The worst was already over. The initial fear and uncertainty faded away, with every day, with every hour. Doctors were more optimistic now. Alex was going to be alright, probably. But it was going to be a long recovery. His injuries were serious, and you already knew that this hospital will become your second home in the upcoming weeks, if not months.

He was in a lot of pain, and your heart was breaking. They had him on morphine and sedatives for most of the time. The medication dulled not only the physical pain, but also his mind. He was out of it, mostly. All you could do was to sit here, by his side, and hope for the best. Hope that he could sense your presence, that he knew you’re there for him, holding his hand.

Ticking of the clock on the wall, and steady beeping of the heart monitor were like a white noise in your ears. You were tired, exhausted even, physically and mentally. But you remained at Alex's side. Your hand was resting against his chest, rubbing soothing circles over one of very few spots on his body that weren’t covered by bandages. Your touch was gentle, soothing, and you hoped he could sense how much you wanted to make him better.

Suddenly, Alex's head moved against the pillow, and he looked at you with half-lidded, hazed eyes. “You know… my wife wouldn’t like it if she saw you rubbing my chest like that…” he mumbled, clearly confused.

You couldn’t help but snort, a breathless little laugh.

“I am your wife.” you replied.

Alex's eyes widened, and you could see that he tried his hardest to focus through the haze of pain meds and sedatives. He seemed bewildered.

“Whaaa….? No way…” he gasped, his eyes wandering all over your face in fascination. And then a cocky little smirk appeared on his face. “What’s up, gorgeous?” he hummed, trying to be flirtatious, but he was high as a kite so it looked really silly and clumsy. And very cute.

Yeah, he was going to be alright.