Lisa entered her husband’s room and screamed out loud. “Oh my God! Alex!” She tumbled backwards and Jane held her tight.
Lisa fidgeted. Fear and shock were clearly written over her. She wiggled out of Jane’s hold and and breathed unevenly as she walked back to Alex’s bedside.
She soon realized she was alone in the room. Benny had left while Jane stood just outside by the door.
Lisa walked closer and bent over her husband, she wept bitterly. In her hysteria she kept muttering, “I am sorry Alex, l am so sorry. I am sure you can hear me right?” There is a lot for you to fix, you need to shake off your shackles and come back to us. Your kids want to see you… I…I want to see you too… l am so sorry”. She continued in her hysteria until she felt Jane’s hand pressed into her middle from behind.
Lisa quietened and whispered, “I should clean him up.”
“Yeah it is necessary. I will wait outside,” Jane said and walked out. She waited at the reception but suddenly remembered she had unfinished business at the parking lot.
She walked out and surveyed the parking lot. It was quiet and night was closing in. The shadowy figure was gone.
“Marie Tanner? Who does she think she is? Why is she here?” Jane fumed and went back inside.
“Isn’t that the weirdo from before? Who the hell is she?” Marie muttered from her hideout.
Lisa cried her eyes out as she got the job done. In her hysteria, she apologized, reprimanded and apologized again and again. When she was done, she requested an appointment with the doctor in-charge and she got booked for the next day.
“I am sorry ma’am about earlier, you now have access to visit as long as it’s visiting hours.” The receptionist apologized while Lisa waved her off.
“Keep on the good work, always go by the book, anyone without clearance should not be allowed in”, Jane said meaningfully to the receptionist. “Someone suspicious is lurking around the parking lot, inform the security,’ she added.
“Oh, thanks ma’am,” the receptionist nodded and put a call through to the security team.
Jane walked Lisa out through another entrance. She had to prevent an upfront confrontation between Marie and Lisa. She knew Lisa was out of it.
“Hello, is anyone there?” The security man said and flicked his touch.
“Fuck! My cover is blown, when is that dumb woman coming out? I must give her the piece of my mind. How dare she hide my husband from me!” Marie muttered. “Oh yeah, it’s me, I’m about to check in already,” she said to the security guard and walked out of the shadows. She bowed slightly and walked into the reception.
She looked around for Lisa but she was nowhere to be found. “Good day, I am here to visit Alexander Peterson,” Marie said to the receptionist.
“You’re welcome ma’am, name please?” “Marie… Peterson. l am his wife”.
The receptionist looked up sharply and sighed. She clicked on different buttons and announced. “I am sorry ma’am , you do not have the clearance to visit him”.
“What do you mean? Do I need such thrash to visit my husband? Are you kidding me!”
“I am sorry ma’am, it’s the protocol for all patients in the private ward”.
“I see… If that is the case, can you fill me in about his condition?” Marie asked.
“I am sorry, we do not give out information about our patients,” the receptionist responded.
Marie banged hard at the counter. “What the heck? Are you kidding me?! I must see Alex today! Where is that woman?! Lisa Peterson! I saw her walking in here just now! You guys are in this together, right!” She yelled. The receptionist dialed the security and Marie was bundled out immediately.
******
Lisa looked pale and worn out. She was dis- oriented and could not initiate discussion. She gazed at the floor all day long like a clawless cat without confidence. Jane was thankful that the kids did not mention their father. They were happy and full of energy. Lisa soon dozed off. Margaret and Jane helped her into the bedroom.
*****
Jane woke up earlier the next morning. She helped Margaret fix the chores and the kids. Lisa woke up hours later. She got out of bed lazily and walked into the sitting room where a mouth watering breakfast was already ready.
“Thanks for remaining by my side,” Lisa said.”
Jane waved her off, “common! What has got over you this morning?”
“I am still dazed, I did not expect such a view,” Lisa said.
“Common, dig in, you need strength, you should eat before you fall apart again,” Jane said and made her eat.
“I’ll soon visit the hospital, I have an appointment with Alex’s doctor. You should be on your way home too. I need an immediate investigation into this case. My husband is in a coma in a hospital bed. I can’t wait to get Marie arraigned. I must avenge my husband.”
“Are you sure you are up to it already? Do not push yourself hard. We have more days ahead,” Jane responded in concern. “Just get going… Do not worry about me, I will be fine.”