Recovering
Amber awoke in an unfamiliar, white room. Her confusion mounted as she struggled to recall why she was there. Suddenly, a rush of memories flooded her mind. It became evident that she was in a hospital room. She scanned her surroundings but found no one present.
She didn’t have to wait long though as Devlin soon entered the room, a warm smile on his face. He had just stepped out to collect some homemade food prepared by their head cook, along with a selection of fresh fruits.
“Hey, baby, I’m glad you’re awake now. Is everything okay?” he asked, crossing the room to embrace his wife who wore a troubled look. Amber tried to sit up but winced in pain.
“Take it easy, please. Your body is still recovering.” He helped Amber sit up more comfortably.
“I am okay, just a bit sore.” Amber said, trying to smile to reassure her husband. “How long have I slept for?” She got curious since she remembered that it was in the morning when that incident happened. However, she could see that it was still daylight, just by looking at the sunlight coming from the windows.
Devlin sighed before he spoke. “You have slept for almost 24 hours,” he said softly while gently caressing her cheek, brushing away a strand of hair that had fallen across her face. “You must be hungry by now. That’s why I brought some of your favorite dishes from home, and I even told the cook to prepare them just the way you like.”
Amber’s stomach rumbled in response to the delicious aroma wafting from the food. She couldn’t help but smile, touched by her husband’s thoughtfulness. “You always know how to make me feel better,” she said gratefully. “Thank you, babe. And thank you for taking such good care of me.”
Devlin leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on Amber’s forehead. “I’ll always be here for you, no matter what,” he whispered. “Now, let’s eat up and get you back to feeling like your usual self.” With a warm smile, Devlin carefully laid out all the home-cooked meals on the bedside table, creating a small feast that promised to bring comfort and nourishment for Amber.
They started eating quietly when Amber wanted to ask about what happened yesterday. She cleared her throat first, getting the attention of Devlin.
“Babe, let’s enjoy our food first. Please no questions on what happened yesterday for now.” Devlin said while looking intently at her face. Amber only nodded gently, respecting what her husband wanted.
Just as they were finishing their meal, the door to the hospital room swung open, revealing Amber’s unexpected visitor. It was her marmee who had arrived unexpectedly.
“Amber, my child!” Amelia exclaimed, rushing over to her granddaughter’s bedside. She bent down to give Amber a gentle hug. “How are you feeling, dear?”
Tears welled up in Amber’s eyes as she embraced her grandmother. “I’m so glad to see you, marmee,” She whispered, her voice filled with emotion. “I’ve missed you.”
Devlin, who had just finished putting away the food, came to greet Amelia. “It’s wonderful to see you, marmee. I hope you were able to rest. Did you have lunch?” He asked gently to which marmee only nodded.
Amber looked at Devlin with a wrinkled forehead. “I am sorry I didn’t tell you that marmee arrived last night. She was here all night watching over you. I was with her and told her to rest but she didn’t listen to me.” Devlin only rubbed his nape while chuckling softly.
Amelia patted Amber’s hand lovingly. “Devlin called me yesterday and told me what happened. I wanted to be here for you.” She turned her attention to Devlin. “Thank you for taking care of her, young man.”
Devlin nodded with gratitude. “It’s my pleasure, marmee. We’re doing our best to get her back on her feet.”
Amelia and her granddaughter were simply talking about the farm’s recent developments since Amber and Devlin’s last visit. None of them have mentioned yet about what happened yesterday.
About half an hour into their conversation, Amber received unexpected visitors – Agent Smith and Abby.
Abby warmly embraced Amber as she approached her bed. “How are you feeling, Amber?” She carefully placed the basket of fruits she had brought for Amber on the table.
Amber replied, “I’m feeling much better now. Marmee, this is my friend, Abby, and that’s Agent Smith.” Abby smiled and hugged her grandmother, while Agent Smith extended his hand in greeting. He had been engrossed in conversation with Devlin.
“Tell me, what happened after yesterday’s incident?” Amber asked Abby, her voice trembling slightly. She had been eager to know what happened yesterday. However, Devlin did not mention anything to her.
Abby cleared her throat, uncertain whether Devlin had disclosed everything to Amber regarding the events of yesterday.
“Devlin didn’t say anything about yesterday,” Amber said. “I only woke up like an hour ago. I had lunch, and then my grandmother came. I can’t shake this feeling of unease without knowing the full story.” She spoke almost a whisper, while her grandmother listened attentively. Amelia was also eager to learn the details, having received only tidbits of information from Devlin when she arrived last night.
Abby glanced at Agent Smith, who was also staring at her for a brief moment. Devlin hesitated to share the details of yesterday’s events with his wife, knowing that it would only worsen the trauma she had experienced.
“Babe,” he began gently, “Agent Smith will fill us in on everything that happened yesterday. But for now, let’s prioritize your well-being. Your doctor called earlier while you were resting and said he would be coming at this time.” As he finished speaking, there was a knock on the door. The nurse entered first, followed by Amber’s doctor.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Wesley.” The doctor said, Devlin nodded in response.
“Good afternoon, Mrs Wesley. I hope you have rested well.” This time, he smiled lightly at Amber. She greeted back as the doctor began to check her condition. She answered a series of questions before the doctor finally declared that she could go home tomorrow, provided she finished her last bottle of IV.
“Thank you so much, doc,” Amber said gratefully. The physician prescribed some medications for her to take at home and also recommended that she schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist to ensure there were no lasting psychological effects from her experience.
“Doc, can you please provide an assessment of her mental well-being? Is there a risk of her having suffered significant trauma from the incident?” Devlin inquired, emphasizing the importance of the question.
“It’s completely normal for her to feel anxious, given the ordeal she went through,” the doctor explained. “However, I advise that you should be around as much as possible to provide her with your unwavering support.”
“That makes sense,” replied Amelia. “We want to do everything we can to help her through this.” Amber was only listening to their conversations.
The doctor nodded and continued, “In addition to emotional support, it’s important to follow the prescribed medication and treatment plan diligently.”
“Did you hear that, wife? We need to diligently follow your prescribed medications so you will have fast recovery.” Devlin was looking at his wife intently. Amber could only nod.
“Are there any specific things we should avoid or be cautious about?” Asked Amelia.
The doctor replied, “It’s important to create a calm and stress-free environment at home. Avoid discussing any topics that might trigger any anxiety or distress for her.” Then, the doctor looked at Amber. “Mrs. Wesley, you need to engage in relaxing activities, like reading or gentle walks, to help ease your mind.”
“Hmmm, doc, there is one thing that’s bothering me and I really want to know what happened about yesterday’s incidents.” Amber echoed her thoughts to the doctor.
“I mean it would give me peace of mind to know what happened.” The doctor itched his eyebrow while Devlin sighed deeply.
“Don’t worry about that. Like I said earlier, Agent Smith will discuss everything after we discharge here, alright?” Amber simply nodded and didn’t push what she wanted.
“Anyway, Mr. Wesley, we’re here to assist every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.” The doctor said before he left the room.
Devlin appreciated the doctor’s guidance. He knew that Amber had endured a harrowing experience, and he was determined to be there for her every step of the way.