"Engagement" present

"Dr Stevens?“ you catch her attention. "How is Melody?“

She raises her head and looks at you. "Are you a family member?“ she asks you coldly.

"Not exactly, but......“ you stammer before she cuts you off.

"I can only give the information to a family memeber, confidentiality.“ she explains and continues to look at the chart.

You had hoped for good news and now this bitch was holding out on you. To your surprise the concern about Melody transformed into anger. You clench your fists and your breathing becomes deeper.

The nurse you have delt with before sees the anger in your eyes and leans towards the doctor and says something to her. You can't hear the conversation, but after a few moments the doctor turns towards you.

"Why didn't you tell me you were engaged to her?“ she asks you with a smile. You are completely taken by surprise. You're searching for a reply when you see the nurse winking at you. Processing the information for a second you smile at her.

"It just happend a few days ago. I'm not really used to it and in the moment I'm a little distracted.“ you lie to her.

"The bacteria we found in your fiancé's blood is rather exotic, but nothing we can't handle. It will take a few days, but she'll be fine.“ she explains to you in a much more caring voice than before.

This news take your mind at ease and you smile.

"You can see her if you want, it's not contageous.“ she says to you and guides you though the door Melody was taken earlier.

She stops in front of room 127 and turns towards you. Trying to be polite you show her a weak smile and walk towards the door. Since you've known her, seeing Melody hurt were the worst moments in your life. Ironically you are looking forward to take care of her. The fact that you see something positive about her condition makes you hate yourself a little.

Pushing away these thoughts, you open the door and step inside. Melody is laying in the bed, a few wires leading from her to some diagnostic equipment. You stop.

"Don't be shocked by the equipment and tubes, it's all just routine.“ Dr Stevens assures you. "I'll leave you two alone.“ she says and closes the door behind her. After a few steps more you're at 's side. Her lips have their natural color back and she looks very calm. She looks almost like she is just sleeping. Waking up any minute and teasing you. The need to have a physical connection to Melody is very strong, you need to feel her, to know she is there.You grab her hand and hold it tight.

"Hey, Melody. You gave me quite a scare.“ you try to joke, but realize that tears blur your vision. This was the feeling you first had a few years ago, when you realized that you love her. A total dependency. Since then you can't remember a life without her. Standing next to her in this hospital, you make a decision. You will never let her go again. You will thell her, you will make ehr happy her whole life.

With your free hand you pull a chair closer, neither letting go of her hand, nor letting her face out of your eyes. You sit down and keep watching her for what seems like eternity.