Damian lay in bed, the morning sunlight barely peeking through the heavy curtains of his room. His body was relaxed, but his mind had been restless. Suddenly, the sharp ring of his phone broke the silence, startling him awake. He reached for it groggily, his voice rough as he answered.
“Hello?”
“Damian, it’s Dr. Harris,” the voice on the other end said quickly. There was a sense of urgency in his tone.
Damian sat up slightly, rubbing his eyes. “Dr. Harris?” he repeated. “What is it? Is something wrong?”
“No, not wrong,” Harris said, his voice softening. “It’s good news. Aurora is awake.”
The words hit Damian like a jolt of electricity. He sat up straight, the blanket falling to his lap. “What?” he asked, his voice shaky with disbelief. “What did you just say?”
“She’s awake,” Dr. Harris repeated. “Aurora woke up early this morning. She’s a bit weak, but she’s conscious.”
Damian’s hand tightened around the phone, his heart pounding. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice rising. “You’re not making a mistake, right?”
Harris chuckled lightly. “I wouldn’t call you with something like this if I wasn’t sure. She’s awake, Damian.”
Damian let out a long sigh of relief, leaning back against the headboard. “Thank God,” he muttered, running a hand through his messy hair.
“Can I come see her now?” Damian asked, already swinging his legs off the bed.
“Of course,” Harris replied. “She’s still under observation, but she’s stable enough for visitors. I thought you’d want to know right away.”
“Thank you, Harris,” Damian said, his voice filled with gratitude. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
He ended the call and sat there for a moment, his emotions swirling. Relief, hope, and a small bit of fear. She was awake, but what would she say to him? How would she feel about everything that had happened?
Shaking off his thoughts, Damian stood up, grabbing his clothes. He quickly dressed, buttoning his shirt with slightly trembling fingers.
Stepping into the hallway, Damian called out, “Catherine!”
Madam Catherine appeared at the end of the corridor, her expression calm as always. “Yes, sir?”
“I need you to manage the house today,” Damian said briskly. “I’m going to the hospital. Make sure everything here is taken care of.”
Catherine nodded. “Of course, sir. Is everything all right?”
“Yes,” Damian said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Aurora’s awake.”
Catherine’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “That’s wonderful news,” she said softly. “I’ll handle everything here. You go.”
Damian turned toward the main staircase but stopped when he saw Luna standing at the bottom, holding a tray of breakfast. She looked up at him, her expression curious.
“Mr. Damian?” she called, setting the tray down on a nearby table. “Where are you going so early?”
Damian descended the stairs quickly, his shoes clicking against the polished wood. “Aurora’s awake,” he said, his voice filled with urgency.
Luna’s eyes lit up, her hands flying to her mouth. “She’s awake?” she repeated. “Really?”
“Yes,” Damian said, already heading toward the door.
Luna hesitated for a moment before calling out, “Can I come with you?”
Damian paused, his hand on the doorknob. He turned to look at her, seeing the hope and excitement in her eyes. He gave her a small nod. “Come on,” he said. “We’re leaving now.”
Luna quickly grabbed her shawl, tying it around her shoulders as she hurried after him. The car was waiting outside, and Damian opened the door for her before sliding in himself.
The driver glanced at them through the rearview mirror. “To the hospital, sir?”
“Yes, and make it quick,” Damian replied, his tone firm.
As the car sped down the road, Luna couldn’t contain her excitement. “Mr. Damian,” she began, her voice filled with emotion, “I can’t believe she’s awake. I was so worried…”
Damian leaned back against the seat, his eyes staring straight ahead. “So was I,” he admitted. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for what feels like forever.”
Luna smiled softly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “Aurora is strong,” she said. “I knew she would fight her way back.”
Damian glanced at her, his lips curling into a faint smile. “You had more faith than I did,” he said.
They fell into a comfortable silence, both lost in their thoughts. For Luna, the idea of seeing Aurora awake brought a mixture of joy and nervousness. Would Aurora remember everything? Would she be the same as before?
For Damian, the drive felt endless. His mind was racing with questions. He wondered if Aurora would forgive him for everything he’d done. He had hurt her, but he also knew he loved her deeply.
The car finally pulled up to the hospital, and Damian stepped out quickly, helping Luna as she followed. Together, they walked toward the entrance, their footsteps echoing in the quiet morning air.
The nurse at the reception desk smiled as they approached. “You’re here for Miss Aurora?” she asked.
“Yes,” Damian said. “Dr. Harris is expecting us.”
The nurse nodded and gestured toward the elevator. “Go straight up to the second floor. Room 204.”
“Thank you,” Damian said, already moving. Luna hurried to keep up with him, her heart pounding with anticipation.
As they stepped into the elevator, Damian glanced at her. “Are you ready for this?” he asked.
Luna nodded, her expression determined. “I’ve been waiting for this moment, Mr. Damian,” she said.
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped out onto the quiet floor. The smell of antiseptic filled the air, and the soft hum of machines could be heard from nearby rooms.
Room 204 was just ahead, and Damian’s steps quickened. He reached for the door handle, pausing for a moment to take a deep breath. Then he pushed the door open.
Aurora lay in the bed, her eyes closed, her face pale but peaceful. Damian froze for a moment, his heart swelling with emotion.
“She’s here,” he whispered, stepping closer.
Luna followed, her eyes filling with tears as she saw her friend. “Aurora,” she said softly, her voice trembling.
Damian and Luna stood by her side, their presence a silent promise that they would be there for her every step of the way.