Earth Angels

Chapter 20

It is dark in the room as a few hours have passed since I've last seen the Doctor. My parents wrap blankets over their body, never once leaving myside. We proceed to watch some telenovelas on the hospital television as we sit in a comfortable silence. Sleep begins to catch up to us. As our eyes go in and out, there's a knock at the door. 

"Coming in." Dr. Leolios makes an appearance, as if he could feel our sleepiness emerging. "Sorry for the wait, I figured I'd give you guys time to catch up since its been a while." My mother smiles warmly and nods in agreeance. 

"So, Diana. I'm thinking we'll keep you for a few weeks just to monitor your progress."

"A few weeks?" I protest. The few hours it took for the Doctor to return felt like an eternity. There are no windows in the room and no sense of time in a hospital setting. I grow anxious thinking about being stuck here for two more weeks.

"Well hun, you gave us quite the scare and I just want to make sure the chances of this happening again are significantly lessened before discharging you."

My eyes begin to water. "Don't worry. We have an awesome team here at Mount Sinai. We have a patient in our long term department being discharged tonight. By then, you and your lovely parents will be in a new and improved room with recliner chairs, and windows!" The Doctor exclaims. 

My parents seem grateful. "Thank you Doctor." They say in unison. 

"You got it folks. And let me know if you need Doctor's notes for work." 

"Yes please, that would help so much." My father responds. 

Suddenly, I realize my parents' world has been put on pause since the incident. They have sacrificed their jobs, our home, and our livelihood in order to sit by my side. My heart becomes heavy. 

The Doctor concludes his stay. "There's also a grant available for families going through economic hardship due to long term illness. I will put in a word with finance and be sure to get you guys connected."

My dad seems ecstatic. "Thank you so much Sir. I would really appreciate that." My mother rubs my father's back, extending her support.

The Doctor displays a proud, reassuring smile before walking away again. Hope suddenly returns to my parents eyes. I feel at ease for the first time since I've been awake again.