly.
"It's right here, Mika", Eren gently wrapped it around her neck. Mikasa relaxed.
"You want to see Rubi and Armin?", asked Eren. Mikasa's eyes slightly lit up. "Yes", she replied, anxious to see them both.
Grisha exited the room, and Eren let Armin and Rubi in.
"Mikasa!", Armin hurried over, while Rubi paused. She saw all the medical machines Mikasa was hooked up too.
And how weak she looked. Rubi felt a lump form in her throat, frozen.
"How are you?", asked Armin softly, as he gently stroked Mikasa's shoulder. "I'll be okay, Armin...", Mikasa gave him a soft smile.
She then blinked, looking at Rubi. "Rubi..?", she asked, a bit breathlessly. Rubi looked at her. She then hurried over, and gently hugged Mikasa.
Rubi choked back a sob, gasping as tears welled up in her eyes. "Miki...!", she cried.
Mikasa's eyes softened, worried as she weakly returned the hug, rubbing her best friend's back.
"Easy...I'm okay, Rubi. I'm going to be okay", Mikasa assured her, stroking her hair. Rubi nodded, sniffling.
Eren and Armin looked at each other...it was clear both Mikasa and Rubi had become close friends, like sisters.
After the girls broke apart gently, Mikasa gently placed her hand over her chest. "How long do I have to be in here...?", she asked weakly.
"Four weeks. And you need to spend the last two weeks in bed at home", Eren replied. Mikasa gave a weak groan.
"A month?", she asked, looking mildly irritated. She hated being laid up in bed. Eren, Armin and Rubi all gave a relieved laugh.
"You're already feeling better, Mikasa", Armin smiled, while Rubi beamed tearfully.
Eren was fighting back tears, as he gently squeezed Mikasa's hand.
"Sorry baby, dad's orders", Eren told her gently. Mikasa nodded tiredly. She gave Eren a weak smile.
The next two weeks were long for Mikasa. It felt like she's been stuck in the hospital forever. Eren brought her some of her favorite books and manga, while Rubi brought in her laptop so the girls could watch movies.
Armin brought Mikasa some books from the library. At this point, Mikasa had tons of get well soon presents.
Flowers from Eren, a book from Armin, and a bracelet that had a half of a heart on it with the words "BFF" on it. Rubi had the same one, saying the same thing, and several types of flowers, candy, and even stuffed animals from Sasha, Ymir, Krista, Jean, Connie, Marco, and other classmates.
Even Rico brought a card in for Mikasa. Of course Carla brought her flowers and a new manga.
Grisha even got Mikasa a card, and some get well gifts.
By two weeks in, Mikasa was able to walk around a bit. She still needed her oxygen nearby at all times.
Her ribs still hurt pretty bad any time she breathed normally. And God forbid if she had to gasp, sneeze or cough. Then it felt like they were on fire all over again.
Mikasa was sitting in the hospital's lounge. It was a quiet area for patients. There was comfortable sofas and chairs, along with some book shelves. There was also a coffee/tea/hot chocolate area, and magazines on the tables.
There was also a play area off to the side for little kids. Mikasa was alone in the lounge room. Eren had went to get her a few snacks she wanted.
Rubi and Armin had to head back to school, although Eren outright refused too. He knew Rico would have his head for it, but he didn't care. Mikasa needed him more.
As Mikasa relaxed on the sofa in the empty room, she sat up a bit. She gently adjusted her oxygen tubes in her nostrils, sighing softly.
She glanced out the window...how long had it been since she sang? She wondered...if this injury effected her singing voice.
She gently looked down, placing a hand to her heart.
She gently began to sing...and while she did have to take several breaths in between lyrics, her voice still sounded beautiful.
Mikasa had only sang a few lyrics, before hearing the sound of small hands clapping. Mikasa blinked, to see a little girl had entered the lounge.
She looked about 8 years old, and had pretty long brown hair, and blue eyes.
"You're amazing! I never heard someone sing that well", the little girl admitted, smiling. She was holding a teddy bear, and had a hospital wrist band, so she was a patient.
Mikasa blinked, and then smiled softly. "Thank you, sweetie", she said. The little girl came over, and sat by Mikasa.
"How do you sing that well?", she asked, curiously. She wasn't shy, that was for sure. Mikasa looked at her.
"I just...control my breathing, and relax", she admitted, having never really thought about it.
"It's beautiful, you sound like an angel. Oh, I'm Jessica", the little girl said then. Mikasa had to smile at this little girl's spirit.
"My name is Mikasa", she introduced herself. "Mikasa...? Are you Japanese?", asked Jessica cutely. Mikasa gave a small chuckle. "Yes...you're very smart", Mikasa smiled.
"I watch anime...I love Tokyo Mew Mew", admitted Jessica. Mikasa's eyes softened. "So why are you here?", Jessica asked her.
"Oh, well..just a really bad injury", Mikasa replied. The little girl studied Mikasa's condition. "Is it your ribs?", she asked. Mikasa blinked, surprised.
"Yes...how did you...", Mikasa began to ask. "I've been in here a while...so I've gotten to know about certain injuries...", admitted Jessica.
Mikasa's eyes softened. "Why...are you here, sweetie?", she asked. Jessica looked down.
"I actually have leukemia...", she confessed.
Mikasa froze, her heart sunk, as she starred at the little girl.
"I'm starting chemo next week, so I guess my hair's going to fall out...but mommy said it will make me feel better", Jessica continued.
Mikasa's heart felt like it stopped, hearing this. This beautiful, happy child...so full of life, was that sick...
"Jessica...", Mikasa started, worriedly. "Hey, I know! Could you come sing for me and my friends next week?", Jessica asked then.
Mikasa blinked, taken aback. But then she smiled softly. "Of course...of course, I could", she smiled.
"Awesome! I know they'll love you!", Jessica beamed, looking excited.
Mikasa's eyes softened, as she smiled. "Okay, I'll come by next Tuesday", Mikasa promised her. The little girl nodded, smiling.
"Okay, thank you Miss. Mikasa", she said cutely. After the little girl left, Mikasa sat there, completely awed at what just happened.
Eren came in. "I got your snacks, Mika. They had Sun Chips, chips ahoy cookies, and a blue slushy, like you asked", he smiled, as he came over.
He blinked. "Mikasa, are you okay?", he asked, seeing her expression. Mikasa looked up at him. She wiped her eyes.
"Eren...I know what I want to do...with my singing talent", she said then.